Justin Breitwieser

The North Dakota Medicaid two-year Provider Revalidation (PR) Strategy outlines the state's plan to enhance oversight and revalidation processes for high-risk providers, specifically Qualified Service Providers (QSP), Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT), and 1915(i) providers. Key initiatives include implementing enhanced enrollment requirements, increasing revalidation frequency from five to three years for these categories, and applying temporary enrollment moratoriums. The strategy aims to strengthen program integrity, improve data accuracy across delivery systems, and align with federal expectations for provider oversight.

The Council discussed transition activities at Standing Rock High School and received a report on the Client Assistance Program. Committee restructuring was finalized, involving the dissolution of the Employment Committee and the establishment of a new Executive Committee with reallocated duties. Revisions to the bylaws regarding council membership and the term limits for the Chair were approved. Updates were provided concerning Vocational Rehabilitation director reports, Statewide Independent Living Council state plan progress, and tribal vocational rehabilitation representation.

The council meeting addressed various topics including an update on the vocational rehabilitation budget, the election of a new vice-chair, and a roundtable discussion on stakeholder partnerships. There was an extensive review of disability-related legislation, including bills pertaining to housing, criminal justice, voting, education, mental health, and transportation. Additionally, the meeting featured presentations on the Safe Routes to School program and Medicaid expansion services, along with quarterly reports from independent living directors and updates from various committees such as Governance, Internal Affairs, External Affairs, State Rehabilitation Council, and Committee on Aging.

The committee discussed updates on CMS proposed rule changes, the assignment of member term lengths, and feedback from orientation sessions and member surveys. Medical Services Division updates covered the unwinding of the continuous enrollment period, the formation of a Medicaid Member Engagement Committee, and progress in value-based purchasing for hospitals. Additional topics included the upcoming pilot for paid family caregiving, new service coverage approvals such as interprofessional consultations and screening services, and a redesign of the provider guidance and policy webpages. Operations updates addressed the revision of state forms, approval of behavioral health state plan amendments, and updates on various Home and Community-Based Waivers, including the Autism Spectrum Disorder waiver expansion. The meeting concluded with an overview of the role and responsibilities of the Medicaid Tribal Liaison.

The committee meeting covered a variety of topics, including an educational presentation on Navigator Help for individuals applying for health care coverage and a review of FFY21 data on Child and Adult Core Set Measures. Updates were provided by the Faces of Medicaid and Codes/Services subcommittees, as well as status reports on Qualified Service Provider Grants and the American Rescue Plan regarding temporary FMAP increases and the extension of Medicaid postpartum coverage. The Medical Services Division provided updates on the Value-Based Payment Model for PPS Health Systems, Public Health Emergency unwinding, timely filing policy reminders, and planned state plan amendments for Mental Health Rehabilitative Services and other licensed practitioners.