The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will rescind certain COVID-19 telemedicine flexibilities beginning May 12, 2023, with the conclusion of the federal health public health emergency. Policy MMP 23-10 outlines flexibilities that will remain permanent and which flexibilities will be rescinded. Notable permanent flexibilities include:
- Reimbursement: The telemedicine reimbursement rate for allowable services will be the same as the in-person reimbursement rate. Providers must report the place of service as they would if they were providing the service in-person.
- Audio-Only: Audio-only services will be allowed for the procedure codes CPT/HCPCS 99441-99443 and 98955-98968. The MDHHS will create an audio-only database for providers to reference.
- Prior Authorizations: There are no prior authorization (PA) requirements when providing telemedicine services for fee-for-service beneficiaries or those accessing behavioral health services through prepaid inpatient health plans/community mental health services programs unless the equivalent in-person service requires a PA. The PA requirements for Medicaid health plans (MHP) may vary and providers should refer to individual MHPs for any PA requirements.
- MSA 20-09 General Telemedicine Policy Changes will be permanent and remain effective with the Facility Rate subsection redacted.
- MSA 21-24 Asynchronous Telemedicine Services will be permanent and remain effect.
Rescinded telemedicine policies include:
- MSA 20-13 COVID-19 Response: Telemedicine Policy Expansion.
- MSA 20-15 COVID-19 Response: Behavioral Health Telepractice; Telephone (Audio Only) Services.
- MSA 20-34 COVID-19 Response: Telemedicine Reimbursement for Federally Qualified Health Centers.
- MSA 20-21 COVID-19 Response: Limited Oral Evaluation via Telemedicine.
Members with questions may contact Renée Smiddy at the MHA.