On April 7, 2020, the New York Statement Department of Health (“NYSDOH”) issued guidance allowing adult Social Day Care (“SDC”) programs to provide services during the current COVID-19 public health emergency. SDC providers that contract with Managed Long-Term Care Plans (“MLTCP”) will be reimbursed for SDC services provided telephonically or through telehealth platforms provided certain requirements are met.
General Requirements: The SDC activities must be offered at the request of the participant and reflect the participant’s interest, goals, and preferences as documented in the SDC care plan.
Socialization: The remote activities should meet participant’s needs for interaction and activity such as stretching activities, games, educational activities, arts and crafts, etc.
- Such remote activities can be delivered via Skype, Google Meet, Zoom, FaceTime, smartphones, or other audio/visual modalities.
- If participants do not have access to internet or smartphones, the SDC may deliver materials to participants or set up times for activities via telephone.
Monitoring: SDC providers should ensure the health and well-being of the participants by speaking with the participants via telephone and, if needed, by delivering meals, groceries, supplies, or medication. The SDC providers should notify the MLTCP of any need for intervention that may be required.
Transportation: Unless and until further guidance is given by NYSDOH, SDC providers should not provide transportation to participants.
Reimbursement: SDC services that satisfy NYSDOH requirements will be reimbursed in accordance with the provider’s MLTCP agreement and with NYSDOH Medicaid Telehealth guidance.
Should you have any questions regarding this Alert, please contact the Garfunkel Wild attorney with whom you regularly work, or contact us at [email protected].