DMA Publishes New Clinical Coverage Policies

On October 29, 2010 North Carolina Division of Medical Assistance published two new proposed Clinical Coverage Policies for In Home Care Adults (IHCA) and In Home Care Children (IHCC), which are intended to replace the existing PCS/PCS Plus program. DMA is looking to close down the existing PCS and PCS Plus programs as soon as possible after January 1, 2011. The new replacement Policies have a 45 day comment period.

The most important aspect of the new proposed policies would be the change in the minimum requirements for PCS eligibility. Under current Policy 3C, a recipient must have two ADLs assessed as needing at least limited assistance. Under the proposed new IHCA policy, recipients must have at a minimum two ADLs, of which one must be at least rated as needing extensive assistance, or a minimum of three ADLs rated as needing at least limited assistance.

The new policies may be accessed here: http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dma/mpproposed/index.htm