This SPA was submitted to provide routine coverage of routine patient cost associated with participation in qualifying clinical trials and to comply with Div. CC, Title II, Section 210 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L.116-260).

CMS is approving this time-limited state plan amendment to respond to the COVID-19 national emergency.  The purpose of this amendment is to implement a desk review to help determine PASSE tier level assignment for clients until the end of the COVID PHE. The changes in this SPA pertain to a 1915 benefit that operates with a concurrent managed care authority.

The SPA amends the preventative services benefit to allow dentists to also order community health worker services, clarifies what services are considered non-covered, and updates the community health worker ce1iification criteria.

Adds a new assessment tool, the LOCUS?CALOCUS. This tool will be used to evaluate whether individuals meet the 1915(i) needs-based on eligibility criteria and to determine the level of need for 1915(i) services. Also amends the needs-based criteria, added provider qualifications and services standards, and amended he performance measures to align with the HCBS 1915(c) Waiver performance measures.

This amendment updates the state plan to waive the Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) Program.

Implements the Ticket to Work Basic and Medically Improved Coverage Groups.

Allows the Division of Medicaid (DOM) to set the fees for DPSDT extended services to the same as those in effect on July 1, 2020, to remove the five percent (5%) reimbursement reduction effective July 1, 2021, and add coverage and reimbursement of Mississippi Youth Programs Around the Clock (MYPAC) Therapeutic Services effective July 1, 2021.