Important Updates on CMAS Contracts

In October, DOH posted several updates to the CMAS contracts, all can be found on the MRT 90: Mandatory Enrollment Managed Long Term Care website.

The first revision is in the CMAS Statement and Certification. Please note there is a new check-off box under Sections A and C of the contract template. Four additional items have been added: 1.) Under #9 providision of 24/7 assess to care management staff; 2.) Under #10 revised reports; 3.) Under #11 plan protocols and evaluating administrator's performance; and 4.) Under #13 description of the supervisory structure for care management.

In June, DOH posted MLTC Policy 13.17 which provided greater detail to the Managed Long Term Care (MLTC) plans of key areas that must be addressed in all Care Management Administrative Services (CMAS) contracts submitted to DOH for review. This is supplemental guidance to be used in conjunction with the Care Management Administrative Services Contract Guidelines ("CMAS Guidelines").

The October 2013 revision of MLTC Policy 13.17 is also available: MLTC Policy 13.17 REVISED: Care Management Protocols Guidelines- applicable to Partial MLTC and MAP plans and PACE. The document was intended for two purposes - inform the MLTCs of standards that must be reflected in all care management protocols and key areas that must be addressed in all CMAS contracts. This latest revision states that "all MLTC Plans must ensure that their Care Management protocols meet the requirements detailed in items #1-9 below. If revisions are necessary to meet the new requirements, a redlined copy addressing any substantive changes must be submitted to the Department for review and approval. Plans who believe their existing protocols are in compliance with items #1-9 must submit an attestation indicating compliance. Plans are required to submit either revised protocols or attestation within sixty (60) calendar days from the issuance of this policy. Please note that plans who attest to compliance will be held to such statements, and could be subject to sanctions if the Department subsequently determines appropriate revisions were not made." Another critical piece on page two includes the requirements for contracts or material submitted prior to Oct. 18, 2013, with revisions submitted prior to Dec. 31, 2013.

Later in October, DOH posted MLTC Policy 13.17 A- Questions and Answers Related to MLTC Policy 13.17 Revised, which provides greater specificity to the previous policy.

DOH also revised the CMAS Contract Guidelines and the CMAS Standard Clauses.

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