Nebraska Medicaid is changing, and these updates bring both challenges and opportunities for home care agencies. With stricter EVV enforcement and mandatory NPI registration for caregivers taking center stage, it’s critical to act now to protect your billing, maintain compliance, and keep your operations running smoothly. Here’s a clear, practical guide to navigating these requirements and staying ahead.
Electronic Visit Verification (EVV): Why It Matters and How to Stay Compliant
EVV has long been a Medicaid requirement, but Nebraska is sharpening its focus on ensuring compliance. For agencies, this means getting the details right, every time, to avoid payment delays or denials.
What Agencies Need to Know:
- System Requirements: Nebraska operates under an open-choice EVV model. You can use the state-contracted system, NetSmart, or another vendor that integrates with it.
- Billing Risks: Claims without accurate, compliant EVV data are likely to face increased scrutiny, leading to rejections or audits.
- Key Data Points: Each visit must include accurate timestamps, caregiver ID, service type, and location.
How Agencies Can Ensure EVV Success:
- Train Your Team: Provide clear, practical training to caregivers on how to clock in and out accurately and submit data correctly.
- Audit Submissions: Regularly review EVV data to catch and resolve discrepancies before they affect billing.
- Leverage the Right Technology: Ensure your EVV vendor integrates seamlessly with Nebraska’s state systems to avoid costly errors.
With the right processes in place, EVV compliance becomes less of a hurdle and more of a tool to ensure accurate billing and smooth operations.
NPI Registration for Caregivers: A Step-by-Step Guide for Agencies
The March 15, 2025, deadline for caregivers to obtain National Provider Identifiers (NPIs) marks a significant change in Nebraska Medicaid. While the requirement enhances transparency, it also places responsibility on agencies to guide caregivers through the process and ensure compliance.
Step-by-Step: How to Help Caregivers Obtain NPIs
- Direct Caregivers to NPPES: Caregivers must visit https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov to begin the application.
- Create an Account: They will need to set up an account and log in to access the application.
- Gather Information: Caregivers should prepare their personal details, including name, address, and Social Security number.
- Choose the Correct Taxonomy Code:
- Personal Care Attendant: 3747P1801X
- Adult Companion: 372600000X
- Complete the Application: Ensure all information is accurate before submitting.
- Wait for Approval: Approval generally takes about 10 days, so starting early is critical.
What Agencies Can Do to Support Compliance:
- Educate and Assist: Host workshops or provide one-on-one support to guide caregivers through the application process.
- Track Progress: Use a centralized system to monitor which caregivers have applied and received their NPIs.
- Encourage Early Action: Start well before the deadline to avoid last-minute bottlenecks.
- Maintain Accurate Records: Store caregiver NPIs in an organized database, ensuring you’re prepared for audits or Medicaid inquiries.
By taking a proactive approach, agencies can streamline this process, reduce administrative headaches, and ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
How Paradigm Supports Nebraska Agencies
At Paradigm, we know how these Medicaid updates can impact your operations, and we’re here to help. Our team specializes in reducing the burden of compliance, so you can focus on providing exceptional care and growing your agency.
- EVV Compliance Made Easy: We help integrate your EVV system with Nebraska’s requirements, reducing errors and ensuring your claims are accepted.
- Simplified NPI Management: From guiding caregivers through applications to tracking and maintaining NPIs, Paradigm lightens your administrative load.
- Accurate Billing Every Time: Our proven billing solutions ensure your agency gets paid on time, no matter how complex the requirements.
With Paradigm as your partner, you don’t just navigate Medicaid changes—you thrive despite them.
Take Control of Your Compliance Today
Nebraska Medicaid’s new requirements may feel daunting, but they also offer an opportunity to build a stronger, more efficient operation. By addressing EVV compliance and supporting caregivers with NPI registration, you can avoid disruptions, protect your billing, and focus on growing your agency.
Contact Paradigm today to learn how we can help your agency adapt and succeed in 2025 and beyond.
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