NYSACRA

HIPAA TRANSACTION & CODE SET UPDATE

At a meeting with NYS DOB, NYSACRA and other provider associations were notified that in the near future providers would receive a letter from NYS DOH (Click Here for PDF version) 482k.  It notifies providers of the New York State implementation contingency plan that we have been waiting for related to HIPAA compliant transactions with a deadline of October 16.  Essentially it says that providers will be allowed to submit non-compliant transactions if not fully compliant for up to four months. (At the latest, February 16, 2004).  After this period electronic submissions must be HIPAA compliant or they will be rejected.    As many of you know, NYS DOH says that they will be ready to accept HIPAA compliant electronic transactions o­n September 27.

NYSACRA continues to be concerned about the timeframes and NYS DOH/Computer Sciences Corporation’s ability to accomplish what it needs to so that providers can do their part.  We will continue to advocate to the best of our ability to make sure that providers will be paid for what they do.

“TOMORROW’S ISSUES TODAY:  MEDICAID REFORM, QUALITY & WORKFORCE” CONFERENCE

Excitement continues to grow over NYSACRA’s o­ne-day LEADERSHIP conference at the Gideon Putnam Hotel, Saratoga Springs o­n September 17, 2003, “Tomorrow’s Issues Today: Medicaid Reform, Quality & Workforce.”  A special panel of advocates talking about quality and the workforce will be the highlight, but more than that, you’ll want to hear what Melanie Nathanson, Senior Health Policy Analyst, Center o­n Budget and Policy Priorities, Washington, DC, has to say.  Ms. Nathanson will provide a thorough analysis of Medicaid and the possible direction of capping and block granting.  She has extensive experience in the policy area in Washington, having worked for Senator Bob Graham, a member of Senate Finance, for over 4 years.  For more information about this conference visit NYSACRA’s website or call the office for another brochure.

SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS AND VACATIONS

The following information was received from Jim Moragne, OMRDD, expert in the personal allowance arena:  “Some SSA offices are penalizing SSI recipients in certified residences who are beneficiaries of SNTs for in-kind support and maintenance (ISM) when the SNT paid for the hotel and restaurant (shelter and food) expenses of a vacation. We didn't think that was correct and referred it to SSA's Region II office. Their response is that as long as the vacation falls into the temporary absence category of two weeks or less, then the hotel and restaurant expenses do not constitute ISM and a penalty would not be applied.

Also, this means that should an SSI recipient go o­n a visit to family or friends, their provision of food and shelter will not result in a penalty against his/her SSI, as long as the visit is within the temporary absence rules.”