Medicaid Telehealth Services Expanding During COVID-19 Outbreak

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) on March 27, 2020, conducted its weekly update webinar during which representatives shared new information and guidance and fielded questions from leaders at long-term care, assisted living and nursing home facilities.

Points discussed included:

• Medicaid telehealth services are expanding to include a wider definition of "originating sites" so patients at home can receive services and providers can also be paid.
• Blanket 1135 waivers are now in effect and under consideration for assisted living locations.
• DHS has still not issued a ban on admitting patients from the hospital, even if they test positive for coronavirus. If a new admittance does test positive, the facility should follow quarantine procedures.
• New research shows that individuals who exhibit even mild symptoms of COVID-19 are extremely contagious and should be sent home immediately.

Throughout the week of March 30, 2020, the DHS Department of Quality Assurance will host webinars for leaders of nursing homes, assisted living, hospice and home health among others to address their specific needs and issues.

Please contact a member of Reinhart’s Health Care Practice with any questions you may have, and visit Reinhart’s Coronavirus Resource Center for additional up-to-date information.