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2011 Session

Budget Amendments - HB1500 (Conference Report)

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Authorize Mandated Provisions of Federal Health Care Reform Law (language only)

Item 297 #18c

Item 297 #18c

Health And Human Resources
Medical Assistance Services, Department of

Language
Page 268, after line 55, insert:
"YYYY. Notwithstanding Item 297 GG of this act, the department shall seek federal authority to move the family planning eligibility group from a demonstration waiver to the State Plan for Medical Assistance, effective April 2011. The department shall seek approval of coverage under this new state plan option for individuals with income up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level.  For the purposes of this section, family planning services shall not cover payment for abortion services and no funds shall be used to perform, assist, encourage or make direct referrals for abortions.  The department shall have authority to implement necessary changes upon federal approval and prior to the completion of any regulatory process undertaken in order to effect such change.
ZZZZ. Effective July 1, 2011, the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) shall have the authority to amend the State Plan for Medical Assistance to enroll and reimburse freestanding birthing centers accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Birthing Centers.  Reimbursement shall be based on the Enhanced Ambulatory Patient Group methodology applied in a manner similar to the reimbursement methodology for ambulatory surgery centers.  The department shall have authority to implement necessary changes upon federal approval and prior to the completion of any regulatory process undertaken in order to effect such change."


Explanation
(This amendment authorizes the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) to move family planning services under the "Plan First" program (which covers men and women not eligible for full-Medicaid coverage) from a waiver to the State Plan for Medical Assistance. The federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148) adds these optional services to Medicaid and will no longer allow Virginia to operate Plan First as a demonstration waiver. Therefore, DMAS must make any family planning services eligible under the state plan if they are to be continued. In addition, the same federal law requires states to reimburse freestanding birthing centers under Medicaid. It is anticipated that these new federal requirements will have a negligible impact on Medicaid expenditures.)