Managed Long Term Care (MLTC) plans are insurance plans that are paid a monthly premium (“capitation”) by the New York Medicaid program to approve and provide Medicaid home care and other long-term care services (listed below) to people who need long-term care because of a long-lasting health condition or disability. The MLTC plans take over the job the local CASA or Medicaid offices used to do – they decide whether you need Medicaid home care and how many hours you may receive, and arrange for the care by a network of providers that the plan contracts with.. They also approve, manage and pay for the other long-term care services listed below.
In addition to this article, for latest updates on MLTC –see this NEWS ARTICLE on MLTC Implementation.
- Free Webinar recorded April 24, 2014 on MLTC –available for online viewing explaining Managed Long Term Care and the upcoming expansion to require new nursing home residents to enroll in MLTC plans, or, for those without Medicare, into mainstream managed care plans. The webinar was conducted by Valerie Bogart and David Silva of the Evelyn Frank Legal Resources Program at NYLAG.
You can also view and listen to a recording of the entire webinar at this link:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/1348252302283983105 (2.25 hours)
The PowerPoint and Appendix used in the webinar are available at the following links:
PowerPoint: http://www.wnylc.com/health/download/474/
Appendix: http://www.wnylc.com/health/download/473/
90-Day Transition Period – On May 8, 2013, the State extended the time that MLTC plans must continue providing the same amount and type of home care services that new members previously received from a CASA, DSS, or CHHA from 60 days to 90 days. Read more about the Transition Period.
State Complaint Number for MLTC Problems – 1-866-712-7197
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e-mail mltctac@health.ny.gov and put “COMPLAINT” in subject line
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CONTENTS:
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In General — NYS Shift from a Voluntary Option to Mandatory Enrollment in MLTC
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LAW AND OTHER AUTHORITY
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What is “Capitation” — What is the difference between Fully Capitated and Partially Capitated Plans? What are the different types of plans?
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Lists of Plans – Contact Lists for NYC and Rest of State (MLTC, MAP and PACE)
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Phased In Roll-Out SCHEDULE — Who must enroll in MLTC and in what parts of the State? When?
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WHO DOES NOT HAVE TO ENROLL IN MLTC in NYC Mandatory Counties? (Exemptions Exclusions)
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Conflict-Free Eligibility Assessment – from NY Medicaid Choice
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WHICH SERVICES ARE PROVIDED BY THE MLTC PLANS – Benefit Package of “Partially Capitated” Plans
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ENROLLMENT: What letters people in NYC mandatory counties receive giving 60 days to choose an MLTC PLAN
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Choosing and Enrolling in a Plan – Continuity of care policy requiring all plans to contract with existing personal care/home attendant vendor agencies in NYC and other mandatory counties
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AFTER YOU ENROLL IN MLTC – In Mandatory Counties –Right to Continue Past Services During 90-Day Transition Period — Assessment and Changes Made by Plan,
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Requesting new services or increased services – when must plan decide
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Changing Plans, and What if You can’t wait for the 1st of the next month for services?
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Spend-Down or Surplus Income – Special Warnings and Considerations
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NEW SEPT. 2013 – Spousal Impoverishment Protections Apply in MLTC
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The New Housing Disregard – Higher Income Allowed for Nursing Home Residents to Leave the Nursing Home by Enrolling in MLTC
In General — NYS Shift from a Voluntary Option to Mandatory Enrollment in MLTC
New York has had managed long term care plans for many years. Before, however, enrollment was voluntary, and MLTC was just one option of several types of Medicaid home care one could choose. Other choices included personal care services, approved by the local CASA/DSS office, Lombardi program or other waiver services, or Certified Home Health Agency services. On Sept. 4, 2012, the federal government Medicaid agency “CMS” approved the state’s request for an “1115 waiver” that will allow NYS to require that all dually eligible (those who have Medicare and Medicaid) adults age 21+ now receiving — or who will apply for — community-based long-term care services — particularly personal care/home attendant services, long-term Certified Home Health Agency services, Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance program services (CDPAP), private duty nursing and medical adult day care — to enroll in a Managed Long-Term Care (MLTC) plan. The MLTC plan will now control access to, approve, and pay for all Medicaid home care services and other long-term care services in the MLTC service package. This is the only way to obtain these services for adults who are dually eligible, unless they are exempt or excluded from MLTC.
If they do not choose a MLTC plan then they will be auto-assigned to a plan. The requirement to enroll in an MLTC plan is being rolled out gradually throughout the State, starting in NYC, Long Island and Westchester and then to other counties. See roll-out schedule for mandatory enrollment below. People who live in counties that are not yet mandatory do not have to enroll in an MLTC plan – they may still apply for Medicaid personal care services at their local county DSS, or obtain CHHA services.
- TIP FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN COUNTIES THAT ARE NOT YET MANDATORY: If you live in a county that is not yet mandatory, and are content with the Medicaid home care or adult day care services you are already receiving from your CASA/DSS office, day care program, or CHHA, we recommend not enrolling in an MLTC plan until MLTC becomes mandatory in your county. This is because certain consumer protections apply only in mandatory counties, such as the right to a “90-day transition period,” where the MLTC plan must continue providing your former Medicaid home care services for the 1st 90 days of enrollment in the MLTC plan. See roll-out schedule. – many counties added throughout 2014.
LAW AND OTHER AUTHORITY:
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New York Public Health Law § 4403(f) — this law was amended by the state in 2011 to authorize the State to request CMS approval to make MLTC mandatory. The State submitted the waiver request on April 13, 2011 1115 waiver request – posted at http://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/managed_care/appextension/ — all under the first heading labeled Amendment to Implement Medicaid Redesign Team Changes to the 1115 Waivers. The details on the Managed Long Term Care expansion request begin at Page 3 of the Summary of MRT changes.
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Federal law and regulations 42 U.S.C. § 1396b(m)(1)(A)(i); 42 C.F.R. Part 438 (Medicaid managed care), 42 CFR Part 460 (PACE)
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CMS Special Terms Conditions, eff. Jan. 1, 2014 – amends and supersedes the earlier 2012 Special Terms Conditions posted with other waiver documents at http://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/redesign/1115_waiver_amendment_for_managed_long_term_care.htm and http://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/managed_care/appextension/ (April 2013 amendment allows requiring Lombardi program participants to enroll in MLTC, or in mainstream Medicaid managed care plans if they do not have Medicare)
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CMS Website on Managed Long Term Services and Supports (new May 2013)
Additional resources for MLTSS programs are available in a CMS Informational Bulletin released on May 21, 2013
NYS DIRECTIVES, CONTRACTS, POLICY GUIDANCE — Medicaid Redesign Team page – scroll down to MRT 90 – Managed Long Term Care — documents include the following but check as often updated: Click on
- Health Plans, Providers, Professionals heading: Has MODEL CONTRACTS -MLTC Partial Capitation Contract eff 9/1/12 revised 2013; Medicaid Advantage Plus (MAP) Model Contract eff 1/1/12; PACE Model Contract eff 1/1/12 and some model notices
- MLTC Policies –
- Conflict Free Assessment policies
What is “Capitation” — What is the difference between Fully Capitated and Partially Capitated Plans? What are the different types of plans?
The monthly premium that the State pays to the plans “per member per month” is called a “capitation rate.” The amount of this premium is the same for every enrollee, but it is not a cap on the cost of services that any individual enrollee may receive. Instead, the plan must pool all the capitation premiums it receives. The rate is supposed to be enough for the plan to save money on members who need few services, so that it can provide more services to those who need more care. To make it more confusing, there are two general types of plans, based on what services the capitation rate is intended to cover:
I. “Partial Capitation” — Managed Long-Term Care Plans – “MLTC” – Cover certain Medicaid services only
“Managed long-term care” plans are the most familiar and have the most people enrolled. They provide Medicaid long-term care services (like home health, adult day care, and nursing home care) and ancillary and ambulatory services (including dentistry, optometry, audiology, podiatry, eyeglasses, and durable medical equipment and supplies), and receive Medicaid payment only, with NO Medicare coverage.
These plans DO NOT cover most primary and acute medical care. Members continue to use their original Medicare cards or Medicare Advantage plan, and regular Medicaid card for primary care, inpatient hospital care, and other services. The MLTC plan does not control or provide any Medicare services, and does not control or provide most primary MEDICAID care. Managed long-term care plan enrollees must be at least age 18, but some require a minimum age of 21. See state’s chart with age limits.
It is this partially capitated MLTC plan that is becoming mandatory for adults age 21+ who need Medicaid home care and other community-based long-term care services. But consumersl have the option of enrolling in “fully capitated” plans as well — so it’s important to know the differences. A summary chart is posted here.
II. “Full Capitation” – Plans cover all Medicare Medicaid services — PACE Medicaid Advantage Plus
PACE and Medicaid Advantage Plus plans provide ALL Medicare and Medicaid services in one plan, including primary, acute and long-term care. All care must be in plan’s network (hospitals, doctors, nursing homes, labs, clinics, home care agencies, dentists, etc.). For these plans, your need for daily care must be such that you would be eligible for admission to a nursing home. When you join one of these plans, you give up your original Medicare card or Medicare Advantage card. Instead, you use your new plan card for ALL of your Medicare and Medicaid services. There are 2 types of FULL CAPITATION plans that cover Medcaid long-term care:
(1) PACE “Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly” plans – must be age 55+ See CMS PACE Manual. Link to federal PACE regs – 42 CFR Part 460. and other guidance on PACE :
(2) MEDICAID ADVANTAGE PLUS [MAP] – age requirements vary among plans from 18+ to 65+
NOTE: MEDICAID ADVANTAGE PLANS are a slight variation on the MEDICAID ADVANTAGE PLUS plans. They provide and control access to all primary medical care paid for by MEDICARE and MEDICAID, EXCEPT that they do not cover most long-term care services by either Medicaid or Medicare. Anyone who needs Medicaid home care should NOT join this 3rd type of plan!
See this chart summarizing the differences between the four types of managed care plans described above. The chart also includes a 5th type of managed care plan – Medicaid Managed Care – these plans are mandatory for most Medicaid recipients who do NOT have Medicare. The capitated payment they receive covers almost all Medicaid services, including personal care and CHHA home health aide services, with some exceptions of services that are not in the benefit package.
See this chart of plans in NYC organized by insurance company, showing which of the different types of plans are offered by each company as of Feb. 2013
Lists of Plans – NYC and Rest of State:
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Statewide County by County Chart created by NYLAG (NYC on PAGE 4) showing the number enrolled in each of the various plans as of april 2015 2014
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NYC chart created by HRA showing MLTC plans including MAP, MLTC, and PACE as well as Medicaid Advantage, Medicaid Manged Care, and Special Needs plans.
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Enrollment statistics are updated monthly by NYS DOH here — Monthly Medicaid Managed Care Enrollment Report
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Chart organized by insurance company, which sponsors the plan, showing which different MLTC/MAP/PACE plans are offered by the company as of March 2014. Shows which companies are launching FIDA plans in 2014.
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http://www.nymedicaidchoice.com/program-materials – NY Medicaid Choice lists – same lists are sent to clients with 60-day Choice letters. CAUTION — Look only at the Long Term Care plans – (“Health Plans” are Mainstream managed care plans, which are NOT for Dual Eligibles)
- See more enrollment numbers – for various NYS plans that provide Medicare and Medicaid services for dual eligibles, including Medicare Advantage plans – here.
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Month to Month enrollment growth in MLTC and PACE from 2013 to July 2013 is at Page 5 at this link.
Phased In Roll-Out SCHEDULE — Who must enroll in MLTC? And when?
WHO MUST ENROLL — Medicaid recipients who live in NYC and certain counties (see below) and who:
- Are dually eligible – they have Medicare AND Medicaid, AND
- Are age 21 or older, AND
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Need community-based long-term care for more than 120 days — Who are receiving or are applying for CERTAIN SPECIFIED Medicaid home care and other community-based long term care services. “Long-term” means you need home care or other long-term care services for more than 120 days.
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Which long-term care services require enrollment in MLTC is being phased on the roll-out schedule below. The definition has changed to prohibit people who do not need “true” assistance with activities of daily living from enrolling in MLTC
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If you ONLY need Social Adult Day Care services, this is not enough to be eligible to receive MLTC. In April 2013, one plan – VNS CHOICE – suspended from taking any new enrollees – because plans were enrolling people recruited to join these social adult day care centers who do not need long-term care services. Since plans receive the same monthly rate for ALL members, plans have an incentive to enroll these individuals. On May 8, 2013, DOH released MLTC Policy 13.11: Social Day Care Services QA and Letter from State Medicaid Director Helgerson to MLTC Plans on SADC which answers questions arising from the scandal in which a NYS Assemblyman was arrested for allegedly taking a bribe from an operator of a social adult day care center. The May 2013 QA references the Letter sent by the state Director of Medicaid, Jason Helgerson, to MLTC Plans on April 26, 2013. and supplements an earlier February 28, 2013 Directive — MLTC Policy 13.05: Social Daycare Services QA. See also
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See links to press coverage in this article under APRIL 2013 News.
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If you ONLY Need “Housekeeping” services, also known as Level I Personal Care services, as described in 18 NYCRR 505.14(a), you are NOT eligible for MLTC and may still apply to your local DSS Medicaid program for these services. On August 12, 2013, the State directed MLTC plans to disenroll these individuals and transition them back to DSS. See MLTC Policy 13.21: Process Issues Involving the Definition of Community Based Long Term Care.
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See NYC HRA MICSA Bulletin — Disenrolled Housekeeping Case Consumers (MLTC) 8-13-13.pdf
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- Live in NYC or one of the counties where mandatory enrollment has begun. (Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester in Jan. 2013)(Orange Rockland began in September 2013)
- Is not “exempt” or “excluded” from enrolling in an MLTC plan. See below.
Phase I (began Sept. 2012):
WHERE: NEW YORK CITY
WHO: Dual eligibles age 21+ who need certain community-based long-term care services 120 days
RECIPIENTS OF WHICH SERVICES?
Sept. 2012 — Those newly applying for Medicaid personal care (home attendant and housekeeping) must enroll in these plans, and no longer apply at the CASA offices.
- Those already receiving Medicaid personal care (home attendant and housekeeping) services begin receiving “Announcement” and then “60-day letters” from New York Medicaid Choice, giving them 60 days to select a plan. See enrollment information below.
Nov. 2012 – Adults newly applying for Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) services in New York City must enroll in MLTC plans; those already receiving CDPAP services begin receiving 60-day letters to select a plan in 60 days.
Jan. 2013 – Adults in NYC receiving medical model Adult Day Care, long-term Certified Home Health Agency (CHHA) services ( 120 days), and Private Duty Nursing Services begin receving 60-day enrollment letters to select an MLTC plan in 60 days. See enrollment information below.
May 2013 – Long Term Home Health Care Waiver Program (LTHHCP) or (“Lombardi”) recipients – CMS approval April 1, 2013 to require enrollment into MLTC plans. See HRA Alert. and DOH Directive Approved Long Term Home Health Care Program (LTHHCP) 1915 (c) Medicaid Waiver Amendment
August 2013 – THose individuals needing solely housekeeping services (Personal Care Level I), who were initially required to join MLTC plans, are no longer eligible for MLTC. New applicants may again apply at the local DSS and those already receiving MLTC are transitioned back to DSS. See MLTC Poliucy 13.21
Phase II (January 2013):
WHERE: Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties
WHO: Dual eligibles age 21+ who need certain community-based long-term care services 120 days newly applying for certain community-based Medicaid long-term care services.
WHICH SERVICES: Medicaid personal care, CDPAP, Medicaid adult day care, long-term certified home health agency (CHHA), or private duty nursing services, and starting in May 2013, Long Term Home Health Care Waiver Program (LTHHCP) or (“Lombardi”) participants, must enroll in these plans. Those already receiving these services begin receiving “Announcement” and then “60-day letters” from New York Medicaid Choice, giving them 60 days to select a plan. See enrollment information below.
See Approved Long Term Home Health Care Program (LTHHCP) 1915 (c) Medicaid Waiver Amendment
Also in Jan. 2013, for New York City — mandatory enrollment expands beyond personal care to adult dual eligibles receiving medical model adult day care, private duty nursing, or certified home health agency (CHHA) services for more than 120 days, and in May 2013, to Lombardi program.. These individuals begin receiving “announcement” and then 60-day enrollment notices.. described below.
Phase III (September 2013) (Postponed from June 2013): Rockland and Orange counties – “front door” closed at local DSS offices Sept. 23, 2013 – after that Medicaid recipients must enroll directly with MLTC plan to obtain home care.
Phase IV (December 2013): Albany, Erie, Onondaga and Monroe counties – See below explaining timeline for receiving letters and getting 60-days to enroll.
Phase V (2014) Roll-out schedule for mandatory MLTC enrollment in upstate counties during 2014, subject to approval by CMS. , Source: NYS DOH Updated 2014-2015 MLTC Transition Timeline (PDF, 88KB) (MRT e-mails) NYS DOH Policy PLanning Updates January 2015 and February 2015
FINAL PHASE (No date set) – People in Assisted Living Program, Nursing Homes, TBI and Nursing Home Transition and Diversion Waiver Programs will all be required to enroll.
See this statewide list to see what plans are offered in your county. See more lists of plans here.
In NYC and Counties Where MLTC is Mandatory, WHO DOES NOT HAVE TO ENROLL IN MLTC? (Exemptions Exclusions)
WHO MAY NOT ENROLL IN A MLTC? (Who is EXCLUDED from MLTC?)
Download New York Medicaid Choice MLTC Exclusion Form – must be signed by physician
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Individuals in Certain Waiver Programs. These include: Nursing Home Transition Diversion (NHTD) waiver, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) waiver, Office for People with Developmental Disabilities waiver, and individuals with complex mental health needs receiving services through ICF and HCBS waiver. (Note NHTW and TBI waivers will be merged into MLTC in January 2018).
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Nursing Home residents WERE excluded from enrolling in MLTC plans or mainstream Medicaid managed care plans but MAY enroll as of Oct. 1, 2015. New permanent residents MUST enroll. SEE this article.
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Medicaid Assisted Living Program residents;
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Persons receiving hospice services (they may not enroll in an MLTC plan, but someone already in an MLTC plan who comes to need hospice services may enroll in hospice without having to disenroll from the MLTC plan. See NYS DOH MLTC Policy 13.18: MLTC Guidance on Hospice Coverage (June 25, 2013) Those who are in hospice and need supplemental home care may still apply to CASA/DSS for personal care services to supplement hospice;
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Residents of Intermediate Care Facilities for the Developmentally Disabled (ICF/DD), Alcohol Substance Abuse Long Term Care Residential Program, adult Foster Care Home, or psychiatric facilities.
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People who receive or need ONLY “Housekeeping” services (“Personal Care Level I” services under 18 NYCRR 505.14). Under state law, these services are limited to 8 hours per week. If someone does not need assistance with Activities of Daily Living – personal care such as bathing, grooming, walking but only with household chores, they access these services through their Local Medicaid Program (in NYC apply to the Home Care Service Program with an M11q. See —
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Children under age 18
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NOTE – the recently obtained (2/2013) New York Medicaid Choice MLTC Exclusion Form excludes an individual certified by physician to have a developmental disability.
SOURCE: CMS Special Terms Conditions, Amended Sept. 2012), at p. 14 -15
Download New York Medicaid Choice MLTC Exclusion Form – must be signed by physician
WHO MAY ENROLL IN MLTC BUT IS NOT REQUIRED TO? (WHO is EXEMPT FROM MLTC?)
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Native Americans;
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Dual eligible individuals age 18- 21 who require home care or other long-term care services, and require a “nursing home level of care,” meaning they could be admitted to a nursing home based on their medical and functional condition;
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Adults over age 21 who have Medicaid but not Medicare (If they require a “nursing home level of care”) — If they are not yet enrolled in a a mainstream Medicaid managed care plan they may opt to enroll in an MLTC plan if they would be functionally eligible for nursing home care. If they enroll in an MLTC, they would receive other Medicaid services that are not covered by the MLTC plan on a fee-for-service basis, not through managed care (such as hospital care, primary medical care, prescriptions, etc.). However, if they are already enrolled in a mainstream Medicaid managed care plan, they must access personal care, consumer-directed personal assistance, or private duty nursing from the plan. They may only switch to MLTC if they need adult day care, social environmental supports, or home delivered meals – services not covered by Medicaid managed care plans. See MLTC Policy 14.01: Transfers from Medicaid Managed Care to Managed Long Term Care
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Working Medicaid recipients under age 65 in the Medicaid Buy-In for Working People with Disabilities (MBI-WPD) program (If they require a “nursing home level of care”).
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SOURCE: CMS Special Terms Conditions, Amended Jan. 2014, at p. 14
Conflict-Free Evaluation ASSESSMENT (CFEEC) REQUIRED BEFORE ENROLL IN MLTC
Under MLTC Policy 14.06: Implementation of the Conflict-Free Evaluation and Enrollment Center (CFEEC) anyone approved for Medicaid who is seeking Managed Long Term Care will need to first contact NEW YORK MEDICAID CHOICE and request a CFEEC assessment. If that assessment finds the person eligible for MLTC, then the person can enroll in an MLTC plan. To schedule an evaluation, call 855-222-8350.
SEE NEW YORK MEDICAID CHOICE WEBSITE ON CFEEC – http://nymedicaidchoice.com/ask/conflict-free-evaluation-and-enrollment-center
NYLAG’s Guide and Explanation on the CFEEC and MLTC Evaluation Process
This is being implemented pursuant to #28 of the Special Terms and Conditions, which is CMS’s approval of the State’s 1115 waiver to implement mandatory MLTC, DOH has established a conflict-free assessment system for all voluntary enrollments into MLTC, MAP and PACE effective October 1, 2014.
Before, private MLTC plans were responsible for determining eligibility for Medicaid-covered long-term services and supports (LTSS). This creates an intrinsic conflict of interest, because plans have a financial stake in avoiding high-cost members and attracting low-cost members. The CFEEC reduces this conflict by having New York Medicaid Choice (aka Maximus), rather than the MLTC plans, determine eligibility for MLTC.
The Conflict-Free Evaluation and Enrollment Center (CFEEC)s schedule and conduct initial assessment visits in the home or facility by a nurse (employed by or under contract with the CFEEC). Using the Uniform Assessment Tool, the CFEEC makes the determination of eligibility for Medicaid LTSS. If the CFEEC determines that the applicant is ineligible for Medicaid LTSS, it will send a written notice with appeal rights. If the CFEEC approves the applicant, then any MLTC, MAP, PACE or FIDA plan must accept the applicant’s enrollment. If the plan disagrees with the CFEEC’s determination of eligibility, it may pursue a dispute adjudication procedure via Maximus and DOH.
The CFEEC was rolled out in phases beginning in NYC in October 2014, and became statewide by May 2015.
- Will this delay enrollment into MLTC? Probably. MLTC plans may not accept an enrollment without confirmation from CFEEC that you are MLTC-eligible. That confirmation is valid for 60 days. The State FAQ (Q13) says the CFEEC assessment can be done while Medicaid application is pending, but since a Medicaid application can take more than 60 days – it can be risky. It is also unclear whether the consumer must only sign an MLTC plan enrollment form within 60 days of the CFEEC assessment, or must actually be enrolled in the plan by that date – the difference can be significant.
See new documents available from NYS DOH on the Conflict-Free Evaluation and Enrollment Center (CFEEC):
- 9.22.14 CFEEC presentation (PPT)
- 9.22.14 CFEEC recorded session (WMV, 16MB)
- 9.29.14 CFEEC Fact Sheet (PDF, 118KB)
- 9.29.14 CFEEC FAQ (PDF, 239KB)
WHICH SERVICES ARE PROVIDED BY THE MLTC PLANS – Benefit Package of “Partially Capitated” Plans
MLTC plans must provide the services in the MLTC Benefit Package listed below. Once you are enrolled in a MLTC plan, you may no longer use your Medicaid card for any of these services, and you must use providers in the MLTC plan’s network for all of these services, including your dentist. The providers will be paid by the MLTC plan, rather than billing Medicaid directly.
MLTC Benefit Package (Partial Capitation) (Plan must cover these services, if deemed medically necessary. Member must use providers within the plan’s provider network for these services).
- Home Care, including:
- Personal Care (formerly known in NYC as “Home attendant.” If you need ONLY Housekeeping services (Level I services and not Level II under 18 NYCRR 505.14, NOT eligible for MLTC)
- Certified Home Health Agency Services (home health aide, visiting nurse, visiting physical or occupational therapist)
- Private Duty Nursing
- Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program
- Adult Day Health Care (medical model and social adult day care)
- Personal Emergency Response System (PERS),
- Nutrition — Home-delivered meals or congregate meals
- Home modifications
- Medical equipment such as wheelchairs, medical supplies such as incontinent pads, prostheses, orthotics, respiratory therapy
- Physical, speech, and occupational therapy outside the home
- Hearing Aids and Eyeglasses
- Four Medical Specialties:
- Podiatry
- Audiology + hearing aides and batteries
- Dental
- Optometry + eyeglasses
- Non-emergency medical transportation to doctor offices, clinics (ambulette)
- Nursing home care
SOURCE: NYS DOH Model Contract for MLTC Plans (See Appendix G), CMS Special Terms Conditions, Amended Sept. 2012), at p. 57, Attachment B
NOTE WHICH SERVICES ARE NOT COVERED BY MLTC PARTIALLY CAPITATED PLANS — but are covered by “fully capitated” Medicaid Advantage Plus or PACE plans
- Primary and acute medical care, including all doctors other than the Four Medical Specialties listed above, all hospital inpatient and outpatient care, outpatient clinics, emergency room care, mental health care
- Lab and radiology tests
- Prescription drugs
- Assisted living program
- Hospice services – MLTC plans do not provide hospice services but as of June 24, 2013, an MLTC member may enroll in a hospice and continue to receive MLTC services separately. Before s/he had to disenroll from the MLTC plan. PACE plans may not give hospice services. See NYS DOH MLTC Policy 13.18: MLTC Guidance on Hospice Coverage (June 25, 2013)
HOW DO PEOPLE IN MLTC Partial Capitation Plans Receive services not covered by the plans? These use –
- Original Medicare OR Medicare Advantage plan AND
- Regular Medicaid
WHAT SERVICES ARE “MEDICALLY NECESSARY?” The Federal Medicaid statute requires that all managed care plans make services available to the same extent they are available to recipients of fee-for- service Medicaid. 42 U.S.C. § 1396b(m)(1)(A)(i); 42 C.F.R. §§ 438.210(a)(2) and (a) (4)(i). The NYS DOH Model Contract for MLTC Plans also includes this clause: “Managed care organizations may not define covered services more restrictively than the Medicaid Program”
You will receive a series of letters from New York Medicaid Choice (www.nymedicaidchoice.com), also known as MAXIMUS, the company hired by New York State to handle MLTC enrollment. See PowerPoint explaining Maximus/NY Medicaid Choice’s role in MLTC enrollment (this is written by by Maximus)
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“ANNOUNCEMENT ” LETTER – Important Medicaid Notice— This “announcement letter” is sent to people with 120 days left on their authorization period for Medicaid personal care, certified home health agency, private duty nursing, CDPAP, and medical model adult day care, or LOmbardi services, telling them “MLTC” is coming letter sent in English and Spanish. It does not state that they have to enroll yet.. just says that it is coming and to expect a letter.
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- Important Medicaid Notice or Aviso importante de Medicaid – Spanish version
- Multi-Language Card — card in 18 languages instructing people to call the toll-free number for assistance
- Envelope
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MANDATORY ENROLLMENT PACKET – Sent by NY Medicaid Choice 30 days after the 1st “announcement” letter – stating recipient has 60 days to select a plan OR will be assigned to an MLTC plan. The first packets were sent in Manhattan in July 2012, telling them to select a plan by September 2012, later extended to October 2012. The Packet includes:
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Official Guide to Managed Long Term Care, written and published by NY Medicaid Choice (Maximus)
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List of Long Term Care Plans in New York City – 3 lists mailed in packet, available online – http://nymedicaidchoice.com/program-materials – NOTE: At this link, do NOT click on the plans listed as “Health Plans” – those are mainstream Medicaid managed care plans that are NOT for people with Medicare. Look for the “Long Term Care” plans for your area – NYC, Long Island, or Hudson Valley.
NYC lists –
MLTC Medicaid Plans – New York City
Medicaid Advantage Plus – New York City
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
CHOOSING ENROLLING IN A PLAN –
CLICK HERE FOR TOOLS FOR CHOOSING AN MLTC PLAN.
CONTINUITY OF CARE — One important factor in choosing a plan is whether you can keep your aide that worked with you when CASA/DSS, a CHHA, or a Lombardi program authorized your care before you enrolled in the MLTC plan. When MLTC began, the plans were required to contract with all of the home care agencies and Lombardi programs that had contracts with the local DSS for personal care/ home attendant services, and pay them the same rates paid by the local DSS in July 2012. That requirement ended March 1, 2014.
If you don’t select and enroll in a plan, midway through the 60-day period to select a plan, you will receive a letter with the name of the MLTC plan to which you will be randomly assigned if you do not select a plan. You will still have til the third Friday of that month to select his/her own plan. For example, the first assignment letters to lower Manhattan residents were sent Oct. 2, 2012. If those individuals enrolled in a different plan by Oct. 19, 2012, their own selection would trump the auto-assignment, and they would be enrolled in their selected plan as of Nov. 1, 2012.
HOW DO I ENROLL IN A PLAN —
ONCE you select a plan, you can enroll either directly with the Plan, by signing their enrollment form, OR if you are selecting an MLTC Partially Capitated plan, you can enroll with NY Medicaid Choice. If you are selecting a Medicaid Advantage Plus (MAP) or PACE plan, you must enroll directly with the plan.
WHEN IS MY ENROLLMENT IN AN MLTC PLAN EFFECTIVE?
Enrollment in MLTC, MAP and PACE plans is always effective on the 1st of the month. The plan is paid its “capitation” rate or premium on a monthly basis, so enrollment is effective on the 1st of the month.
If you enrolled late in the month (after the third Friday of the month), the enrollment will not be effective — and the new plan will not take charge of your care — until the first of the second month after you enroll.
NEW APPLICANTS — If you were not previously receiving Medicaid personal care, CDPAP, CHHA Lombardi, private duty nursing or adult day care program services —
Must request a Conflict-Free Eligibility assessment. Click here for more information.
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TRANSITION RIGHTS – AFTER YOU ENROLL IN MLTC in NYC Mandatory Counties – Right to Continue Past Services During 90-Day Transition Period, Assessment Changes Made by Plan, Requesting new or Increased Services
What happens after you enroll depends on whether or not you were already receiving Medicaid home care, adult day care, home health aide, or other long-term care services before you enroll in the MLTC plan.
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90-DAY TRANSITION PERIOD –The MLTC plan must provide the same services and the same number of hours as CASA/DSS/CHHA had authorized for 90 days.
This period was extended from 60 DAYS to 90 DAYS by directive of NYS Dept. of Health effective May 8, 2013. See MLTC Policy 13.10: Communication with Recipients Seeking Enrollment and Continuity of Care
The CMS Special Terms Conditions states:
“Initial transition into MLTC from fee-for-service. Each enrollee who is receiving community-based long-term services and supports that qualifies for MLTC must continue to receive services under the enrollee’s pre-existing service plan for at least 60 days after enrollment, or until a care assessment has been completed by the [MLTC], whichever is later.”
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During this 60-day transition period, which became a 90-day Period by directive of the State on May 8, 2013, by Day 30, the plan must assess the new members needs in her home. SOURCE: CMS Special Terms Conditions 9/2012 sec.17(d)(ii)(1)(c)(p. 19). The plan’s nurse will decide how much care the plan will approve for after the 60-day transition period.
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90-day transition applies to Lombardi program – see MLTC Policy 13.13: Continuity of Care and Payment Requirements of MLTC Plans to LTHHCP Agencies Providing Care During the 90 Day Transition Period
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NOTICE OF A REDUCTION IN SERVICES AFTER TRANSITION PERIOD If the plan wants to reduce or end the services you previously received from CASA/DSS, or a CHHA, the plan must give you a WRITTEN NOTICE stating the amount of home care and other services they will give you effective on Day 61 (Day 91 after May 8, 2013) of your enrollment. The notice will explain your right to appeal. See this article re Appeals and Grievances in Managed Long Term Care for more information on your right to appeal. Note that you must first request an Internal Appeal within the plan, and then, if you lose, you will receive a notice from the plan explaining you have the right to request a Fair Hearing. You are entitled to continue receiving the old services, without any reduction until the internal appeal and then the hearing is decided.
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HOW DOES THE PLAN ASSESS MY NEEDS? The Plan’s nurse conducts an assessment using a standardized assessment tool, which was changed to the Uniform Assessment Tool (UAT) —
MRT 69: Uniform Assessment System for Long Term Care in NYS — Uniform Assessment System – New York Overview and Status
UAS-NY Project Update Webinar December 14, 2012 1 Hour Recorded Session, PowerPoint Presentation
Before, assessment was by the SAAM — MLTC Semi-Annual Assessment of Members (SAAM) Tool – version 2[1].5 — Both tools collect demographic information, diagnosis, living arrangements, and functional abilities. This tool does not determine the number of hours. Most plans use their own proprietary “task” form to arrive at a number of articles. Consumer advocates are concerned that the State has not clearly required plans to provide personal care, CHHA and other services in the same amount, duration, and scope as is provided in the state-plan outside of MLTC. See standards and regulations that apply under NYS Medicaid for personal care, CHHA, consumer-directed personal assistance (CDPAP) and other home care services. The State issued these guidelines for “mainstream” Medicaid managed care plans, for people who have Medicaid but not Medicare, which began covering personal care services in August 2011 — Guidelines for the Provision of Personal Care Services in Medicaid Managed Care. It is reported that these also are used for MLTC.
The Federal Medicaid statute requires that all managed care plans make services available to the same extent they are available to recipients of fee-for- service Medicaid. 42 U.S.C. § 1396b(m)(1)(A)(i); 42 C.F.R. §§ 438.210(a)(2) and (a) (4)(i). The NYS DOH Model Contract for MLTC Plans also includes this clause: “Managed care organizations may not define covered services more restrictively than the Medicaid Program.”
All decisions by the plan as to which services to authorize and how much can be appealed. See Appeals Greivances in Managed Long Term Care.
Both federal regulations at 42 CFR 438.210 and the NYS DOH Model Contract for MLTC Plans (Appendix K – section 3. “Service Authorizations) dictate the deadlines for the plan to give you a decision when you request new services or an increase in existing services, such as home care.
The contract uses these terms to explain these requests:
A Prior Authorization is a request by the Enrollee or provider on Enrollee’s behalf for a new service (whether for a new authorization period or within an existing authorization period) or a request to change a service as determined in the plan of care for a new authorization period.
A Concurrent Review is a request by an Enrollee or provider on Enrollee’s behalf for additional services (i.e., more of the same) that are currently authorized in the plan of care or for Medicaid covered home health care services following an inpatient admission.
EXPEDITED REQUEST — In either of the above two types of requests, the member or provider may request that it be expedited – if the plan determines or the provider indicates that a delay would seriously jeopardize the enrollee’s life or health or ability to attain, maintain, or regain maximum function. If the plan denied the Enrollee’s request for an expedited review, the plan will handle as standard review.
DEADLINES FOR PLAN TO PROCESS — Contract and 42 CFR 438.210 provide that Plan must decide and notify Enrollee of decision by phone and in writing as fast as the Enrollee’s condition requires but no more than:
a. Prior authorization
- Expedited – 3 business days from request for service, subject to extension described below.
- Standard – within 3 business days of receipt of necessary information, but no more than 14 calendar days of receipt of request for services, subject to extension described below.
b. Concurrent review
- Expedited – within 1 business day of receipt of necessary information, but no more than 3 business days of receipt of request for services, subject to extension described below.
- Standard – within 1 business day of receipt of necessary information, but no more than 14 calendar days of receipt of request for services, subject to extension described below.
- In a request for Medicaid covered home health care services following an inpatient admission, one (1) business day after receipt of necessary information; except when the day subsequent to the request for services falls on a weekend or holiday, seventy-two (72) hours after receipt of necessary information; but in any event, no more than three (3) business days after receipt of the request for services.
EXTENSION OF ABOVE DEADLINES including Expedited Requests –– Up to 14 calendar day extension may be requested by Enrollee or provider on Enrollee’s behalf (written or verbal). The plan also may initiate an extension if it can justify need for additional information and if the extension is in the Enrollee’s interest. In all cases, the extension reason must be well documented.
- The plan must give the enrollee written notice of the reason for the decision to extend the timeframe and inform the enrollee of the right to file a grievance if he or she disagrees with that decision; and Issue and carry out its determination as expeditiously as the enrollee’s health condition requires and no later than the date the extension expires. 42 CFR 438.404(c).
If the plan does not issue a decision on a request for services within the timeframes specified in § 438.210(d) described above, this constitutes a denial and is thus an adverse action, which can be appealed just as a written decision can be appealed. 42 CF.R. 438.404(c)(5). See article on Appeal Grievances in MLTC.
When can you change Plans -and What if You can’t wait for the 1st of the next month for services?
- CAN I CHANGE MLTC PLANS?
YES. You may change plans once a month. BUT the change will not take place until the 1st of the next month. If you enroll in a new plan after the third Friday of the month, you will not move to the new plan until the 1st of the SECOND month. So you will have to stay with your current plan until then.
Don’t sign up for a new plan unless the new plan confirms that it will approve the services you want and the hours you need. You may call any plan and request that they send a nurse to assess you and tell you what services they would provide. You have the right to receive the result of the assessment in writing.
- IF A PLAN CAN ONLY BEGIN SERVICES ON THE 1ST OF ANY MONTH, WHAT DO I DO IF I NEED SERVICES RIGHT AWAY WHEN I GET OUT OF THE HOSPITAL OR OUT OF A REHAB CENTER?
You may contact a Certified Home Health Agency (CHHA) and ask it to provide you with a home health aide and visiting nurse temporarily until you enroll in an MLTC plan. The CHHA may give short-term Medicaid home care for up to 120 days. During that time, you can select the type of plan you want and pick a plan that meets your needs. See above, under “What are the different types of plans to choose from” and “How to choose a Plan.” To find a CHHA that serves your county or borough, look on this online directory posted at http://homecare.nyhealth.gov/
Spend-Down or Surplus Income and MLTC – Special Warnings and Procedures
- I HAVE A SPEND-DOWN (SURPLUS INCOME). WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T PAY IT? The MLTC plan will bill you for the spend-down. If you don’t pay it, the MLTC plan may disenroll you. If you live in NYC or another mandatory county, you will not be able to get Medicaid home care or other long-term care services.
MLTC’s may Disenroll Member for Non-payment of Spend-down – The HRA home attendant vendors were prohibited by their contracts from stopping home care services for someone who did not pay their spend-down. Similarly, CHHA’s are prohibited by state regulation from stopping services based on non-payment. FN 4. MLTC programs, however, are allowed to disenroll a member for non-payment of a spend-down. See model contract p. 15 Article V, Section D. 5(b). While the State’s policy of permitting such disenrollment is questionable given that federal law requires only that medical expenses be incurred, and not paid, to meet the spend-down (42 CFR 435.831(d)), the State’s policy and contracts now allow this disenrollment.
SPEND-DOWN TIP 1 —For this reason, enrollment in pooled or individual supplemental needs trusts is more important than ever to eliminate the spend-down and enable the enrollee to pay their living expenses with income deposited into the trust. For more information about pooled trusts see http://wnylc.com/health/entry/6/.
SPEND-DOWN TIP 2 – for new applicants who will have a Spend-Down – Request Provisional Medicaid Coverage — When someone applies for Medicaid and is determined to have a spend-down or “excess income,” Medicaid coverage does not become effective until they submit medical bills that meet the spend-down, according to complicated rules explained here and on the State’s website. Many people applying for Medicaid to pay for long-term care services can’t activate their Medicaid coverage until they actually begin receiving the services, because they don’t have enough other medical bills that meet their spend-down. This creates a catch-22, because they cannot start receiving MLTC services until Medicaid is activated. If they apply and are determined eligible for Medicaid with a spend-down, but do not submit bills that meet their spend-down, the Medicaid computer is coded to show they are not eligible. As a result, an MLTC plan could refuse to enroll them — because they do not have active Medicaid. To address this problem, HRA recently created a new eligibility code for “provisional” Medicaid coverage for people in this situation. This is explained in this Medicaid Alert dated July 12, 2012. Applicants who expect to have a spend-down should attach a copy of this Alert to their application and advocate to make sure that their case is properly coded.
The New Housing Disregard – Higher Income Allowed for Nursing Home or Adult Home Residents to Leave the Nursing Home by Enrolling in MLTC
See this article
For the latest on implementation of MLTC in 2013 see these news articles:
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MLTC Roll-Out – Expansion to Nassau, Suffolk Westchester / and to CHHA, Adult Day Care and Private Duty Nursing in NYC (update 1/25/13 – more details about transition to MLTC)
For more information please see:
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Applying for Medicaid Personal Care Services in New York City – BIG CHANGES SEPTEMBER 2012 – explains new procedures in NYC
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Consumer Advocates Call for Further Protections in Medicaid Managed Long Term Care
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New York Medicaid Choice (Maximus) Website – this is State Enrollment Broker – under contract with NYS to handle all mandatory enrollment into MLTC and in Mainstream Medicaid managed care
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Long Term Care Community Coalition MLTC page including Transition To Mandatory Managed Long Term Care: The Need for Increased State Oversight – Brief for Policy Makers.
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NYC HRA Medicaid Alert dated July 3, 2012 from NYC HRA explaining this first step in mandatory MLTC.enrollment.
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MLTC Semi-Annual Assessment of Members (SAAM) Tool – version 2[1].5 (PDF, 179KB, 24pg.)
Consumer Concerns on Mandatory Enrollment in Managed Long Term Care
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In August 2012, a letter was sent from The Legal Aid Society, Empire Justice Center, NYLAG, CIDNY, and other consumer, disability rights and community-based organizations asking for further protections in rolling out MLTC. Consumers ask that MLTC be rolled out more gradually, so that it starts with new applicants seeking home care only, rather the tens of thousands of people already receiving personal care/home attendant services. Consumers also express concerns about appeal rights being limited if and when MLTC plans reduce services compared to what the individual previously received from the Medicaid program. See the letter for other issues.
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In March 2012, consumer advocacy organizations proposed Incentives for Community-Based Services and Supports in Medicaid Managed Long TermCare: Consumer Advocate Recommendations for New York State.
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On December 27, 2011, Legal Aid Society, New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, and many other organizations expressed concerns to CMS in this letter. These concerns include violations of due process in fair hearing appeals.
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On May 2, 2011, Selfhelp Community Services led numerous organizations in submitting these comments, explaining numerous concerns about the expansion of MLTC
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The Long Term Care Community Coalition published Transition To Mandatory Managed Long Term Care: The Need for Increased State Oversight – Brief for Policy Makers. and other information on its MLTC website.