29 Jul Michigan EVV Update

Understanding Michigan Medicaid EVV Requirements for Home Health Care Agencies

Following the nationwide implementation of the 21st Century Cures Act, U.S states are required to use Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) for Medicaid-funded personal care and home health care services. For the home health agency, using approved and alternate EVV systems ensures accuracy, ensures compliance with the law, and reduces the potential for fraud. The state of Michigan, like other states, has established specific EVV requirements to keep agencies in compliance and improve the quality of care provided to Medicaid beneficiaries. This blog is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of Michigan Medicaid EVV requirements for home health care agencies. If you would like to learn more about electronic visit verification by state, agency technology requirements, and approved EVV systems, you can learn more by visiting this EVV blog on the home health tips blogspot page. 

What is EVV?

Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) is a technology solution that verifies and generally aggregates or transmits all of the pertinent details of home health care services from the agency to the appropriate body. EVV systems track critical details such as:

• The type of service performed
• The individual who has received the service
• The date the service was rendered
• The exact location of service delivery
• The individual (caregiver) who provided the service
• The start and end time of the service provided

What are Michigan EVV Requirements?

In Michigan, the Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has set forth specific guidelines for EVV compliance to ensure that Medicaid services are properly documented and billed. These services can be documented by a stand-alone state-provided electronic visit verification system, an EVV system for Michigan offered by an alternate vendor. or any number of softwares that feature built-in EVV functionality.

Here are the key requirements:

Mandatory Implementation

All home healthcare agencies providing Medicaid-funded services must implement compatible Michigan EVV software. This requirement is in place to prevent fraud, ensure accurate service delivery, and improve patient care. 

Approved EVV Vendors

Agencies must use EVV systems approved by MDHHS. Approved electronic visit verification vendors meet the state’s technical standards and ensure that the EVV data is accurately captured and transmitted to Michagan’s Medicaid system.

Data Capture and Reporting

The EVV system implemented has to accurately capture and report the following information:

• The type of service provided
• The individual receiving the service
• The date the service was provided
• The exact location of the service’s delivery
• The individual who provided the service
• The start and end times of the service provided 

This data must be electronically submitted to MDHHS for verification and record-keeping.

Training and Support

Home healthcare agencies operating in the state of Michigan are responsible for ensuring that their staff are adequately trained on how to use whichever EVV system their agency has chosen. This includes understanding how to accurately log visits, troubleshoot common issues, and ensure that the data is correctly submitted.

Compliance and Audits

MDHHS conducts regular audits to ensure full compliance with Michigan’s EVV requirements. Home health care agencies must maintain accurate records and stay prepared for periodic reviews. Non-compliance with Michigan’s EVV requirements can result in penalties, which could include but are not limited to reimbursement delays or denials.

What are the Benefits of EVV for Home Health Care Agencies?

Implementing an EVV system offers numerous advantages beyond basic compliance with Michigan Medicaid requirements including:

• Improving Agency Operational Efficiency: EVV systems streamline the documentation process, reducing paperwork and the administrative burden on the agency. This allows caregivers to focus more on patient care rather than cumbersome administrative tasks.
• Enhancing Accuracy and Accountability: Electronic visit verification ensures that services are accurately documented and verified, reducing the potential for fraud and billing errors.
• Enhancement of Care Coordination: Real-time data from EVV systems can help agencies track service delivery, identify gaps in care, and make informed decisions to improve patient outcomes and agency workflow.
• Greater Compliance and Reimbursement: Ensuring compliance with EVV requirements helps agencies avoid penalties and ensures timely and accurate Medicaid reimbursements.

Info About the 21^st Century Cures Act

The national implementation of EVV began with the inception of the 21st Century Cures Act. The 21st Century Cures Act, which was signed into law in December 2016, requires providers of personal care, including personal care assistance (PCA) as well as many waiver services (beginning in 2020) and home health care providers (beginning in 2023) to use an approved electronic visit verification system to document visits, in order to be eligible for full federal Medicaid matching dollars. Since it’s inception, various states enacted various implementation dates, with some filing and being granted good faith extensions to achieve full implementation.

How to Choose the Right EVV Vendor

When a home health agency selects an EVV vendor, it is critically important to choose an EVV vendor that not only meets Michigan’s requirements but also integrates seamlessly with existing systems. When conducting a search, seek out vendors that offer comprehensive training, ongoing support, and a user-friendly system interface to ensure a smooth transition and continued compliance.

The Impact on the Agency

The implementation of a solid system for electronic visit verification is a crucial step in improving the quality and accountability of home health services in Michigan. By understanding and adhering to the state’s EVV requirements, homecare agencies can ensure compliance, enhance operational efficiency, and ultimately provide better care to Medicaid beneficiaries.

For more information on Michigan Medicaid EVV requirements, visit the MDHHS website or consult with an approved Michigan EVV vendor.

By staying informed and proactive about EVV requirements, home healthcare agencies in Michigan can navigate the evolving landscape of Medicaid services with confidence and efficiency.

The Alora Home Health Blog

Read the Alora blog for industry news, including recent news, articles and commentaries, as well as other issues that pertain to Homecare in the U.S and beyond. For more information on Michigan EVV, Home Health Software, other blog topics, questions and feedback, please send us an email to HomeHealthSoftware@Alorahealth.com

To view info on Alora’s Michigan EVV System click here