Item 288 #21h directs the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) to implement a change in scope process on January 1, 2025, by which Virginia’s Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) may request changes in reimbursement payments to cover services that have been added or changed. The amendment also allows a one-time request to cover changes in scope that cover the period for which the federal match is available (2 years) if the request is made no later than October 1, 2024.
This amendment adds language directing DMAS to implement a change in scope process July 1, 2024, by which FQHCs may request a reimbursement change to reflect the scope for services that have been added or changed. It further provides that FQHCs can request this scope of services change dating back to October 1, 2018 as long as the request is made no later than October 1, 2024. Thereafter, a request for a change in scope must be made within 15 months of the change taking place. Finally, this amendment authorizes DMAS to reimburse an FQHC for unreimbursed costs for up to two years prior to the FQHC’s initial request for a change in scope. This will allow the FQHCs to cover their costs of patient care during this period through receipt of the full federal match for these reimbursements.
Item 279 #5h provides an additional $1.5 million each year to the Virginia Community Healthcare Association (VCHA).
VCHA plans to use the additional funding to enable Federally Qualified Health Centers to continue providing comprehensive medical, dental, and mental health services to uninsured Virginians. This will be the first appropriation increase since 2015.