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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions are used to provide additional information and/or statutory guidance not found in State Medicaid Director Letters, State Health Official Letters, or CMCS Informational Bulletins. The different sets of FAQs as originally released can be accessed below.

Showing 11 to 20 of 42 results

Is there a way to attach additional information or appendices to a submission package?

Yes, there are various places throughout a package to attach additional information. In many reviewable units, depending on the selections made, an opportunity to upload documents is available. Uploading a document to the Health Homes Services Reviewable Unit is required.

FAQ ID:92931

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What is a validation error within a submission package?

A validation error occurs when additional information is required for certain fields on a page. This error will be indicated by red script on the page under the section that was required. In order to avoid a validation error, enter in all required information before attempting to validate data. For many screens this will occur upon selecting a button located towards the bottom of the page to validate your entries.

FAQ ID:92936

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What reports are available to State Users?

This table indicates what reports are available to State Users. These can be found under the "Reports" tab.

Report Name Description Available For
State Agency Profile Report Overview of a State's Medicaid Plan including the prior 12 months' submission package history State Point of Contact; State Director
Submission Detail Report View details on packages by date State Editor, State Point of Contact, State Director
Submission Statistics Detail Report View all Submission Packages currently in review State Editor, State Point of Contact, State Director
Submission Summary Report Overview of submitted packages by date State Editor, State Point of Contact, State Director

FAQ ID:92941

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Once a state submits a submission package to CMS, is the content locked?

Once a state submits a submission package to CMS, they may not edit it while it is in review. The state may withdraw the submission package, but once withdrawn, the package cannot be edited or resubmitted.

CMS may open the package for revisions informally via a clarification request. Clarification questions are entered into the Correspondence Log. The CPOC can compile questions from the Submission Review Team members by accessing the Analyst Notes. Please note, that the reviews of every RU does not have to be completed in order to send a request for Clarification to the State. During a Clarification, the State will have the opportunity to edit content. After the state has responded to Clarification, the CMS Point of Contact must assign Submission Review Team members to Reviewable Units again and review the submission package again.

After requesting Clarification, CMS (specifically the CPOC) has the option to prevent package submission. This is a way for CMS to pull the package back from the Clarification request. This may be necessary as the clock continues during the Clarification period. The CMS review team may not continue their review while the package is back with the State for Clarification, therefore the CPOC should exercise caution when to sending a Clarification, knowing that review will be temporarily suspended.

Another option is after CMS Point of Contact has reviewed the submission package, he/she has the option to Request Additional Information regarding the submission package. All Reviewable Units must appear in the complete status (represented by a checkmark) by having at least one Review Team member complete the review in order to initiate RAI. RAI stops the 90 Day Clock. In this option, the State will have the opportunity to edit content.

FAQ ID:92991

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How do I access previous reports for my state?

Select the "Records" tab in the upper tool bar. Click on the Quality Measure you are working with and then search for the report you would like to view by entering the report package ID.

FAQ ID:92996

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Is there a way to attach additional information or appendices to a report?

Yes, at the end of each report there is an "Upload Documents" section that allows you to upload any relevant documents.

FAQ ID:93011

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How should a state that has a section 1915(c) home and community-based services waiver that is limited to EPSDT-age individuals but includes services related to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) that are now available through the state plan respond to this policy clarification?

The ASD-related services should be provided through the Medicaid state plan for the EPSDT-eligible individuals, rather than the 1915(c) waiver. CMS will work with states to ensure that such services are able to be made available under the state plan. Accordingly, CMS with also work with states to remove the service from the 1915(c) home and community-based services waiver at the next amendment or renewal, whichever comes first.

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FAQ ID:93206

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Has CMS mandated Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for children under 21 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

No. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one treatment modality for ASD. CMS is not endorsing or requiring any particular treatment modality for ASD. State Medicaid agencies are responsible for determining what services are medically necessary for eligible individuals. States are expected to adhere to long-standing EPSDT obligations for individuals from birth to age 21, including providing medically necessary services available for the treatment of ASD.

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FAQ ID:93211

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When will CMS begin to assess state compliance with coverage requirements for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

There is no specific time frame for CMS review of state practices in this area. The CMCS Informational Bulletin released July 7, 2014 (see http://www.medicaid.gov/Federal-PolicyGuidance/Downloads/CIB-07-07-14.pdf (PDF, 143.2 KB)), related to Autism Spectrum Disorder discusses the obligations under the Medicaid statute and regulations that are already in effect. However, CMS recognizes that states may not have focused on the application of these requirements in this area. As a result, a state may need time to review its current program policies to determine if changes are needed to existing state regulations and/or policy to ensure compliance. States may also want to confer with the stakeholder community for public input on the benefit design of autism services for children. CMS believes states should complete this work expeditiously and should not delay or deny provision of medically necessary services. CMS is available to provide technical assistance to states to ensure the availability of services that children may need.

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FAQ ID:93221

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Do states need to submit a Medicaid state plan amendment (SPA) to offer benefits to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

In order to have services reimbursed under the Federal Medicaid program, a service must meet the definition of a coverable service under section 1905(a) of the Social Security Act. Treatment for ASD is not specifically referenced as a section 1905(a) service. However, some treatment modalities, or components of such treatment modalities, are within the scope of the federal Medicaid program under the following service categories: section 1905(a)(6) Other Licensed Practitioner (OLP), section 1905(a)(13) Preventive Services, and section 1905(a)(11) Therapies :. States may provide services to address ASD under each of these benefit categories. States will need to determine what, if any, steps are needed to implement this policy clarification. In keeping with the role of the Medicaid state plan as a comprehensive written statement of the nature and scope of services available under the state's Medicaid program, a SPA is strongly encouraged to articulate the state's menu of services for ASD treatment.

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FAQ ID:93231

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