COVID-19: Information for Waiver Providers
- DDD Services Reopening Guidance – PDF Format (October 26, 2020)
- DDD Framework for Phased-In Reopening of Services in the Community – PDF Format (June 19, 2020)
- Reopening of Services in the Community – Recording (July 23, 2020)
- COVID-19 Provider Self-Assessment Preparedness Tool – Fillable Word (June 18, 2020)
- COVID-19 Provider Sustainability Plan– Fillable Word (Coming Soon)
“Appendix K: Emergency Preparedness and Response”
1915(c) Home and Community Based Services
All states that operate 1915(c) waivers can apply for an Appendix K amendment during a declared national emergency. Appendix K activates flexibilities available under the Medicaid 1915(c) authority. It allows things such as providing services in different settings and in different ways such as telehealth. The Appendix K will allow approved flexibilities only for the duration of a federally declared disaster.
All services and programmatic changes taken through an approved Appendix K must be based on situations that arise from the emergency and are temporary in nature. Service changes for participants must be directly related to the COVID-19 emergency and the flexibilities under Appendix K are only authorized for the duration of the emergency.
DDD will issue further guidance on transitioning back to pre-emergency services and conditions.
Some facts about the Appendix K:
- Hawaii’s application for Appendix K was approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on March 27, 2020.
- Approval is for one year (March 1, 2020 – February 28, 2021) or the end of the declared national emergency.
- The flexibilities in Appendix K are available for the state’s use as needed but are not intended to be applied in all situations.
- DDD developed Operational Guidelines to assist case managers and providers in the implementation of the flexibilities in Appendix K. Operational Guidelines will be updated as necessary and will be posted on this webpage.
- All changes made to ISPs will revert services back to levels prior to COVID-19 impact; will not be subject to fair hearing and appeal requirements.
Operational Guidelines Version 4
- DDD 1915(c) Appendix K Operational Guidelines Version 4 – PDF Format (March 30, 2021)
Rapid Response
- Rapid Response Letter – PDF Format (September 10, 2020)
Retainer Payment Guidance
- DDD Retainer Payment Guidance – PDF Handout (July 23, 2020)
- DDD Retainer Payment Guidance – Recording
- DDD Retainer Payment Attestation Form – Fillable PDF (July 28, 2020)
Operational Guidelines Version 3
- DDD 1915(c) Appendix K Operational Guidelines Version 3 – PDF Format (May 14, 2020)
- Appendix K Operational Guidelines v3 Recording
- Telehealth Assessment Tool – DDD Appendix K Operational Guidelines – Fillable PDF (April 24, 2020)
- DDD 1915(c) Appendix K Operational Guidelines Version 3 Handout – PDF Format (May 14, 2020)
Operational Guidelines Version 2
- Appendix K Operational Guidelines Version 2 Slides – PDF Format (May 6, 2020)
- Appendix K Operational Guidelines v2 Recording
Appendix K Overview
- Appendix K Overview Presentation Recording (April 9, 2020)
- Appendix K Overview slides PDF Format (April 8, 2020)
- Approved Appendix K – PDF Format (March 30, 2020)
Other
- Approved Waiver 2021 Appendix K Fourth Amendment – PDF Format (December 13, 2022)
- Approved Waiver 2021 Appendix K First Amendment – PDF Format (December 10, 2021)
- Approved Appendix K Seventh Amendment – PDF Format (March 24, 2021)
- Approved Appendix K Sixth Amendment – PDF Format (January 19, 2021)
- Approved Appendix K Fifth Amendment – PDF Format (November 2, 2020)
- Approved Appendix K Fourth Amendment – PDF Format (August 31, 2020)
- Approved Appendix K Third Amendment – PDF Format (November 2, 2020)
- Approved Appendix K Second Amendment – PDF Format (May 27, 2020)
- Frequently Asked Questions from Providers – PDF Format (April 7, 2020)
- Updated IDD Waiver Rate Sheet – PDF Format (July 1, 2021)
- Approved Appendix K – PDF Format (March 30, 2020)
Resources for Providers on HIPAA and Telehealth
Privacy and HIPAA:
- Provider Instructions on Emailing PHI Documents – PDF Format
- Health Information Privacy
- HHS Guidance on Telehealth Remote Communications