On April 13, the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) released additional policy guidance and detailed billing guidelines related to emergency rule 5160-1-21, “Telehealth during a state of emergency.” For nearly all services, the telehealth changes resulting from the emergency rule will be implemented in claims processing systems on April 15 by Medicaid fee-for-service, Medicaid Managed Care Plans, and MyCare Ohio Plans.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the state of emergency declared by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine on March 9, ODM adopted the telehealth emergency rule. This rule enhanced ODM’s telehealth policy and provides several flexibilities for providers and Medicaid covered individuals in need of care.
In addition, Gov. DeWine announced at his press conference on April 14 that his administration is submitting its first waiver application to the federal government, known as a 1135 waiver, to provide the needed flexibility to address this crisis.
- Bolster the use of telehealth and other technology for health assessments and care planning;
- Waive signature requirements for a variety of providers to ensure safe distancing without compromising access to care;
- Ease obstacles to access nursing home care;
- Allow services to be provided at alternative locations; and
- Remove staffing-level requirements to give providers more flexibility.
Upon approval, the waiver will be retroactively applied from March 1, 2020.