Information about novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a virus strain spreading from person to person. People who have been diagnosed with novel coronavirus have reported symptoms that may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.

• The Washington State Department of Health has information about public health and COVID-19 on its website, including resources and recommendations for schools, health care providers, and employers.
• The Office of the Insurance Commissioner has information about insurance and COVID-19 on its website.
• The Washington State Coronavirus Response (COVID-19) website has general news and information about the state response.
• Governor Inslee's newsroom (Governor proclamations and updates)

HCA resources

Waivers

• March 26 CMS letter to the Governor regarding 1135 waiver request​
• 1135 waiver: COVID-19 emergency declaration health care providers fact sheet
• Supplemental emergency 1115 waiver request for Medicaid services
• Appendix K: Home and community-based waivers
• Appendix K: COPES waiver
• Appendix K: New Freedom waiver​
• Appendix K: Residential Support waiver​
• Washington State 1135 waiver request to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• Summary of 1135 waiver request
• CMS approves Washington State's request for Medicaid 1135 waiver

Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) clients

• Apple Health COVID-19 FAQ
• Apple Health eligibility temporary changes COVID-19 FAQ
• See if you are eligible for Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) or other coverage

Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) members

• Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program eligibility during the COVID-19 outbreak

School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) members

• School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) Program eligibility relating to school closures (updated March 18, 2020)

Providers

• Telehealth
  • HCA offers limited no-cost telehealth technology licenses to providers
  • Apple Health telemedicine brief for COVID-19
  • Family Planning Only Program telemedicine services offered during the COVID-19 outbreak (additional information to come on reimbursement rates and other details--including temporary allowances for telephone encounters)
• Behavioral health
  • Department of Health behavioral health agency COVID-19 related waiver regarding face-to-face requirements
  • Opioid Treatment Programs coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQ
  • COVID-19 and prescribers of buprenorphine-containing products​ FAQ 
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) COVID-19 webpage
• Interpreter services
  • Emergency over the phone interpreting for spoken language​ - interim policy

Billing and policy

• Apple Health (Medicaid) telehealth requirements for physical, occupational and speech therapy during COVID-19 pandemic
• Apple Health (Medicaid) behavioral health policy and billing during the COVID-19 pandemic (updated March 26, 2020)
• Apple Health (Medicaid) clinical policy and billing for COVID-19 FAQ (updated March 27, 2020)
• Apple Health (Medicaid) prior authorization requirements - COVID-19 related
• Apple Health (Medicaid) dental phone triage - emergency coverage related to COVID-19 pandemic
• Apple Health (Medicaid) Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) policy and billing during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Apple Health (Medicaid) ambulance transportation billing policy during COVID-19 pandemic
• Billing for COVID-19 evaluation and testing
• Health Home guidance regarding COVID-19​

• Alien Emergency Medical COVID-19 coverage expansion

• School Based Health Services (SBHS) Program billing guidance

Guidance for HCA staff and partners

Apple Health (Medicaid) 

• MAGI Medicaid eligibility memo (March 24, 2020)
• Classic Medicaid eligibility memo (March 26, 2020)
• Terminations and renewals eligibility memo (March 26, 2020)

Medicaid Administrative Claiming (MAC)

• Reducing COVID-19 barriers for MAC local health jurisdictions

Questions

• For COVID-19 billing, coding, or telehealth policy questions, HCA has created a dedicated email address we will be actively monitoring.
• For COVID-19 behavioral health questions, please email HCADBHRBHCOVID19@hca.wa.gov and add the topic to the email subject line (for example, Foundational Community Supports, Residential SUD).