Part VII. Famis Moms
12VAC30-141-670. Definitions.
The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Adverse action," consistent with 42 CFR 457.1130, means the denial of eligibility; failure to make a timely determination of eligibility; suspension or termination of enrollment, including disenrollment for failure to pay cost sharing; or delay, denial, reduction, suspension, or termination of health services, in whole or in part, including a determination about the type or level of services; and failure to approve, furnish, or provide payment for health services in a timely manner; provided, however, that determination of eligibility to participate in and termination of participation in the FAMIS Select program shall not constitute an adverse action.
"Adverse benefit determination," consistent with 42 CFR 438.400, means the denial or limited authorization of a requested service; the failure to take action or timely take action on a request for service; the reduction, suspension, or termination of a previously authorized service; denial in whole or in part of a payment for a service; failure to provide services within the timeframes required by the state; for a resident of a rural exception area with only one MCO, the denial of a enrollee's request to exercise the enrollee's right under 42 CFR 438.52(b)(2)(ii) to obtain services outside of the network; the denial of a enrollee's request to dispute a financial liability as provided in 42 CFR 438.400(b)(7); or the failure of an MCO to act within the timeframes provided in 42 CFR 438.408(b).
"Agency" means the same as defined in 12VAC30-141-10.
"Agent" means an individual designated in writing to act on behalf of a FAMIS MOMS Plan applicant or enrollee during the administrative review process.
"Appeal" means an enrollee's request for review of an adverse benefit determination by an MCO or an adverse action by the LDSS, CPU, or DMAS.
"Applicant" means a pregnant woman who has filed an application (or who has an application filed on her behalf) for health insurance and is awaiting a determination of eligibility. A pregnant woman is an applicant until her eligibility has been determined.
"Application for health insurance" means the single streamlined application for determining eligibility in public health insurance programs operated by the Commonwealth.
"Authorized representative" means a person who is authorized to conduct the personal or financial affairs for an individual who is 18 years of age or older.
"Central processing unit" or "CPU" means Cover Virginia, which is the same as defined in 12VAC30-141-10.
"Child" means an individual younger than 19 years of age.
"Conservator" means a person appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction to manage the estate and financial affairs of an incapacitated individual.
"Continuation of coverage" means ensuring an enrollee's benefits are continued until completion of the review process, with the condition that should the enrollee not prevail in the review process, the enrollee shall be liable for the repayment of all benefits received during the review process.
"Director" means the individual, or his designee, specified in § 32.1-324 of the Code of Virginia with all of the attendant duties and responsibilities to administer the State Plan for Medical Assistance and the State Plan for Title XXI.
"DMAS" or "department" means the Department of Medical Assistance Services.
"Enrollee" means a pregnant woman who has been determined eligible to participate in FAMIS MOMS and is enrolled in the FAMIS MOMS program.
"FAMIS" means the Family Access to Medical Insurance Security Plan.
"FAMIS MOMS" means the Title XXI program available to eligible pregnant women.
"Federal poverty level" or "FPL" means that income standard as published annually by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the Federal Register.
"Fee-for-service" means the traditional Medicaid health care delivery and payment system in which physicians and other providers receive a payment for each unit of service they provide.
"Guardian" means a person appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction to be responsible for the affairs of an incapacitated individual, including responsibility for making decisions regarding the person's support, care, health, safety, habilitation, education, and therapeutic treatment, and, if not inconsistent with an order of commitment, residence.
"Incapacitated " means a person who, pursuant to an order of a court of competent jurisdiction, has been found to be incapable of receiving and evaluating information effectively or responding to people, events, or environments to such an extent that the individual lacks the capacity to (i) meet the essential requirements of her health, care, safety, or therapeutic needs without the assistance or protection of a guardian, or (ii) manage property or financial affairs or provide for her support or for the support of her legal dependents without the assistance or protection of a conservator.
"LDSS" or "local department" means the local department of social services.
"Managed care organization" or "MCO" means an organization that offers managed care health insurance plans (MCHIPs) as defined in § 32.1-137.1 of the Code of Virginia.
"Pregnant woman" means a woman of any age who is medically determined to be pregnant. The pregnant woman definition is met from the first day of the earliest month that the medical practitioner certifies as being a month in which the woman was pregnant, through the last day of the month in which the 60th day occurs, following the last day of the month in which her pregnancy ended, regardless of the reason the pregnancy ended.
"Provider" means the individual, facility, or other entity registered, licensed, or certified, as appropriate, and enrolled by an MCHIP or in fee-for-service to render services to FAMIS MOMS enrollees eligible for services.
"State fair hearing" means, consistent with 42 CFR 438.400, the process set forth in 42 CFR 431 Subpart E.
"Title XXI" means the federal State Children's Health Insurance Program as established by Subtitle J of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-325 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 1396 et seq.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 7, eff. January 10, 2007; amended, Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 12, eff. March 28, 2014; Volume 35, Issue 20, eff. June 26, 2019.
12VAC30-141-680. Administration and general background.
A. The state shall use funds provided under Title XXI for obtaining coverage that meets the requirements of Title XXI of the Social Security Act and any waiver of federal regulations approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
B. The DMAS director will have the authority to contract with entities for the purposes of establishing a centralized processing site, determining eligibility, enrolling eligible pregnant women into health plans, performing outreach, data collection, reporting, and other services necessary for the administration of the FAMIS MOMS program.
C. Health care services under FAMIS MOMS shall be provided through MCHIPs and fee-for-service or through any other health care delivery system deemed appropriate by the Department of Medical Assistance Services.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-325 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 1396 et seq.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 7, eff. January 10, 2007; amended, Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 12, eff. March 28, 2014; Volume 35, Issue 20, eff. June 26, 2019.
12VAC30-141-690. Outreach and public participation.
A. DMAS will work cooperatively with other state agencies and contractors to ensure that state and federal law and any applicable state and federal regulations are met.
B. DMAS shall develop a comprehensive marketing and outreach effort. The marketing and outreach efforts will be aimed at promoting FAMIS MOMS and Medicaid for pregnant women and increasing enrollment and may include contracting with a public relations firm, nonprofit agencies, and foundations, and coordination with other state agencies, coordination with the business community, and coordination with health care associations and providers.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-325 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 1396 et seq.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 7, eff. January 10, 2007; amended, Virginia Register Volume 35, Issue 20, eff. June 26, 2019.
12VAC30-141-700. Appeal of adverse actions or adverse benefit determinations.
A. Upon request, all FAMIS MOMS program applicants and enrollees shall have the right to a state fair hearing of an adverse action made by the local department of social services, CPU, or DMAS, or an internal appeal of an adverse benefit determination made by the MCO.
B. During the appeal of a suspension or termination of enrollment or a reduction, suspension, or termination of services, the enrollee shall have the right to continuation of coverage if the enrollee requests an internal appeal with the MCO or an appeal to DMAS prior to the effective date of the suspension or termination of enrollment or suspension, reduction, or termination of services.
C. An appeal of an adverse action made by the local department of social services, CPU, or DMAS shall be heard and decided by an agent of DMAS who has not been directly involved in the adverse action under appeal.
D. An internal appeal of an adverse benefit determination made by the MCO must be conducted by a person or agent of the MCO who has not been directly involved in the adverse benefit determination under appeal.
E. Pursuant to 42 CFR 438.402(c)(1)(B), after exhausting the MCO's internal appeals process, there shall be opportunity for the enrollee to request an external medical review by an independent external quality review organization. "External quality review organization" means the independent contractor assigned by DMAS to handle quality reviews and to conduct final review of MCHIP adverse actions for FAMIS MOMS. The review is optional and shall not be required before proceeding to a state fair hearing. The review shall not extend any of the timeframes for issuing a decision and shall not disrupt any continuation of coverage granted to the enrollee.
F. There will be no opportunity for appeal of an adverse action to the extent that such adverse action is based on a determination by the director that funding for FAMIS MOMS has been terminated or exhausted. There will be no opportunity for appeal if the sole basis for the decision is a provision in the State Plan or in a state or federal law requiring an automatic change in eligibility or enrollment or a change in coverage under the health benefits package that affects all applicants or enrollees or a group of applicants or enrollees without regard to their individual circumstances.
G. The burden of proof shall be assigned to the party who is attempting to make a change per 12VAC30-110-220 C.
H. At no time shall the failure of MCO, LDSS, CPU, or DMAS to meet the timeframes set in this chapter or set in the MCO or DMAS written appeal procedure constitute a basis for granting the applicant or enrollee the relief sought.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-325 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 1396 et seq.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 7, eff. January 10, 2007; amended, Virginia Register Volume 35, Issue 20, eff. June 26, 2019; Volume 40, Issue 22, eff. August 1, 2024.
12VAC30-141-710. Notice of adverse action or adverse benefit determination.
A. The LDSS, CPU, DMAS, or DMAS contractor shall send written notification to enrollees at least 10 calendar days prior to suspension or termination of enrollment.
B. DMAS or the MCO shall send written notification to enrollees at least 10 calendar days prior to reduction, suspension, or termination of a previously authorized health service.
C. The local department of social services, CPU, DMAS, or MCO shall send written notification to applicants and enrollees of all other adverse actions within 10 calendar days of the adverse action.
D. Notice shall include:
1. The determination the LDSS, CPU, DMAS, or MCO has made or intends to make;
2. The reasons for the determination, including the right of the enrollee to be provided upon request and free of charge reasonable access to and copies of all documents, records, and other information relevant to the determination;
3. An explanation of applicable rights to request an appeal of that determination. For adverse benefit determinations by an MCO, this shall include information on the MCO's internal appeals process and, after the internal appeals process is exhausted, a state fair hearing pursuant to 42 CFR 402(b) and 42 CFR 402(c);
4. The procedures for exercising these appeal rights;
5. The circumstances under which an appeal process can be expedited and how to request it; and
6. The circumstances under which enrollment or services may continue pending appeal, how to request benefits be continued, and the circumstances, consistent with state policy, under which the enrollee may be required to pay the costs of these services.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-325 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 1396 et seq.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 7, eff. January 10, 2007; amended, Virginia Register Volume 35, Issue 20, eff. June 26, 2019.
12VAC30-141-720. Request for appeal.
A. Requests for internal appeal of MCO adverse benefit determinations shall be submitted orally or in writing to the MCO. Unless the enrollee requests an expedited appeal, an oral appeal request must be followed by a written appeal request. The enrollee must exhaust the MCO's internal appeals process before appealing to DMAS.
B. If the MCO fails to adhere to the notice or timing requirements set forth in this part, the enrollee is deemed to have exhausted the MCO's internal appeals process and may initiate a state fair hearing.
C. Requests for appeal of adverse actions made by the LDSS, CPU, or DMAS, or of internal appeal decisions by the MCO shall be submitted to DMAS.
D. Any communication expressing a desire to have an adverse benefit determination by an MCO reviewed shall be treated as a request for an internal appeal. Any communication expressing a desire to have an adverse action by the LDSS, CPU, or DMAS reviewed shall be treated as a request for a state fair hearing. Any communication expressing a desire to have an MCO internal appeal decision reviewed shall be treated as a request for a state fair hearing.
E. To be timely, requests for an internal appeal of an MCO's adverse benefit determination shall be received by the MCO no later than 60 calendar days from the date of the MCO's notice of adverse benefit determination.
F. To be timely, requests for an appeal of an adverse benefit determination upheld in whole or in part by the MCO's internal appeal decision shall be received by DMAS within 120 calendar days from the date of the internal appeal decision.
G. To be timely, requests for appeal of a local department of social services, DMAS, or CPU adverse action shall be filed with DMAS no later than 30 calendar days from the date of the notice of adverse action. Requests for appeal of an agency determination shall be considered filed with DMAS on the date the request is postmarked if mailed, or on the date the request is received if delivered other than by mail, by DMAS.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-325 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 1396 et seq.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 7, eff. January 10, 2007; amended, Virginia Register Volume 25, Issue 14, eff. April 15, 2009; Virginia Register Volume 35, Issue 20, eff. June 26, 2019.
12VAC30-141-730. Appeal procedures.
A. At a minimum, the MCO internal appeal shall be conducted pursuant to written procedures as defined in § 32.1-137.6 of the Code of Virginia and 42 CFR 438.400 et seq. Such procedures shall be subject to review and approval by DMAS.
B. Any adverse benefit determination upheld in whole or in part by the internal appeal decision issued by the MCO may be appealed by the enrollee to DMAS in accordance with the DMAS client appeals regulations at 12VAC30-110-10 through 12VAC30-110-370. DMAS shall conduct an evidentiary hearing in accordance with 12VAC30-110-10 through 12VAC30-110-370 and shall not base any appealed decision on the record established by any internal appeal decision of the MCO. The MCO shall comply with the DMAS appeal decision. The DMAS decision in these matters shall be final and shall not be subject to appeal by the MCO.
C. Appeals of adverse actions by the LDSS, CPU, or DMAS shall be conducted pursuant to 12VAC30-110.
D. Copies of the procedures shall be promptly provided by the MCO or DMAS to applicants and enrollees upon receipt of timely requests for internal appeals or state fair hearings. Such written procedures shall include the following:
1. The right to representation by an attorney or other agent of the applicant's or enrollee's choice, but at no time shall the MCO, LDSS, DSS, or DMAS be required to obtain or compensate attorneys or other agents acting on behalf of applicants or enrollees;
2. The right to timely review of files and other applicable information relevant to the internal appeal or state fair hearing of the decision;
3. The right to fully participate in the internal appeal or state fair hearing process, whether the internal appeal or state fair hearing is conducted in person or in writing, including the presentation of supplemental information during the internal appeal or state fair hearing process;
4. The right to have personal and medical information and records maintained as confidential;
5. The right to a written final decision:
a. For internal appeals to the MCO, within 30 calendar days of receipt of the request for an internal appeal; or
b. For state fair hearings, within the time limitations for appeals imposed by federal regulations and as permitted in 12VAC30-110-30;
6. For eligibility and enrollment matters, if the applicant's or enrollee's physician or health plan determines that the 90-calendar-day timeframe could seriously jeopardize the applicant's or enrollee's life or health or ability to attain, maintain, or regain maximum function, an applicant or enrollee will have the opportunity to request an expedited appeal. Under these conditions, a request for an expedited appeal shall result in a written final decision within 72 hours after DMAS receives the expedited appeal request from the physician or health plan with the case record and information indicating that taking the time for a standard resolution of the appeal request could seriously jeopardize the applicant's or enrollee's life or health or ability to attain, maintain, or regain maximum function, unless the applicant or enrollee requests an extension;
7. For health services matters for FAMIS MOMS enrollees receiving services through an MCO:
a. If the enrollee's physician or health plan determines that the 30-calendar-day timeframe for a standard internal appeal could seriously jeopardize the enrollee's life, health, or ability to attain, maintain, or regain maximum function, an enrollee will have the opportunity to request an expedited internal appeal. Under these conditions, a request for an internal appeal shall result in a written decision by the MCO within 72 hours from the time the expedited internal appeal is requested, unless the applicant, enrollee, or authorized representative requests a delay. If a delay is requested by the applicant, enrollee, or authorized representative, then expedited internal appeal may be extended up to 14 calendar days.
b. If the adverse benefit determination is upheld in whole or in part by the expedited internal appeal decision issued by the MCO, and if the enrollee's physician or health plan determines that the timeframe for a standard appeal to DMAS could seriously jeopardize the enrollee's life or health or ability to attain, maintain, or regain maximum function, an enrollee will have the opportunity to request an expedited appeal to DMAS. Under these conditions, a request for a state fair hearing shall result in a written decision within 72 hours from the time an enrollee requests the expedited appeal, unless the applicant, enrollee, or authorized representative requests or causes a delay. If a delay is requested by the applicant, enrollee, or authorized representative, then the expedited appeal may be extended up to 14 calendar days; and
8. For health services matters for FAMIS MOMS enrollees receiving services through fee-for-service, if the enrollee's physician or health plan determines that the 90-calendar-day timeframe for a standard appeal could seriously jeopardize the enrollee's life, health, or ability to attain, maintain, or regain maximum function, an enrollee will have the opportunity to request an expedited review. Under these conditions, a request for an expedited appeal shall result in a written decision within 72 hours from the time the expedited appeal is requested, unless the applicant, enrollee, or authorized representative requests or causes a delay. If a delay is requested or caused by the applicant, enrollee, or authorized representative, then expedited appeal may be extended up to 14 calendar days.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-325 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 1396 et seq.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 7, eff. January 10, 2007; amended, Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 12, eff. March 28, 2014; Volume 35, Issue 20, eff. June 26, 2019.
12VAC30-141-740. General conditions of eligibility.
A. This section shall be used to determine eligibility of pregnant women for FAMIS MOMS.
B. FAMIS MOMS shall be in effect statewide.
C. Eligible pregnant women must:
1. Be determined ineligible for Medicaid due to excess income by LDSS, by DMAS, or by the CPU;
2. Be a pregnant woman at the time of application;
3. Be a resident of the Commonwealth as described in 12VAC30-141-100 E;
4. Be either a United States citizen, United States national, lawfully residing, or a qualified noncitizen as described in 12VAC30-141-100 E;
5. Be uninsured, that is, not have creditable health insurance coverage; and
6. Not be an inpatient in an institution for mental diseases, or an inmate in a public institution that is not a medical facility.
"Lawfully residing" means the individual is lawfully present in the United States and meets state residency requirements. "Creditable health insurance coverage" means coverage that meets the definition at 42 CFR 457.10.
D. Financial eligibility.
1. Screening. All applications for FAMIS MOMS coverage shall have a Medicaid income eligibility screen completed. Pregnant women determined to be ineligible for Medicaid due to excess income shall have their eligibility for FAMIS MOMS determined.
2. Standards. Income standards for FAMIS MOMS are the same as those described at 12VAC30-141-100 F 2, applied to pregnant women. For purposes of income determination, the family size of the pregnant woman will count the unborn child.
3. Spenddown. DMAS does not apply a spenddown process for FAMIS MOMS where household income exceeds the income eligibility limit for FAMIS MOMS.
E. Coverage under other health plans.
1. Any pregnant woman covered under a group health plan or under health insurance coverage, as defined in § 2791 of the Public Health Services Act (42 USC § 300gg-91(a) and (b)(1)), shall not be eligible for FAMIS MOMS.
2. FAMIS MOMS shall not be a substitution for private insurance.
a. Only uninsured pregnant women shall be eligible for FAMIS MOMS. A pregnant woman is not considered to be insured if the health insurance plan covering the pregnant woman does not have a network of providers in the area where the pregnant woman resides. Each application for FAMIS MOMS coverage shall include an inquiry about health insurance the pregnant woman has at the time of application.
b. Health insurance does not include Medicare, Medicaid, FAMIS or insurance for which DMAS paid premiums under Title XIX through the Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) Program or under Title XXI through the SCHIP premium assistance program.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-325 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 1396 et seq.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 7, eff. January 10, 2007; amended, Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2007; Volume 25, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2009; Volume 26, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2010; Volume 29, Issue 21, eff. July 17, 2013; Volume 34, Issue 9, eff. January 24, 2018; Volume 35, Issue 20, eff. June 26, 2019.
12VAC30-141-750. Duration of eligibility.
A. The effective date of FAMIS MOMS eligibility shall be the first day of the month in which an application was received by LDSS, DMAS, or the CPU if the applicant met all eligibility requirements in that month.
B. Eligibility for FAMIS MOMS will continue through the last day of the month in which the 60th day occurs, following the last day the woman was pregnant, regardless of the reason the pregnancy ended. Eligibility will continue until the end of the coverage period, regardless of changes in circumstances such as income or family size.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-325 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 1396 et seq.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 7, eff. January 10, 2007; amended, Virginia Register Volume 35, Issue 20, eff. June 26, 2019.
12VAC30-141-760. Pregnant women ineligible for FAMIS MOMS.
A. If a pregnant woman is:
1. Eligible for Medicaid, she shall be ineligible for coverage under FAMIS MOMS;
2. An inmate of a public institution as provided in 42 CFR 435.1009(a)(1), she shall be ineligible for FAMIS MOMS at the initial determination of eligibility; or
3. An inpatient in an institution for mental disease as defined in 42 CFR 435.1010, she shall be ineligible for FAMIS MOMS at the initial determination of eligibility.
B. If a pregnant woman age 18 years or older or, if younger than age 18 years, a parent or other authorized representative does not meet the requirements of assignment of rights to benefits or requirements of cooperation with the agency in identifying and providing information to assist the Commonwealth in pursuing any liable third party, the pregnant woman shall be ineligible for FAMIS MOMS.
C. If a pregnant woman age 18 years or older, or if younger than age 18 years, a parent, adult relative caretaker, guardian, or legal custodian obtained benefits for a pregnant woman who would otherwise be ineligible by willfully misrepresenting material facts on the application or failing to report changes, the pregnant woman for whom the application is made shall be ineligible for FAMIS MOMS. The pregnant woman age 18 years or older, or if younger than age 18 years, the parent, adult relative caretaker, guardian, or legal custodian who signed the application shall be liable for repayment of the cost of all benefits issued as the result of the misrepresentation.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-325 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 1396 et seq.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 7, eff. January 10, 2007; amended, Virginia Register Volume 25, Issue 14, eff. April 15, 2009; Volume 34, Issue 9, eff. January 24, 2018; Volume 35, Issue 20, eff. June 26, 2019.
12VAC30-141-770. Nondiscriminatory provisions.
FAMIS MOMS shall be conducted in compliance with all civil rights requirements. FAMIS MOMS shall not:
1. Discriminate during the eligibility determination process on the basis of diagnosis;
2. Cover pregnant women of higher income without first covering pregnant women with a lower family income; and
3. Deny eligibility based on a pregnant woman having a preexisting medical condition.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-324 and 32.1-325 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 7, eff. January 10, 2007.
12VAC30-141-780. No entitlement.
In accordance with § 2102(b)(4) of the Social Security Act and § 32.1-353 of the Code of Virginia, FAMIS MOMS shall not create any entitlement for, right to, or interest in payment of medical services on the part of any pregnant woman or any right or entitlement to participation.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-324 and 32.1-325 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 7, eff. January 10, 2007.
12VAC30-141-790. Application requirements.
A. Availability of program information. DMAS or its designee shall furnish the following information in written form and orally as appropriate to all applicants and to other individuals who request it:
1. The eligibility requirements;
2. Summary of covered benefits;
3. Copayment amounts required; and
4. The rights and responsibilities of applicants and enrollees.
B. Opportunity to apply. DMAS or its designee must afford a pregnant woman, wishing to do so, the opportunity to apply for the FAMIS MOMS program. Applicants may file an application by mail, by fax, by phone, via the internet, or in person at local departments of social services. Face-to-face interviews for the program are not required. Eligibility determinations for FAMIS MOMS shall occur at LDSS, DMAS, or the CPU.
C. Application. DMAS or its designee shall require an application from the applicant if the applicant is at least 18 years of age or older, or from a parent, adult relative caretaker, guardian, legal custodian, or authorized representative if the applicant is younger than 18 years of age or the applicant is incapacitated.
1. DMAS employs a single, streamlined application developed by the state and approved by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services in accordance with § 1413(b)(1)(B) of the Affordable Care Act.
2. DMAS may employ an alternative application used to apply for multiple human service programs approved by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, provided that the agency makes readily available the single or alternative application used only for insurance affordability programs to individuals seeking assistance only through such programs.
D. Right to apply. An individual who is 18 years of age or older shall not be refused the right to complete an application for health insurance for herself and shall not be discouraged from asking for assistance for herself under any circumstances.
E. Applicant's signature. The applicant must sign state-approved application forms submitted, even if another person fills out the form, unless the application is filed and signed by the applicant's parent, spouse, adult relative caretaker, legal guardian or conservator, attorney-in-fact or authorized representative.
F. The authorized representative for an individual 18 years of age or older shall be those individuals as set forth in 12VAC30-110-1380.
G. The authorized representative for children younger than 18 years of age shall be those individuals as set forth in 12VAC30-110-1390.
H. Persons prohibited from signing an application. An employee of, or an entity hired by, a medical service provider who stands to obtain FAMIS MOMS payments shall not sign an application for health insurance on behalf of an individual who cannot designate an authorized representative.
I. Assistance with application. DMAS or its designee shall allow an individual of the applicant's choice to assist and represent the applicant in the application process, or a renewal process for eligibility.
J. Timely determination of eligibility. The time processing standards for determining eligibility for FAMIS MOMS coverage begin with the date an application is submitted online, by telephone, by fax, or received in hard copy at a local department of social services or the CPU. All applications shall have an eligibility determination for Medicaid for pregnant women and FAMIS MOMS performed within the Medicaid case processing time standards (10 business days) if all information necessary to make the determination has been received.
K. Notice of the decision concerning eligibility. DMAS, an LDSS, or the CPU shall send each applicant a written notice of the agency's or designee's decision on the applicant's application, and if approved, the applicant's obligations under the program. If eligibility for FAMIS MOMS is denied, notice shall be given concerning the reasons for the action and an explanation of the applicant's right to request a review of the adverse actions, as described in 12VAC30-141-50.
L. Case documentation. DMAS, the local department of social services, or the CPU shall include in each applicant's record all necessary facts to support the decision on the applicant's application and shall dispose of each application by a finding of eligibility or ineligibility, unless (i) there is an entry in the case record that the applicant voluntarily withdrew the application and that the agency or its designee sent a notice confirming the applicant's decision or (ii) there is a supporting entry in the case record that the applicant cannot be located.
M. Case maintenance. All cases approved for FAMIS MOMS shall be maintained at departments of social services or the CPU. The LDSS or the agency determining eligibility will be responsible for providing newly enrolled recipients with program information, benefits available, how to secure services under the program, a FAMIS MOMS handbook, and for processing changes in eligibility within established timeframes. DMAS outreach resources may also provide information or assistance to the enrollee.
N. Notice of decision concerning eligibility. LDSS, DMAS, or the CPU must give enrollees timely notice of proposed action to terminate their eligibility under FAMIS MOMS. The notice must meet the requirements of 42 CFR 457.1180.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-325 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 1396 et seq.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 7, eff. January 10, 2007; amended, Virginia Register Volume 35, Issue 20, eff. June 26, 2019.
12VAC30-141-800. Copayments.
A. Pregnant women enrolled in FAMIS MOMS will be subject to copayments for medical services in the same manner and amount as pregnant women covered by the Medicaid program as defined in 12VAC30-10-570 B and C.
B. These cost-sharing provisions shall be implemented with the following restrictions:
1. Total cost sharing for a pregnant woman shall be limited to (i) for families with incomes equal to or less than 150% of federal poverty level (FPL), the lesser of (a) $180 and (b) 2.5% of the family's income for the year; and (ii) for families with incomes greater than 150% of FPL, the lesser of $350 and 5.0% of the family's income for the year for the duration of the pregnant woman's enrollment in FAMIS MOMS.
2. If a family includes a pregnant woman enrolled in FAMIS MOMS and a child enrolled in FAMIS, DMAS or its designee shall ensure that the annual aggregate cost sharing for all Title XXI enrollees in a family does not exceed the cost sharing caps as defined in 12VAC30-141-160 B.
3. Families will be required to submit documentation to DMAS or its designee showing that their maximum copayment amounts are met for the year.
4. Once the cap is met, DMAS or its designee will issue a new eligibility card or written documentation excluding such families from paying additional copays.
C. Exceptions to the above cost-sharing provisions. No cost sharing will be charged to American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-325 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 1396 et seq.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 7, eff. January 10, 2007; amended, Virginia Register Volume 35, Issue 20, eff. June 26, 2019.
12VAC30-141-810. Liability for excess benefits.
A. Any person who, without the intent to violate this section, obtains benefits or payments under FAMIS MOMS to which she is not entitled shall be liable for any excess benefits or payments received. If the enrollee knew or reasonably should have known that she was not entitled to the excess benefits, she may also be liable for interest on the amount of the excess benefits or payments at the judgment rate as defined in § 6.1-330.54 of the Code of Virginia from the date upon which excess benefits or payments to the date on which repayment is made to the Commonwealth. No person shall be liable for payment of interest, however, when excess benefits or payments were obtained as a result of errors made solely by DMAS or its designee.
B. Any payment erroneously made on behalf of a FAMIS MOMS enrollee or former enrollee may be recovered by DMAS from the enrollee or the enrollee's income, assets, or estate unless state or federal law or regulation otherwise exempts such property.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-324 and 32.1-325 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 7, eff. January 10, 2007.
12VAC30-141-820. Benefit packages.
Pregnant women covered through FAMIS MOMS may receive the same medical and dental services and are subject to the same limitations on services as pregnant women (see 12VAC30-50-190) covered by the Medicaid program as defined in 12VAC30-10-140 and 12VAC30-50-10.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-325 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 1396 et seq.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 7, eff. January 10, 2007; amended, Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 22, eff. July 27, 2016.
12VAC30-141-830. Benefits reimbursement.
A. Reimbursement for the services covered under FAMIS MOMS fee-for-service and MCHIPs shall be as specified in this section.
B. Reimbursement for physician services, surgical services, clinic services, prescription drugs, laboratory and radiological services, outpatient mental health services, early intervention services, emergency services, home health services, immunizations, mammograms, medical transportation, organ transplants, skilled nursing services, well baby and well child care, vision services, durable medical equipment, disposable medical supplies, dental services, case management services, physical therapy/occupational therapy/speech-language therapy services, hospice services, school-based health services, and certain community-based mental health services shall be based on the Title XIX rates.
C. Reimbursement to MCHIPs shall be determined on the basis of the estimated cost of providing the MCHIP benefit package and services to an actuarially equivalent population. MCHIP rates will be determined annually and published 30 days prior to the effective date.
D. Exceptions.
1. Prior authorization is required after five visits in a fiscal year for physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy provided by home health providers and outpatient rehabilitation facilities and for home health skilled nursing visits. Prior authorization is required after five visits for outpatient mental health visits in the first year of service and prior authorization is required for the following nonemergency outpatient procedures: Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computer Axial Tomography scans, or Positron Emission Tomography scans.
2. Reimbursement for inpatient hospital services will be based on the Title XIX rates in effect for each hospital. Reimbursement shall not include payments for disproportionate share or graduate medical education payments made to hospitals. Payments made shall be final and there shall be no retrospective cost settlements.
3. Reimbursement for outpatient hospital services shall be based on the Title XIX rates in effect for each hospital. Payments made will be final and there will be no retrospective cost settlements.
4. Reimbursement for inpatient mental health services other than by free standing psychiatric hospitals will be based on the Title XIX rates in effect for each hospital. Reimbursement will not include payments for disproportionate share or graduate medical education payments made to hospitals. Payments made will be final and there will be no retrospective cost settlements.
5. Reimbursement for outpatient rehabilitation services will be based on the Title XIX rates in effect for each rehabilitation agency. Payments made will be final and there will be no retrospective cost settlements.
6. Reimbursement for outpatient substance abuse treatment services will be based on rates determined by DMAS for children ages six through 18 years. Payments made will be final and there will be no retrospective cost settlements.
7. Reimbursement for prescription drugs will be based on the Title XIX rates in effect. Reimbursements for Title XXI do not receive drug rebates as under Title XIX.
8. Reimbursement for covered prescription drugs for non-institutionalized FAMIS MOMS individuals receiving the fee-for-service benefits will be subject to review and prior authorization when their current number of prescriptions exceeds nine unique prescriptions within 180 days, and as may be further defined by the agency's guidance documents for pharmacy utilization review and the prior authorization program. The prior authorization process shall be applied consistent with the process set forth in 12VAC30-50-210 A 7.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-325 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 1396 et seq.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 7, eff. January 10, 2007; amended, Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 12, eff. March 28, 2014.
12VAC30-141-840. Quality assurance.
A. Each provider entity shall meet requirements for the following either as administered by DMAS or as determined by contract with DMAS: access to well-child health services, immunizations, provider network adequacy, a system to provide enrollees urgent care and emergency services, systems for complaints, grievances and reviews, a data management system and quality improvement programs and activities.
B. Each MCHIP shall meet requirements determined by the contract for the internal and external quality monitoring and reporting of access to services, timeliness of services, and appropriateness of services, as determined by DMAS.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-324 and 32.1-325 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 7, eff. January 10, 2007.
12VAC30-141-850. Utilization control.
A. Each MCHIP shall implement a utilization review system as determined by contract with DMAS, or administered by DMAS.
B. For the fee-for-service program, DMAS shall use the utilization controls already established and operational in the State Plan for Medical Assistance.
C. DMAS may collect and review comprehensive data to monitor utilization after receipt of services.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-325 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 1396 et seq.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 7, eff. January 10, 2007; amended, Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 12, eff. March 28, 2014.
12VAC30-141-860. Recipient audit unit.
A. Pursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 32.1-310 et seq.) of Title 32.1 of the Code of Virginia, the recipient audit unit shall investigate allegations of acts of fraud or abuse, committed by persons enrolled in the FAMIS MOMS program or the parent, adult caretaker relative, guardian, legal custodian or authorized representative on behalf of a person or persons enrolled in the FAMIS MOMS program, which result in misspent funds.
B. Any FAMIS MOMS enrollee, parent, adult caretaker relative, guardian, legal custodian or authorized representative of a FAMIS MOMS enrollee who, on the behalf of others, attempts to obtain benefits to which the enrollee is not entitled by means of a willful false statement or by willful misrepresentation, or by willful concealment of any material facts, shall be liable for repayment of any excess benefits received and the appropriate interest charges.
C. Upon the determination that fraud or abuse has been committed, criminal or civil action may be initiated.
D. When determining the amount of misspent funds to be recovered, capitation fees shall be included for FAMIS MOMS enrollees who received benefits through managed care.
E. Access to FAMIS MOMS enrollees' records by authorized DMAS representatives shall be permitted upon request.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-324 and 32.1-325 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 7, eff. January 10, 2007.
12VAC30-141-870. Provider review.
A. The provider review unit shall be responsible for reviewing enrolled FAMIS MOMS providers to identify potential inappropriate utilization of services and potential billing errors.
B. Providers agree to keep such records as DMAS determines necessary. The providers shall furnish DMAS, upon request, information regarding payments claimed for providing services under the State Plan for Title XXI.
C. Access to records and facilities by authorized DMAS representatives shall be permitted upon request.
D. Providers shall be required to refund payments made by DMAS if they are found to have billed DMAS contrary to policy, failed to maintain records or adequate documentation to support their claims, or billed for medically unnecessary services.
E. A review of adverse actions concerning provider reimbursement shall be heard in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) and the Virginia Administrative Code, 12VAC30-10-1000 and 12VAC30-20-500 through 12VAC30-20-560.
F. MCHIPs shall be responsible for keeping provider profile and utilization mechanisms to monitor provider activities. MCHIPs shall be reviewed by DMAS.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-324 and 32.1-325 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 7, eff. January 10, 2007.
12VAC30-141-880. Assignment to managed care.
A. All eligible enrollees shall be assigned in managed care through the department or the central processing unit (CPU) under contract to DMAS. FAMIS MOMS individuals, during the preassignment period to an MCHIP, shall receive Medicaid-like benefits via fee-for-service utilizing a FAMIS MOMS card issued by DMAS. After assignment to an MCHIP, benefits and the delivery of benefits shall be administered specific to the managed care program in which the individual is enrolled.
1. MCHIPs shall be offered to enrollees in all areas.
2. All enrollees shall be assigned to that contracted MCHIP.
3. Enrollees shall be assigned through a random system algorithm.
4. Enrolled individuals will receive a letter indicating that they may select one of the contracted MCHIPs that serve such area. Enrollees who do not select an MCHIP as described above, shall be assigned to an MCHIP as described in subdivision 3 of this subsection.
5. Individuals assigned to an MCHIP who lose and then regain eligibility for FAMIS MOMS within 60 days will be reassigned to their previous MCHIP.
B. Following their initial assignment to an MCHIP, those enrollees shall be restricted to that MCHIP until their next annual eligibility redetermination, unless appropriately disenrolled by the department.
1. During the first 90 days of managed care assignment, an enrollee may request reassignment for any reason from that MCHIP to another MCHIP serving that geographic area. Such reassignment shall be effective no later than the first day of the second month after the month in which the enrollee requests reassignment.
2. After the first 90 calendar days of the assignment period, the enrollee may only be reassigned from one MCHIP to another MCHIP upon determination by DMAS that good cause exists pursuant to subsection C of this section.
C. Disenrollment for good cause may be requested at any time.
1. After the first 90 days of assignment in managed care, enrollees may request disenrollment from DMAS based on good cause. The request must be made in writing to DMAS and cite the reasons why the enrollee wishes to be reassigned. DMAS shall establish procedures for good cause reassignment through written policy directives.
2. DMAS shall determine whether good cause exists for reassignment.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-325 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 1396 et seq.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 7, eff. January 10, 2007; amended, Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 12, eff. March 28, 2014; Volume 35, Issue 20, eff. June 26, 2019; Volume 36, Issue 6, eff. December 27, 2019.