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Updates and Announcements
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2-Day Live, Online ASAM Criteria Skill-Building Training Now Open for LME/MCO Contracted Providers
Low-cost training options for The ASAM Criteria are now available for LME/MCO network providers. These trainings are exclusively for behavioral health clinicians in North Carolina (LP, LPA, LCSW, LCSW-A, LCMHC, LCMHC-A,LCAS, LCAS-A, CCS, LMFT, LMFT-A, PA, NP, MD) who are contracted with an LME/MCO (or a Standard Plan) to provide Comprehensive Clinical Assessments, Diagnostic Assessments, and other evaluations.
Registration is now open with sessions beginning August 3, 2020. Sessions will be scheduled weekly on an ongoing basis through June 2021.
New Tool for Spanish-speaking North Carolinians
Thank you for your continued partnership in our shared goal to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect North Carolina families.
Today,
the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) launched new online tools to help Spanish-speaking North Carolinians to determine if they should consider being tested for COVID-19 and help individuals monitor their symptoms if they have tested positive for or been exposed to COVID-19.
We are asking for your help to promote this new resource.
The new online tools are intended to help people know if they may need a test, how to get a test and how to monitor their own symptoms if advised to do sol. These tools include:
- Check My Symptoms (Comprobar Mis Síntomas)
- (https://ncdhhs-covid19-dtra.powerappsportals.us/es-ES/), a public website that allows people to enter their symptoms to determine if they should consider getting tested for COVID-19. If a test is recommended, they will receive a link to a list of nearby testing sites via email or text.
- Find My Testing Place (www.ncdhhs.gov/TestingPlace), a public website that allows people to enter their county or ZIP code and access a list of nearby testing site locations online. To view in Spanish, users can select Spanish in the yellow box.
- COVID-19 Community Team Outreach (CCTO) Tool, a password-protected online software that helps people track their own symptoms if they have been advised to do so by the COVID-19 Community Team.
Promotional Materials to Help Spread the Word
To help you get the word out we have updated materials in Spanish available:
- Flyers about getting tested for COVID-19 and using the Check My Symptoms online tool.
- Facebook and Twitter images for you to share on social media.
You can find these materials at
Thank you for your commitment to ensuring our communities are informed and supported.
Provider Relief Fund
We want to remind you that
Monday, July 20, 2020, is the federal deadline for Medicaid providers to receiving federal relief funding through the Provider Relief Fund. This funding is aimed at Medicaid providers that have not yet received an allocation from the CARES Act.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has observed that as few as 2% of providers nationally have applied for these funds. We understand there has been confusion in accessing different CARES funding streams and challenges in submitting required information amidst the public health emergency. We encourage providers to apply if they think they might be eligible.
Thank you for your dedication and commitment to ensure our North Carolina Medicaid beneficiaries receive the services and treatment they need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 Response Items
Please see below a list of COVID-19 Response Items.
SCHOOL GUIDANCE!
School Guidance
and many resources were released this week along with Governor Cooper's announcement regarding the return to school for students and teachers next month.
NOW AVAILABLE IN SPANISH: a variety of very important resources are now available on the dashboard
NEW VIDEOS are now available
PRESS RELEASES since the last update include:
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August 2020 Provider Training Available
Registration is open for the August 2020 instructor-led provider training courses listed below. Slots are limited. WebEx courses can be attended remotely from any location with a telephone, computer and internet connection. Please note that as of January 1, 2020, the WebEx information has changed. See the Training Enrollment Instructions below for details.
Provider Web Portal Applications (WebEx)
Monday, August 10, 2020, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
This course will guide the authorized user through an overview of the following processes:
- Enrollment
- Re-enrollment
- Re-verification
- Abbreviated Manage Change Request
- Manage Change Request
- Maintain Eligibility
- Required Fingerprinting application processes.
Provider Re-Credentialing/Re-verification (WebEx)
Tuesday, August 11, 2020, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
This course serves as a refresher for the steps taken by the provider for re-verifying their credentials and qualifications through NCTracks. At the end of training, the authorized user will be able to:
- Explain why provider Re-Verification is requested and what the process entails.
- Complete the Re-Verification process in NCTracks.
- Update Owners and Managing Relationships, if necessary, while completing the Re-Verification application process.
Prior Approval Institutional (WebEx)
Thursday, August 13, 2020, 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
This course will provide instructions regarding how authorized users can submit Institutional Prior Approval requests in NCTracks. At the end of this training, the authorized user will be able to:
- Submit an Institutional Prior Approval Request
- Inquire about Institutional Prior Approval Requests
Submitting an Institutional claim (WebEx)
Thursday, August 13, 2020, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
This course will provide instructions for authorized users to submit institutional claims electronically in NCTracks. At the end of this training, the authorized user will be able to:
- Create an institutional claim via the NCTracks web portal
- Save a claim draft
- Submit a claim
- Search claim status
- Review claim status
- Copy a claim
- Void or replace a previous claim
Submitting a Professional Claim (WebEx)
Friday, August 14, 2020, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
This course will provide instructions for authorized users to submit Professional claims electronically in NCTracks. At the end of this training, the authorized user will be able to:
- Create a professional claim via the NCTracks web portal
- Save a claim draft
- Submit a claim
- Search claim status
- Review claim status
- Copy a claim
- Void or replace a previous claim
Submitting an NEMT Claim (WebEx)
Wednesday, August 19, 2020, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
At the end of training, authorized users will be able to perform all aspects of submitting a professional claim via the NCTracks web portal, including:
- Understanding claims terminology
- Understanding the payment authorization process
- Creating an initial claim
- Saving a claim draft
- Using the claims draft search tool
- Submitting a claim
- Viewing the results of a claim submission
- Performing a claim status search
- Copying a claim
- Resubmitting a claim
- Voiding and replacing claims
- Understanding Your Remittance Advice
- Submitting a prior authorization inquiry
Provider Web Portal Applications (WebEx)
Tuesday, August 25, 2020, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
This course will guide the authorized user through an overview of the following processes:
- Enrollment
- Re-enrollment
- Re-verification
- Abbreviated Manage Change Request
- Manage Change Request
- Maintain Eligibility
- Required fingerprinting application processes.
Training Enrollment Instructions
Providers can register for these courses in SkillPort, the NCTracks Learning Management System. Log onto the secure NCTracks Provider Portal and click Provider Training to access SkillPort. Open the folder labeled Provider Computer-Based Training (CBT) and Instructor Led Training (ILT). The courses can be found in the sub-folder labeled ILTs: Remote via WebEx.
To access WebEx online training sessions:
If this is your first time using the new GDIT Web Meeting, it is suggested that you begin the process 15 minutes prior to the start of the call. This will allow you sufficient time to download the required software to access the Web Meeting. To hear the audio portion of the class, dial 1-866-523-9994. Enter Access code 711 563 557.
Refer to the
Provider Training page of the public Provider Portal
for specific instructions on how to use SkillPort. The Provider Training page also includes a quick reference regarding Java, which is required for the use of SkillPort.
NC Medicaid COVID-19 Bulletins #111 & #112 Now Available
The NC Division of Health Benefits (DHB) has recently published two more Medicaid Bulletin articles related to COVID-19:
SPECIAL BULLETIN COVID-19 #111: REMINDER: Provider Relief Fund Deadline Monday, July 20, 2020
North Carolina providers that participate in Medicaid may be eligible to receive federal relief as a result of lost revenue or new expenses relating to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. Providers can apply by July 20, 2020, to receive payments.
Application criteria
SPECIAL BULLETIN COVID-19 #112: 1115 Waiver Approval and Acceptance
The NC Division of Health Benefits (DHB) has recently published two more Medicaid Bulletin articles related to COVID-19:
SPECIAL BULLETIN COVID-19 #111: REMINDER: Provider Relief Fund Deadline Monday, July 20, 2020
North Carolina providers that participate in Medicaid may be eligible to receive federal relief as a result of lost revenue or new expenses relating to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. Providers can apply by July 20, 2020, to receive payments.
Application criteria
SPECIAL BULLETIN COVID-19 #112: 1115 Waiver Approval and Acceptance
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
recently approved North Carolina's Medicaid Disaster 1115 Waiver
. The waiver includes several provisions that allow flexibility for long-term services and supports (LTSS) to maintain services for beneficiaries and financial relief for home and community-based service (HCBS) providers.
Flexibility details and updates
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The Systems of Care in Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Orange, Person and Anson, Guilford, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph, Richmond counties, in partnership with the NC Collaborative for Children, Youth and Families and Healthy Transitions, is hosting a Virtual Youth Exposition that will cover:
* Financial Literacy
* Cultural Responsiveness.
* Self Advocacy.
* Conflict Resolution.
This is a paid opportunity for youths and young adults aged 14-24 and offers speakers, resources, youth engagement and more. Participants will receive $50 upon completion.
Space is limited, so registration will be required.
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Home and Community-Based Settings Regulation - Implementation Timeline Extension and Revised Frequently Asked Questions
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is issuing guidance pertaining to the home and community-based services (HCBS) Settings Rule, which became effective on March 17, 2014.
As states are responding to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 public health emergency (COVID-19 PHE), CMS recognizes that its impact has necessitated changes to states' ongoing efforts to comply with the HCBS settings criteria. States' stay-at-home and/or safer-at-home orders and the process of social distancing have made it difficult, if not impossible, for states to accurately evaluate how an individual is experiencing community integration in current HCBS settings.
These necessary directives have seriously impacted not only the measurement of community integration for individuals, but the intent of the Settings Rule to ensure that individuals with disabilities and older adults have the opportunity to be active participants in their communities. Lastly, older adults and individuals with disabilities who receive Medicaid HCBS often have underlying conditions that increase risks to health and welfare associated with COVID-19 that can further delay a return to integrated activities as they existed prior to the global pandemic.
States have requested flexibility from CMS with respect to demonstrating compliance with the requirements of the HCBS Settings Rule under section 1135, Appendix K to section 1915(c) HCBS waivers, section 1115 demonstrations, and disaster relief State Plan Amendments (SPAs).
States have highlighted, in particular, delays in their ability to effectively assess settings and determine needed remediation to ensure compliance with the Settings Rule. Economic factors including state workforce furloughs and redirection or refocusing of limited existing state human and monetary resources due to the COVID-19 PHE have also impacted some of these activities. States have also requested that CMS consider extending the HCBS settings implementation deadline again in the course of ongoing training and technical assistance activities....
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CDC Launches Natural Disasters and COVID-19 Response Website
Planning and preparing for hurricanes and other natural disasters can be stressful, even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic. CDC has launched a new website, Natural Disasters, Severe Weather, and COVID-19, that includes information on preparedness and recovery during the COVID-19 response and what the general public can do to keep themselves safe.
Factsheets for Young Adults
CDC has produced a series of factsheets for young adults, ages 15-21. The factsheets cover a variety of topics, including what test results mean, how to stay safe at the pool or beach, how to wear a face covering and other preventive measures.
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If you're self-employed and a non-filer, there's still time to get an Economic Impact Payment
This IRS continues its efforts to reach taxpayers who aren't required to file a tax return but may be eligible for an Economic Impact Payment of $1,200 or more. These individuals need to use a special Non-Filers tool on IRS.gov before the Oct. 15, 2020 deadline. Possible non-filer groups include:
- Lower-income households without a filing requirement
- Individuals with income below $12,200
- Married couples with income below $24,400
- Part-time workers
- Self-employed individuals
- People who work in the gig economy
- Students who can't be claimed as dependents on someone else's tax return
Treasury, IRS issue guidance on reporting qualified sick and family leave wages paid
The Treasury Department and the IRS recently provided guidance in
Notice 2020-54 (PDF)
to employers requiring them to report the amount of qualified sick and family leave wages paid to employees under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) on Form W-2.
Employers will be required to report these amounts either on Form W-2, Box 14, or in a statement provided with the Form W-2. The guidance provides employers with optional language to use in the Form W-2 instructions for employees.
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US Department of Labor: RETIREMENT SAVINGS EDUCATION CAMPAIGN - SAVING MATTERS
For Workers:
Retirement will be the biggest expense in your lifetime. This site contains information to help you understand your retirement savings options regardless of how old you are and where you are in your career.
For Employers: Whether you are a large company, a small business, or even self-employed, you have questions about your options as well as your responsibilities.
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Help the families in your community learn more about how to stay strong even when times are tough. Share this video and resource page with the families you serve, and start a conversation about ways to manage stress and implement protective factors. Use the hashtag #mystrongfamily to share ideas on all the different ways families stay strong even on the rainiest days.
The FEI integrates information and resources about five key areas of family engagement to help professionals with the following:
- Learn about programs and systems strategies being implemented across the country
- Explore commonalities across fields synthesized from an evidence-based framework
- Discuss how commonalities and differences across domains may help professionals in these disciplines work together more effectively to achieve better outcomes for families
NEW on the Podcast: "Family First- Title IV-E Prevention Plan Implementation Updates,"
Part 1 &
Part 2
Our new, two-part podcast episode brings the Children's Bureau webinar to you.
Part 1 features leaders from two jurisdictions speaking about their different approaches to implementing the Family First Prevention Services Act (Family First). While
Part 2 provides tips and guidance from the Children's Bureau to help implement prevention plans that align with Family First.
Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, SoundCloud, and Google Play
Powers Pyles Sutter and Verville - July 16, 2020
On May 19, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education published new regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance. The regulations, which take effect on August 14, 2020, codify for the first time that sexual harassment, which includes forms of sexual violence, is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX. The regulations also set forth new requirements for Title IX grievance procedures to address allegations of sexual harassment.
Youth Today - July 15, 2020
Youth in foster care experience significant barriers as it relates to their physical, mental and emotional well-being. The impact of these barriers has been proven to hurt their ability to achieve adult self-sufficiency. As communities across the nation experience crises related to a global pandemic, racial injustice and economic inequality, people working to facilitate the needs of foster care youth must recognize that these youths need more than their basic needs met during difficult times.
Daily Beast - July 15, 2020
While fame and fortune are an ever-enticing dream, few things seem less appealing than being a child star, and HBO's Showbiz Kids (premiering July 14) certainly reinforces that feeling. Awash in anecdotes about the ways in which the industry--and the attendant hunger for the spotlight that consumes both children and parents--warps, alienates and exploits kids, it's a documentary which illustrates that, sometimes, being nobody is far healthier, and more fulfilling, than being well-known.
Chronicle of Social Change - July 14, 2020
The recruitment and retention of foster parents - a critical but often overlooked aspect of development for children in foster care - has never been easy, and the coronavirus pandemic has made it perhaps harder than ever, according to a new report from CHAMPS, a national policy campaign that focuses on promoting high-quality foster parenting.
US: Medicaid Data Can Be Used To Identify Instances of Potential Child Abuse or Neglect
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General - July 10, 2020
This audit report is one of a series of OIG reports that addresses the identification, reporting, and investigation of incidents of potential abuse and neglect of our Nation's most vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with developmental disabilities. OIG is committed to detecting and combating such abuse and neglect.
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Today an avalanche of airings begins with 288 broadcasts, almost half in prime time!
Hearts of Glass is a film about a unique hydroponic farming operation in Jackson, Wyoming that was designed as a public/private partnership to provide integrated employment opportunities.
With over 1,050 airdates this month on more than 250 public television stations and channels, Hearts of Glass will be available to over 200 million viewers nationwide - just in time for the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Congrats to everyone who made the film possible - from the Vertical Harvest family and the filmmaking team to those who funded production and those who are underwriting our national public television broadcast.
Click the link to find out when Hearts of Glass is airing in your neck of the woods over the next two weeks.
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How States Are Facilitating Medicaid Enrollment During COVID-19-And How They Can Do Even More
In a recent Health Affairs report, researchers conducted a content analysis of strategies taken by states during COVID-19 and policies enacted prior to the pandemic that may facilitate Medicaid enrollment for individuals who are newly eligible due to the pandemic. The report highlights where states amplified and made enrollment information and other COVID-19 specific resources more accessible for enrollees. The most common strategies employed include:
- Having a dedicated phone line for enrollment assistance;
- Having the ability to apply online or over the phone;
- Providing a phone number for assistance posted on the state Medicaid website;
- Establishing a process for real-time eligibility determinations within less than 24 hours; and
- No longer requiring in-person or telephone interviews.
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Medicaid enrollment increase puts pressure on state budgets
Medicaid experts and public health officials are pushing for increased federal Medicaid funding, as enrollment in the program increases amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a recent article, Roll Call highlights this trend and federal response to support state Medicaid programs. NAMD's Jack Rollins articulates the pressures on state budgets and the need for federal funds to fill budget shortfalls. Specifically, NAMD and other national organizations are calling for an additional increase to the FMAP. The article outlines plans in Congress and individual state actions to address budget gaps and provide fiscal relief to states.
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Monday: July 20, 2020
Meeting number: 730 385 489
You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number. Or, join by phone: 1-650-479-3207 Access code: 730 385 489
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New: Monday: July 20, 2020
Next Steps in Telehealth:
Rebalancing or Reimagining Care
Time: 12:15 pm thru 1:00 pm
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New: Monday: July 20, 2020
Time: 1:00 pm thru 2:00 pm
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Tuesday: July 21, 2020
Join Shatterproof, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the United States, as it celebrates the launch of ATLAS™, a new platform for locating appropriate, high-quality substance use disorder treatment.
Time: 11:00 am thru 12:30 pm
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New: Tuesday: July 21, 2020
Crisis, Trauma and Daily Challenges:
Healthy Reactions and Understanding
Time: 1:30 pm thru 3:30 pm
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New: Wednesday: July 22, 2020
Time: 8:45 am thru 11:15 am
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Wednesday: July 22, 2020
Series: Hurricane Season and COVID-19: How Families of Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Can Be Prepared
Part 2:
How State and Local Officials are Preparing during COVID-19
Time: 11:00 am
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New: Wednesday: July 22, 2020
COVID-19 and Its Impact on Neurological Functioning, presented by Dr. Michael Hall
Time: 2:00 pm
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New:
Thursday, July 23 thru Friday, July 24, 2020
American Heart Association Basic Life Support Provider Course
This course covers CPR, AED use, Rescue Breathing, Opioid Emergencies, and Choking Relief for Adult, Child, and Infant.
The AHA BLS Provider course DOES NOT include First Aid training.
Time: July 23, 2020 at 9:00 am thru July 24, 2020 at 12:00 pm
Note: There is a registration fee of $80.00 for this course
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Thursday, July 23, 2020
Autism and Covid-19: Teaching the rules in this new norm
Time: 11:30 am thru 1:00 pm
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Thursday, July 23, 2020
Information Session Care Review Team
Time: 11:00 am thru 12:30 pm
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New: Thursday, July 23, 2020
Time: 12:00 pm thru 1:00 pm
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New: Thursday, July 23, 2020
Time: 1:00 pm thru 3:00 pm
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Thursday, July 23, 2020
COVID-19 Q&A Webinar for Behavioral Health Care
Time: 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm EST
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Thursday, July 23, 2020
Time: 2:00 pm thru 3:00 pm
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New: Friday: July 24, 2020
Time: 8:30 am thru 9:30 pm
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New: Tuesday: July 28, 2020
On the Frontline: Promoting Self-Care Practices and Psychological Well-Being During a Crisis
Time: 9:00 am thru 10:00 am
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New: Tuesday: July 28, 2020
An Introduction to Youth Problem Gambling
Time: 10:00 am thu 2:30 pm
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New: Wednesday: July 29, 2020
On the Frontline: How to Manage Anxiety and Worry During a Crisis (New Time)
Time: 10:00 am thu 11:00
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New: Wednesday: July 29, 2020
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resilience-Focused Skills Lab
Time: 10:00 am thu 2:30 pm
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New: Wednesday: July 29, 2020
Time: 12:00 pm thru 1:00 pm
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Wednesday: July 29, 2020
A to Zs of COVID-19 for Families and Individuals
with I-DD
Time: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
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Wednesday: July 29, 2020
Series: Hurricane Season and COVID-19: How Families of Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Can Be Prepared
Part 3:
Recovery, Resources, and Questions Answered about Preparing during COVID-19
Time: 1:00 pm thru 2:00 pm EST
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Wednesday: July 29, 2020
Accreditation for the Changing Face of Addiction Treatment
Time: 1:00 pm thru 2:00 pm EST
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New: Tuesday: August 4, 2020
Addressing the Intersection of Substance Use and Suicide: Strategies for Prevention, Intervention, and Treatment
Time: 2:00 pm thru 3:30 pm
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Please click on each of the following links to view details sent out from each LME/MCO.
Benchmarks' wants to be sure to make the following list handy for our members to visit and suggests a peek at least once per week to find information that may be pertinent to your agency and contracts.
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