By Hoven Consulting – WiAHC’s lobbying firm

• DHS Now Processing Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates

WiAHC members are now reporting that they are finally receiving the following long-awaited payment increases from the state Department of Health Services (DHS): (1) the skilled nursing services payment increase included in the 2021-2023 state budget and (2) the additional five percent Medicaid reimbursement rate for home and community-based services, which was funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).  In particular, DHS informed WiAHC on May 16 that they implemented these rate increases on April 29, 2022, for claims submitted on or after that date with a date of service of January 1, 2022, or after.  The agency is now processing adjustments for claims they received before April 29, 2022.  The processing of these delayed payments is a result of the WiAHC government affairs team’s advocacy before the state Department of Health Services (DHS). 

If your home health agency has submitted such claims to DHS and has not received payment increases, please contact WiAHC Madison lobbyist Tim Hoven at tim@hovenconsulting.com or (414) 305-2011.

• Real-Time Prior Medicaid Authorization Available for More Services

As of April 5, 2022, the Department of Health Services implemented a real-time prior Medicaid authorization review and approval process for personal care services for Medicaid recipients who are 21 and older, as well as physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech and language pathology for Medicare recipients who are younger than six.  Once such a request is submitted to DHS, one of two things will occur:  (1) it will be approved automatically or (2) it will be reviewed manually.  While such a request could be denied after a manual review, a request will not be denied during the real-time review. 

According to media reports, DHS is considering expanding real-time prior Medicaid authorization to other areas where prior authorization is needed. 

• New Occupational Credentialing Application Website Unveiled

On Monday, May 16, the state Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) unveiled its new online occupational credentialing portal – which is called “LicensE”.  This will replace their paper-based occupational credentialing application process.  At this time, most initial occupational credential applications in the health care field – including physicians, physician assistants, licensed practical nurses and registered nurses – will now need to be submitted via this portal.  The list of initial license applications that transitioned to LicensE on May 16 may be viewed here.  License renewals and other initial credential applications will move to the LicensE portal at a later time.

• New Marquette Law School Poll Released

On April 27, Marquette Law School released a new poll that surveyed Wisconsinites on their opinions of various national and statewide elected officials, as well as candidates for statewide office. 

o   U.S. Senate Election – Democratic Primary 

With respect to those voters who intend to vote in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senator Ron Johnson’s seat, Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes was the leading candidate with 19 percent, Alex Lasry followed with 16 percent, State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski polled at seven percent, while Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson followed with five percent.  The other candidates received one percent or less, while 48 percent of Democratic primary voters have not decided whom they will support. 

o   Gubernatorial Election – Republican Primary

In this poll, former Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch led her primary rivals with 32 percent of Republicans selecting her, former U.S. Senate candidate Kevin Nicholson polled at 10 percent and four percent selected State Representative Tim Ramthun.  However, 46 percent of these voters responded that they did not know whom they will support in the Republican primary.  This poll did not ask about recently announced Republican gubernatorial candidate Tim Michels, as this poll was conducted between April 19-24 – before he entered the race.

o   Current Elected Officials – Approval/Favorability Ratings

At this time, Governor Tony Evers leads in popularity among elected statewide officials with 49 percent approving and 43 disapproving.  President Biden has a 43 percent approval rating and a 53 percent disapproval rating.  With respect to Wisconsin’s two U.S. Senators, 43 percent of poll respondents have a favorable view of Senator Tammy Baldwin and 36 percent have an unfavorable view, while 36 percent of poll respondents have a favorable view of Senator Ron Johnson and 46 have an unfavorable view of him.

o   State Legislature Approval Rating

In addition, the poll asked about views of the state legislature.  Poll respondents gave the state legislature a 38 percent approval rating and a 47 percent disapproval rating.