Clarity on Operating a LTHHCP

Last week, the Department of Health (DOH) posted a Questions and Answers document on the Long Term Home Health Care Program (LTHHCP) regarding its status, roles, operating authority, options given the closure of the 1915(c) waiver, services to provide, and where to submit questions.

The Q&A document, while new, touches upon some of the questions that were raised in 2012 when the federal government approved amendments to Medicaid waivers that would allow the state to transition LTHHCP patients from the LTHHCP to managed care. Questions arose again in 2012 when DOH posted a Request for Application (RFA) for the “Establishment for New or Existing Certified Home Health Agencies in New York State.” In 2012, there were over 100 LTHHCPs serving more than 30,000 patients; currently, there are fewer LTHHCPs.

For LTHHCPs that didn’t surrender their operating certificate or convert to become a CHHA, the Q&A document clarifies the LTHHCP role as a downstream provider. LeadingAge NY has reviewed the Q&A document and been in contact with DOH.

Please submit your questions to DOH at homecare@health.ny.gov. You may also submit your questions to me, and I will forward them to DOH.

Contact: Cheryl Udell, cudell@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8871