In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, will the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) allow Medicaid managed care organizations to extend prior authorizations?
Can displaced Harvey victims enrolled in a Medicaid HMO receive out-of-network care for nonemergencies?
Can pharmacists dispense more than a 72-hour supply of medication for Harvey residents?
These are the types of Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) questions physicians have been asking since Harvey made landfall on the Texas coast Aug. 25.
In response, HHSC has published a lengthy frequently asked questions document on a wide array of Medicaid and CHIP policy changes and guidance designed to minimize disruption of services while ensuring physicians get paid.
TMA advocacy was influential in some of the extensions, waivers, and policy changes, including an extension of the deadline to file clams with Medicaid managed care organizations for nonemergency services from 95 days to 120 days.
The FAQ has been updated daily and covers 11 general topics:
- Federal waivers and modifications,
- Fair hearings,
- CHIP cost-sharing,
- Social Security,
- Out-of-state providers and Texas providers not enrolled in Medicaid,
- Prescriptions,
- Nursing facility guidance,
- Benefits,
- Texas Health Steps,
- Provider enrollment, and
- Electronic visit verification.
HHSC’s website also has information on other Harvey-related information for physicians and health care providers.
More information on Hurricane Harvey recovery can be found in TMA’s Disaster Preparedness and Response Resource Center, or by contacting the TMA Knowledge Center at knowledge[at]texmed[dot]org or (800) 880-7955.
Physicians who are rebuilding their medical practice in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey can apply for financial assistance through TMA’s Disaster Relief Program, which has received almost $1 million in donations.
TMA’s philanthropic arm, the TMA Foundation, is raising funds, and a special committee of The Physicians Benevolent Fund is administering the TMA Disaster Relief Program. Those in a Harvey federally declared disaster area needing extra financial assistance to rebuild their practice can apply via the TMA website, or email questions to disaster[at]texmed[dot]org.
Make a tax-deductible donation today to support TMA’s Disaster Relief Program.
