The New Electronic Visit Verification (EW) System
You may have heard
recently about the
new Electronic Visit
Verification (EW)
system for homecare
and personal support
workers that the state
will be rolling out over
the coming year. In
2016, Congress passed
the 21st Century Cure
Act which created new
requirements for state’s
that receive federal
medicaid dollars. In order to continue to receive federal
dollars for homecare services, the state must implement
a timesheet system that captures when, where and who
provided services for a consumer.
SEIU members raised concerns with the new system in the
bargaining survey. As we enter into bargaining with the state
our priorities regarding the EW system will be:
•
Ensuring the state only captures the data required by the
Cures Act and nothing more.
•
That there is a clear exception process for providers who
do not have a smart phone or tablet with internet access
or work in an area of the state without internet access.
•
Clarity on how the system will function for providers
who live with their consumer.
•
Clarity on who pays for any costs the workers
experiences due to this new system.
We asked the State to provide an initial statement about
this new requirement and how they are approaching the
implementation. Here is their statement:
As Oregon updates its systems and approach to providing
services, the goal is to make improvements while minimizing
any potential inconvenience for individuals receiving and
providing care as well as state employees.
The 21st Century Cures Act, signed into law in 2016, requires
the Department of Human Services and Oregon Health
Authority to implement an electronic system to verify all
Medicaid-funded services provided to individuals in their
homes. This includes home health and long-term services and
supports programs. The system must capture information at
the time of service, including location, time, person providing
care, person receiving care, and date of service.
DHS and OHA are committed to respecting the privacy of
people receiving services and their providers. The system will
only capture the data needed to meet the requirements of the
Cures Act
Personal Support Workers working on behalf of the Office of
Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) will continue to
record time worked in eXPRS, however they will be required
to do so at the time and location the service is being provided
using a new interface. For more information, please visit
ODDS’ Electronic Visit Verification (EW) web page.
Providers working on behalf of Aging and People with
Disabilities (APD) and the Health Systems Division (HSD)
will continue to capture tíme using the paper timesheets.
APD and HSD will begin working to develop an electronic
time capture system in 2019 to comply with the law. More
information regarding this system will become available
as the project moves forward at PTC.Oregon.gov. Further
communications will be sent via the PTCProject.lnfo@state.
or.us email address.
To ensure success, the state will seek input on how to
implement this system, and will be providing training across
the state and online.
Though our bargaining process, SEIU members will work to
ensure that the system will not create additional barriers,
regardless of geographic location or access to technology, all
in the interest of providing stable caregiving relationships.
Have you seen the 2019 pay and voucher schedule?
Each year the State issues a pay and voucher schedule to assist you in
understanding when to submit your voucher/timesheet and when to expect
your paycheck. The calendars for homecare and personal support workers
can be located at http:#bit.ly/payroll-calc. The homecare version looks like a
calendar; the PSW version looks like a list.
Payment issues are a frequent problem for homecare and personal support
workers, and a top priority for us in bargaining this year. If you have issues
with your pay, contact your consumer’s case manager or call your SEIU Local
503 Member Resource Center at 1-844-503-SEIU (7348).
Werter Payro)) Calendar