Date posted:
Attachment(s):
The Division of Policy posts all proposed and recently adopted rules on MaineCare’s Policy and Rules webpage. This website keeps the proposed rules on file until they are finalized and until the Secretary of State website is updated to reflect the changes. The MaineCare Benefits Manual is available on-line at the Secretary of State’s website.
Below, please find a MaineCare Notice of Agency Rule-making Proposal. You can access the complete rule at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oms/rules/index.shtml.
Notice of Agency Rule-making Proposal
AGENCY: Department of Health and Human Services, MaineCare Services, Division of Policy
CHAPTER NUMBER AND TITLE: 10-144 C.M.R., Chapter 101, MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter III, Section 45, Hospital Services
PROPOSED RULE NUMBER:
CONCISE SUMMARY:
The principal reason the Department is proposing this rule is to eliminate the current provider-specific rates for reimbursing distinct psychiatric units and distinct substance use disorder (SUD) units in hospitals, and to establish a new reimbursement methodology. In compliance with 22 M.R.S. Sec. 3173-J(2), the Department conducted a rate determination process: a Rate Determination Initiation Notice was issued on October 7, 2022; MaineCare presented the draft rate methodology and definitions to providers and interested stakeholders in January 2023; accepted public comments until February 3, 2023; and will respond in writing to comments with an explanation of whether and how feedback was incorporated into the final rate determination. The Department’s resulting reimbursement methodology, as proposed here, generally aligns with Medicare’s payment method for distinct psychiatric units. In compliance with P.L. 2023, ch. 3, Sec. S-1, the initial per diem base rates were set so the methodology will provide, in aggregate, one hundred percent (100%) cost reimbursement across all hospitals with these distinct units based upon 2022 data.
This proposed rulemaking seeks to make the following specific changes:
- Section 45.01- Definitions:
Change the definition of “Discharge” to add that a discharge occurs if a patient is transferred to a distinct psychiatric Unit or a distinct SUD unit. The Department proposes a retroactive application of July 1, 2023, for this change, as authorized by 22 M.R.S. Sec. 42(8), as this change benefits, and does not harm MaineCare members or providers.
Added definitions for “From Date” and Medicare Severity Diagnosis-Related Group (MS-DRG), terms utilized in Section 45.03-1(B), the new reimbursement methodology for distinct psychiatric Units and SUD units.
- Section 45.02-1- Inflation:
Change the name of the entity producing the economic trend factor used by the Department for determining inflation, from Global Insight to IHS Markit due to a change in the name of the organization that publishes the “Healthcare Cost Review”.
- Section 45.03-1(B) New Reimbursement Methodology for Distinct Psychiatric Units and Distinct Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Units:
The Department proposes to eliminate the current methodology for reimbursing distinct psychiatric units and distinct SUD units and to establish a new reimbursement methodology that the Department has determined in accordance with 22 M.R.S. Sec. 3173-J(2). Under the proposed new methodology, the Department will calculate reimbursement for covered in-person stays in these units using the following formula: multiplying the per diem base rate (determined by whether the MS-DRG is a psychiatric or SUD MS-DRG) by the applicable MS-DRG relative weight and multiplying that figure by the applicable Length of Stay factor.
The Department calculated per diem base rates to result in total reimbursement equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the costs of such discharges in the aggregate across all hospitals with distinct psychiatric units and distinct SUD units, utilizing 2022 data when adjusted for MS-DRG relative weights and Length of Stay factor.
The Department proposes to adopt the Medicare MS-DRG and Length of Stay factors for the new reimbursement methodology. The Medicare Length of Stay factor is a cumulative factor that takes into account how many days the patient stays in the distinct unit.
The Department proposes to update the per diem base rate annually based on the inflation provision in this rule (Section 45.02-1): the economic trend factor from the most recent addition of the “Healthcare Cost Review” from IHS Markit. In accordance with 22 M.R.S. Sec. 3173-J(3), the per diem base rates are posted on the MaineCare Provider Fee Schedule, and the Department is not required to do rulemaking to make the annual inflation adjustments to the per diem base rate.
The Department proposes that the new reimbursement methodology have a retroactive application date of July 1, 2023, as authorized by 22 M.R.S. 42(8), as the changes benefit, and do not harm MaineCare members or providers. In order to prevent any adverse financial impact to any hospital with a distinct psychiatric unit, the Department has proposed a time limited supplemental payment for hospitals with distinct psychiatric units that are located in zip codes that CMS designates as “super rural” and that also have a High Geographic Need Health Professional Shortage Area for mental health designation by the Health Resources and Services Administration.
- Appendix A(VIII):
The Department includes distinct psychiatric units and SUD units in this provision, so that hospitals can claim for two episodes of care if patients are transferred to distinct rehabilitation, psychiatric or SUD units. The Department proposes a retroactive application of July 1, 2023, for this change, as authorized by 22 M.R.S. Sec. 42(8), as this change benefits, and does not harm MaineCare members or providers.
- Remove website addresses and embed links to those websites in their place.
- Make minor technical edits and format corrections.
See http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oms/rules/index.shtml for rules and related rulemaking documents.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 22 M.R.S. §§ 42, 3173; 22 M.R.S. 3173-J
PUBLIC HEARING:
Date and Time: Wednesday, August 9, 2023; 9:00am
Location: 109 Capital St, Augusta, ME; Conference Room A
The public hearing will be held both in-person and via zoom.
Zoom Meeting link: https://mainestate.zoom.us/j/84802366882?pwd=L1VVYmpRWnYyRkJFL0l2SWQyMzRQUT09
Meeting ID: 848 0236 6882
Some devices may require downloading a free app from Zoom prior to joining the public hearing event. The Department requests that any individual requiring special arrangements to participate in the hearing contact the person listed for this filing 5 days in advance of the hearing.
DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS: Comments must be received by 11:59 PM on Saturday, August 19, 2023.
AGENCY CONTACT PERSON: Catherine Coolidge, Comprehensive Health Planner II
AGENCY NAME: MaineCare Services
ADDRESS: 109 Capitol Street, 11 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0011
TELEPHONE: 207-624-4082 FAX: (207) 287-6106
TTY: 711 (Deaf or Hard of Hearing)
IMPACT ON MUNICIPALITIES OR COUNTIES (if any): The Department anticipates that this rulemaking will not have any impact on municipalities or counties.
CONTACT PERSON FOR SMALL BUSINESS INFORMATION (if different): N/A
STATUTORY AUTHORITY FOR THIS RULE: 22 M.R.S. §§ 42, 3173; 22 M.R.S. 3173-J
Proposed
Office: MaineCare Services
Routine technical
Email: catherine.coolidge@maine.gov
Comment deadline:
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