A provision of the Affordable Care Act required Medicaid programs to reimburse primary care providers (PCPs) at a matching level to the Medicare rates in 2013 and 2014 for EM codes and vaccine admin codes. The federal government funded the increase at 100 percent. Based on the original legislation, federal funding for the increase is scheduled to end on December 31, 2014. HOWEVER, the state of Maryland has budgeted to maintain these increased rates into 2015*. The budget of course is subject to change; however, the forecast is positive for Maryland Medicaid PCP’s to continue to receive Medicare rates for Medicaid patients.
Maryland Medicaid does remind physicians that – while not necessary – it is essential to Maryland’s receipt of federal funds that providers attest to their status as PCP’s. To submit an attestation or for additional information, visit: https://mmcp.dhmh.maryland.gov/SitePages/PCPFeeIncrease.aspx
*The Maryland Medical Assistance Program recently released Physician Transmittal No. 138, titled, “Medicaid Program Updates for Fall 2014” that included details about this rate extension.
