IMPORTANT: CMS Approves DOH Children’s Waiver COVID-19 Appendix K

June 29, 2020

Children’s Health Homes, HCBS providers, and Medicaid Managed Care Plans:

NYS Department of Health (DOH) is pleased to announced that during the COVID-19 pandemic, DOH applied to the Center of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding an amendment (Appendix K) to the Children’s Waiver’s requirements to assist children, families, and providers during this time. As such, NYS DOH has been granted approval of the requested amendment which can be found here. 

 Over the last several months, DOH has issued a number of COVID-19 guidance documents related to the Children’s Waiver which was incorporated within the requested and approved Appendix K. Accordingly, the following Respite guidance needed to be updated as outlined here. As well as, additional guidance to assist providers in retro billing and claim adjustments as outlined here, due to guidance issued that allows for retroactive implementation.

All guidance and information surrounding the Children’s Waiver, including COVID-19 guidance, can be found on the 1915(c) Children’s Waiver and 1115 Waiver Amendments website. Further guidance will be issued as needed to address items within the approved Appendix K. 

 Questions regarding the above information should be emailed to BH.Transition@health.ny.gov