ForwardHealth Update 2023-40, "Home Health Care Services Electronic Visit Verification Soft Launch Announcement"

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has published ForwardHealth Update 2023-40, “Home Health Care Services Electronic Visit Verification Soft Launch Announcement.”

For dates of service on and after January 1, 2024, DHS will require use of an electronic visit verification (EVV) system for Medicaid-covered home health care services. The affected services codes can be found on the EVV website. EVV is required by federal law. All states must require EVV system use to maintain full federal Medicaid funding.

Please feel free to direct any questions to Wisconsin EVV Customer Care – Monday through Friday; 7 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. – at 833-931-2035 or VDXC.ContactEVV@wisconsin.gov.

Earlier this month, in recognition of National Home Health Care Month, Gov. Tony Evers issued a certificate of commendation recognizing the important role of home health care professionals in Wisconsin’s health care system and the benefits of home health care for patients across the state. The commendation, which was requested by WiAHC, outlines the value of home health care and highlights the fact that it is a preferred method of health care delivery for patients recovering from an ailment, those who were recently discharged from the hospital, or those dealing with a chronic illness. CLICK HERE to read the read the Governor’s commendation.

Wisconsin Rep. Alex Dallman (R-Green Lake) attended the Wisconsin Association for Home Health Care (WiHCA) 2023 Fall Conference, which was held in the Wisconsin Dells on Nov. 2-3.  Dallman welcomed conference attendees to the Dells and gave a legislative update on health care and workforce issues being considered at the State Capitol. His appearance was part of a larger effort by WiAHC to connect home health care professionals with state lawmakers to advance policies that improve the delivery of home health care across Wisconsin.

“WiAHC greatly appreciated Rep. Dallman's appearance at the conference, his insightful comments, and his willingness to engage our members in positive dialogue”, said Jayne Thill, WiAHC Board Chair. “His support of home health care in Wisconsin, particularly related to the home health care worker shortage, will help pave the way toward sustainable solutions to improve care.”

“It was great to speak at WiAHC’s 2023 Fall Conference and give attendees an update on work the legislature is doing for home health care services across the state,” said Dallman. “I believe home health care services help keep costs low for families while also giving individuals the comfort of staying in their homes. I am grateful for the work WiAHC is doing to advance and expand home health care services in Wisconsin.”

Dallman who was first elected to the Wisconsin Assembly in 2020 represents the 41^st Assembly district, which includes the northeast corner of Sauk County and large portions of Adams, Marquette, and Green Lake Counties. His district also includes the cities of Wisconsin Dells, Adams, Portage, and Green Lake. He currently serves as a member of the Legislature’s powerful Joint Finance Committee, which oversees development of the state’s two-year budget.

ForwardHealth Update 2023-40, "Home Health Care Services Electronic Visit Verification Soft Launch Announcement"

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has published ForwardHealth Update 2023-40, “Home Health Care Services Electronic Visit Verification Soft Launch Announcement.”

For dates of service on and after January 1, 2024, DHS will require use of an electronic visit verification (EVV) system for Medicaid-covered home health care services. The affected services codes can be found on the EVV website. EVV is required by federal law. All states have to require EVV system use to maintain full federal Medicaid funding.

Questions? Contact Wisconsin EVV Customer Care Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. CT at 833-931-2035 or VDXC.ContactEVV@wisconsin.gov.

WiAHC hosted Katie Wehri, Director of Home Health and Hospice Regulatory Affairs at the National Association for Home Care and Hospice at the 2023 Fall Conference.  Katie’s “Home Health Update” was the morning after the Final Rule was published and included the latest news and updates.  Click HERE for a copy of Katie’s presentation and a report from NAHC can be found HERE.

Wisconsin Rep. Alex Dallman (R-Green Lake) recently attended the Wisconsin Association for Home Health Care (WiHCA) 2023 Fall Conference, which was held in the Wisconsin Dells on November 2-3.  Dallman welcomed conference attendees to the Dells and gave a legislative update on health care and workforce issues being considered at the State Capitol. His appearance was part of a larger effort by WiAHC to connect home health care professionals with state lawmakers to advance policies that improve the delivery of home health care across Wisconsin.

“WiAHC greatly appreciated Rep. Dallman's appearance at the conference, his insightful comments, and his willingness to engage our members in positive dialogue”, said Jayne Thill, WiAHC Board Chair. “His support of home health care in Wisconsin, particularly related to the home health care worker shortage, will help pave the way toward sustainable solutions to improve care.”

Home health care offers a wide range of health care services provided by skilled non-physician practitioners, such as nurses and physical therapists, to treat an illness or injury in a patient’s home.

The goal of home health care is to treat patients in the comfort of their homes, where they tend to recover more quickly, avoid complications, and enjoy a better quality of life than they might in an acute care setting.

“It was great to speak at WiAHC’s 2023 Fall Conference and give attendees an update on work the legislature is doing for home health care services across the state,” said Dallman. “I believe home health care services help keep costs low for families while also giving individuals the comfort of staying in their homes. I am grateful for the work WiAHC is doing to advance and expand home health care services in Wisconsin.”

Dallman who was first elected to the Wisconsin Assembly in 2020 represents the 41^st Assembly district, which includes the northeast corner of Sauk County and large portions of Adams, Marquette, and Green Lake Counties. His distirct also includes the cities of Wisconisn Dells, Adams, Portage, and Green Lake. He currently serves as a member of the Legislature’s powerful Joint Finance Committee, which oversees development of the state’s two-year budget.

Governor Evers issued a certificate of commendation to Home Health Care workers on Nov 2, 2023. The certificate includes a summary of the services and benefits home health care workers provide patients and their families as well as commendation to home health care workers, providers and agencies for their dedicated service to the state of Wisconsin. View the full certificate HERE.

By Hoven Consulting – WiAHC’s lobbying firm 

• WiAHC Supports Bill to Codify DHS Regulation Allowing Wisconsin-Licensed Health Care Providers Outside Wisconsin to Provide Care via Telehealth

WiAHC has decided to formally support legislation – Senate Bill 476 – that formalizes state Department of Health Services (DHS) regulations allowing health care providers who are not physically located in Wisconsin to apply for certification as a Medicaid provider in order to treat Medicaid recipients via telehealth.  In this situation, the health care provider will need to be licensed in Wisconsin and will need to be in good standing with the respective credentialing board.  

• Senate Health Committee Recommends Approval of DHS Secretary Nominee 

On September 27, the Senate Health Committee held a hearing on the nomination of Kirsten Johnson to be the Secretary of the state Department of Health Services (DHS).  Prior to her nomination, Kirsten served as the head of the City of Milwaukee Health Department, as well as the Washington-Ozaukee Health Department.  She also served as the president of the Wisconsin Public Health Association.  On October 6, the Senate Health Committee voted 5-1 to recommend her confirmation to the full Senate.  Senator Andre Jacque (R-DePere) voted no.  The next and final step is for the full Senate to vote on her confirmation.  This full Senate vote could occur by mid-November.  

• DSPS Upgrades Prescription Drug Monitoring Program 

On October 15, the state Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) unveiled an updated Wisconsin Enhanced Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (ePDMP) website.  In its recent announcement, DSPS noted that the updated website incorporated feedback from stakeholders, including prescribers, health care systems, law enforcement and pharmacies.  Specifically, DSPS highlighted the following improvements: 

• Legislative Committee Rejects Request for More DSPS Occupational Credentialing Staff 

On September 26, the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee – the budget writing committee – rejected Governor Evers’ request to provide more funding for additional staff members at the state Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) to assist in processing occupational credential applications.   The vote was along party lines – 10 against and 4 in support.  In its request, DSPS noted that they needed more staff members to maintain or reduce processing time for occupational credentials.  

Earlier this month, on Oct. 6, the Wisconsin Supreme Court issued a 4-3 decision – split down ideological lines – agreeing to hear a legal challenge to the state’s current legislative maps, which were drawn following the 2020 U.S. Census and after a series of rulings by the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Wisconsin voters, claims Wisconsin Assembly and Senate legislative districts were gerrymandered in violation of the state constitution.

Depending on a final ruling by the liberal-leaning court, new legislative maps could be in place by next year and could shift the balance of power in the Legislature. Republicans have held large majorities in both houses since 2011. The state’s high court will hear oral arguments in the case on November 21, but has not provided a timeline for when it will issue a decision.

Earlier this month, the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) announced the state closed the 2023 fiscal year, which ended June 30, with a surplus of slightly more than $7 billion. That is roughly 65% more than last year’s $4.3 billion balance. In addition, the state Budget Stabilization Fund, or “rainy day” fund continues to have a balance of $1.8 billion.