The choice selection period will begin on October 16, 2019 and end on November 14, 2019 for Home Health Agencies (HHAs) located in Texas, who submit claims to Palmetto GBA, the Jurisdiction M Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC).
HHAs should visit the Palmetto GBA provider portal for information and instructions on the selection process. Through the portal, HHAs will be able to view the three initial review choices and make their selection. Palmetto GBA will also send letters to all Texas HHAs detailing this information. HHAs that do not make a choice selection by November 14, 2019 will be automatically placed in Choice 2: Post payment Review.
Following the close of the choice selection period, the demonstration will begin in Texas on December 2, 2019, and all episodes of care starting on or after this date will be subject to the requirements of the choice selected.
Following the start of the demonstration in Texas, CMS will pause implementation for the remaining states of North Carolina and Florida to allow for the transition to the PDGM, which becomes effective on January 1, 2020. With the transition to the PDGM, CMS will no longer exclude LUPAs from the RCD. The demonstration is expected to begin in North Carolina and Florida on March 30, 2020. CMS will monitor the transition to PDGM and assess the need for any change to this date.
Click here for more information and resources related to the Home Health RCD from CMS.