Internet Complications

Dear Benchmarks members,


We wanted to be sure to make you aware we are experiencing some internet connectivity issues which may delay our ability to get updates over to you quickly, especially with the detail we typically share.


Note: This update is an attempt at a "work around" through an app for the phone. Thanks in advance for your patience as we work through this inconvenience!


Please know that as soon as we are back up and running smoothly, regular updates will resume!

Reminder:

There have been a few updates sent out and posted by the LME/MCOs. We encourage you to visit the websites of each LME/MCO that your agency is contracted with to stay abreast of the latest policy adjustments, service waivers, rate enhancements, upcoming meetings and announcements.


LME/MCO Websites

ILI Training Update

Alliance’s Independent Living Initiative (ILI) Training will occur remotely, as needed upon request. Preference will be given to groups but our housing coordinators will accommodate individuals. Methods of delivery may vary depending on needs and available resources. Please contact Manuel Hyman, ILI Housing Coordinator (Johnston & Durham), Zuriah Harris, ILI Housing Coordinator (Cumberland) or Renate Bender, ILI Housing Coordinator (Wake) to schedule training or for details.

Cardinal Innovations Updates


Cardinal Innovations is committed to supporting our network of providers and NC Medicaid. We are working together to ensure that our members continue to receive services during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.


Increased Residential Rates during COVID-19


Cardinal Innovations is increasing rates by 15% for the following residential services, effective March 10, 2020. This rate increase will be applied to each facility’s standard rate and will remain in effect until North Carolina ends the State of Emergency related to COVID-19 or July 1, 2020, whichever comes first. Read more.


Provider Huddles


Cardinal Innovations is hosting virtual Provider Huddles to help providers stay up to date on developments related to providing care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Network Management will host the 45-minute Provider Huddles, which are scheduled for four days each week for the next four weeks. See the full schedule.


Upcoming huddles:


  • April 6 at 3 p.m. for IDD – Innovations. Register.
  • April 7 at 11 a.m. for CCCs + MCM. Register.
  • April 8 at 11 a.m. for OPT/MM. Register.
  • April 9 at 11 a.m. for IDD – Innovations. Register.
  • April 10 at 11 a.m. for MH/SUD Residential/Community Based Services. Register.


Recent Announcements


  • Annual NC-TOPPS Provider Training Webinar Rescheduled. Read more.
  • Checkwrite Schedule Updated. View the schedule.
  • Provider Monitoring Announcement. Read more.
  • Recredentialing Deadlines Extended. Read more.
  • Insurance Deadlines Extended. Read more.
  • For Providers Subject to NC-TOPPS Obligations. Read more.
  • Guidance for Providers Funded by Work First. Read more.
  • Family Centered Treatment – Shared Risk Reviews. Read more.
  • NC Innovations Service Flexibility. Read more.
  • Case Support Service Established to Help Providers with COVID-19. Read more.
  • Documentation for Signatures during COVID-19. Read more.
  • Telehealth and Outpatient Services Flexibility for COVID-19. Read more.
  • Facility-Based Opioid Treatment and COVID-19. Read more.
  • Telephonic Codes Rate Table. Read more.
  • View all provider announcements


Frequently Asked Questions


We are conducting proactive outreach with our providers and actively cataloging questions. We are pulling together answers through existing information or through information exchange with DHHS. Read our first release of FAQs here.


Updates on Programs and Services


Please inform us in advance if you are experiencing capacity issues or make any changes to your services or operations to ensure that our members receive needed services. You can contact your Network Specialist, call the provider line: 855-270-3327, or email https://covid19@cardinalinnovations.org.

Virtual Meeting: Joint NC DMHDDSAS and DHB (NC Medicaid) COVID-19 Update for NC Providers


The following is shared on behalf of NC DHHS:


NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services and the Division of Health Benefits will host a virtual meeting today, April 3 at 4 p.m.


To register, visit https://manatt.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mH2dZhSRSy67F_7eYbBTLg


As things continue to change and move quickly during the COVID-19 pandemic, please continue to stay abreast of emerging issues, guidance, and policies by visiting the following webpages:


Additional resources for submitting questions and requests for information:

Send an email with your question or comment to https://BHIDD.COVID.Qs@dhhs.nc.gov or https://Medicaid.COVID19@dhhs.nc.gov

Visit our website and click on this link to submit behavioral health (BH) and intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) questions via an online portal.


CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program Accepting Applications


Through the Partners Service Stability Program, we are committed to helping alleviate the social and economic impacts of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) by ensuring that services and supports remain available to those in need. One of the ways we want to help you, our Network Providers, is with information and resources so you can dedicate your efforts to caring for the members we share.


As mentioned in the Provider Alert COVID-19 #12 (April 1, 2020), the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, known as the CARES Act, was passed by Congress on March 27 and establishes a new $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses. The program is designed to provide relief to millions of small businesses so they can keep going and keep their workers employed.


In an effort to assist our Network Providers, we wanted to let you know that applications for the Paycheck Protection Program will begin to be accepted, today, April 3 and the Small Business Administration suggests that you not delay.


This loan is for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities (due to likely high subscriptions, at least 75% of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll). The loan will be fully forgiven if the funds are used for payroll costs. Loan payments will also be deferred for six months. No collateral or personal guarantees are required. Neither the government nor lenders will charge small businesses any fees.


Forgiveness is based on the employer maintaining or quickly rehiring employees and maintaining salary levels. Forgiveness will be reduced if full-time headcount declines, or if salaries and wages decrease. You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating.


Apply here: Paycheck Protection Program Application Form


For further information about the Paycheck Protection Program Application Form, visit https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/paycheck-protection-program-ppp.


Partners is continually identifying ways to help you during this time and ask you to frequently check our Partners Provider Service Stability site for additional resources. If you need technical assistance, please contact Judy Dahlstrom at https://jdahlstrom@partnersbhm.org.

Sandhills Center's Provider Network is dedicated to offering quality care for individuals residing in Anson, Guilford, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph and Richmond counties. Our provider network assists Sandhills Center in fulfilling our mission to develop, manage and assure that persons in need have access to quality mental health, developmental disabilities and substance abuse services.


Each contracted provider is responsible for adhering to all policies and procedures outlined in the Provider Manual. Compliance is necessary to fulfill contractual obligations in providing services.


The links on the menu (at left) offer important and useful information for providers. If you are using a mobile device or tablet, the menu is located under "In This Section" towards the top of your screen. The menu topics are alphabetized for your convenience.


Click here for the searchable directory: Sandhills Center Provider Directory


PPA Application

Network Communication Bulletins are notices sent to Network Providers periodically to inform them of issues that may impact their daily responsibilities.  

Network Communication Bulletin 068

04.02.2020

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: Federal Paycheck Protection Program


 Network Communication Bulletin 067

04.01.2020

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: Licensed Day Program Facility Guidance for Trillium


 Network Communication Bulletin 066

04.01.2020

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: Temporary Rate increase during COVID-19 (Procedure codes T2013TF and T2013 TF HQ)

COVID-19 Update