Current through Register 1527, August 2, 2024
Section 446.01 - General Provisions(1)Scope and Purpose. 101 CMR 446.00 governs the rates of payment to certain community health care providers to be used by all governmental units for services provided to publicly aided individuals. The rates set forth in 101 CMR 446.03(1), (4) and (5) also apply to such services paid for by governmental units for individuals covered by M.G.L. c. 152 (the Workers' Compensation Act). These rates are for services related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).(2)Applicable Dates of Service. Rates contained in 101 CMR 446.00 apply for dates of service on or after November 25, 2022, except as otherwise noted.(3)Disclaimer of Authorization of Services. 101 CMR 446.00 is not authorization for or approval of the services for which rates are determined pursuant to 101 CMR 446.00. Governmental units that purchase services are responsible for the definition, authorization, and approval of care and services provided to publicly aided individuals.(4)Coverage. The rates of payment in 101 CMR 446.00 constitute payment in full for all services provided by an eligible provider, including administration and professional supervision services. The payment rates will apply to COVID-19 services provided by eligible providers to publicly aided individuals under the conditions described by the purchasing governmental unit.(5)Coding Updates and Corrections. EOHHS may publish service code updates and corrections in the form of an administrative bulletin. Updates may reference coding systems including, but not limited to, the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS). The publication of such updates and corrections will list(a) codes for which the code numbers change, with the corresponding cross references between existing and new codes and the codes being replaced. Rates for such new codes are set at the rate of the code that is being replaced;(b) codes for which the code number remains the same, but the description has changed;(c) deleted codes for which there are no corresponding new codes; and(d) codes for entirely new services that require pricing, or codes that had been previously added at individual consideration (I.C.). EOHHS may list and price these codes according to the rate methodology used in setting rates when Medicare fees are available. When Medicare fees are not available, EOHHS may apply I.C. payment for these codes until appropriate rates can be developed.(6)Administrative Bulletins. EOHHS may issue administrative bulletins to clarify its policy on and understanding of substantive provisions of 101 CMR 446.00, or to issue coding updates and corrections under 101 CMR 446.01(5).Adopted by Mass Register Issue 1429, eff. 10/30/2020.Amended by Mass Register Issue 1439, eff. 3/19/2021.Amended by Mass Register Issue 1448, eff. 6/30/2021.Amended by Mass Register Issue 1452, eff. 9/17/2021.Amended by Mass Register Issue 1483, eff. 11/25/2022.