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Medicare Releases Medicare Physician Fee Schedule RuleCounselors Can Enroll Now in the Medicare Program
On November 2, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the 2024 Final Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Rule (CY 2024 PFS Final Rule) that describes the processes and procedures in regard to the implementation of Medicare Part B Coverage for Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) and Mental Health Counselors (MHCs). Final Rule: https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-24184.pdf The Final Rule allows marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors to enroll for the first time in Medicare and bill for their services starting January 1, 2024. Individuals who meet the MFT or MHC eligibility requirements embodied in the Final Rule will be able to enroll in Medicare via the Form CMS-855I application (Medicare Enrollment Application – Physicians and Non-Physician Practitioners; OMB No. 0938-1355) and can begin submitting their enrollment applications today. Form 855I Application: https://www.cms.gov/medicare/cms-forms/cms-forms/downloads/cms855i.pdf However, as the new benefit categories do not take effect until January 1, 2024, MFT or MHC claims for services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries with dates of service prior to January 1, 2024, will not be payable. MFTs and MHCs can visit: https://www.cms.gov/medicare/enrollment-renewal/providers-suppliers/chain-ownership-system-pecos for basic information on the provider enrollment process. More information and resources can be found at https://www.amhca.org/advocacy/medicare **This information was provided by AMHCA. Thank you for the information provided to counselors! On December 14, 2023, CCA presented members with a panel presentation all about the Counseling Compact answering the most frequently asked questions. To access the recording, click here: us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/VCelm90cnPIsXvNRPEk9oc18BAJRPZwxo0HfohMFLb3j1ueZCwCuvf-MNBNMgL7M.uuP2BAG6fAgAOTGk Passcode: bew9@@9p 
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See the below: Connecticut Medical Assistance Program Provider Bulletin 2023-18 Policy Transmittal 2023-03 March 2023 ___________________________________________ Andrea Barton Reeves, J.D, Commissioner-Designate Effective Date: May 12, 2023
As you may already know, Connecticut has enacted a law requiring all licensed healthcare providers to participate in Connecticut’s Health Exchange Information (HIE), called Connie. Connie was established by statute to create a way for health care providers to electronically share information. The initial requirement is to file a “Commitment to Connect” with Connie by May 3rd, 2023. Further information and the online Commitment to Connect form are available on the Connie website. Significant concerns exist within the mental health provider community regarding Connie and issues of client consent and confidentiality. We understand that these concerns and others have been brought to the attention of the Office of Health Strategy on several occasions. On March 2, CCA co-signed in a collaborative, interdisciplinary letter to the Governor and the Office of Health Strategy (OHS) expressing some of these concerns and requesting an extension of the May 3 deadline. The OHS March 27 response indicates the May 3 deadline is unchangeable without legislative action. While efforts are underway to seek a possible legislative extension, as of the issuance of this update, the May 3 deadline is expected to remain in effect. We will keep you apprised as quickly as possible about these efforts, which continue to develop. To view the letters, see below documents. More information can be found in this presentation provided to the Behavioral Health Partnership- PowerPoint Presentation and the Connie FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions Connecting People for Better Health. If you are interested in working with CCA regarding Connie compliance issues we would love to have you join our efforts. Please contact PPLC Co-Chairs - Karen Caffrey at [email protected] or Jocelyn Novella at [email protected]
$100 Counseling Student Professional Development Scholarship
Students may apply for this award to cover/contribute to the cost of professional association membership, workshop, or conferences (upcoming or recent past). Awards will be granted to one student from each counselor education program in Connecticut (9 awards in total). Multiple awards may be awarded to students from the same institution if applications are not received from each university. Eligible Counselor Education Programs Central Connecticut; Fairfield University; University of Saint Joseph; Sacred Heart University; Southern Connecticut ; University of Bridgeport; University of Connecticut; University of New Haven; Western Connecticut Note: Students must be a member of CCA and CACES division to be considered. Required Essay In 100 words or less, provide a description of the professional development activity or conference. Include an explanation for how your attendance will inform your development as a counselor. Application https://drive.google.com/file/d/14x48vKaiDFe3FjeTjWvLCncX3gCWkmUS/view?usp=share_link Dr. Robert Colbert Social Justice Award This award is presented to one student annually in recognition of Dr. Robert Colbert, a Connecticut counselor educator committed to social justice. This award will be presented at CCA’s annual conference and will acknowledge the work of a graduate student who demonstrates a commitment to social justice. Required Essay In 200-250 words please highlight initiatives that focus on addressing disparities, promoting resilience, and breaking down obstacles for underserved populations, particularly with youth. The winner will receive $300, a personalized acknowledgement, and free registration to the CCA Conference. Students must be a member of CCA to be considered. Application https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HUzhjjBoeo4_BweZBf_AyEw1AvVR9EPr/view?usp=share_link $500 Early Career Counselor Educator Research Award Eligible to full-time Counselor Educators in their first 6 years of employment as a Counselor Educator. Application will include a description of the research study, relevance to the counselor education profession, proposed use of funds and a timeline for the research milestones. Will be requested to give permission to read the description at the CCA conference, if chosen for the award. Note: Counselor Educator must be a CACES member to be considered. CACES awards committee will choose the recipient of the award. Awardee will be recognized at the annual CCA conference. Application https://drive.google.com/file/d/1c0YTGaVdb4YnADmygDn0CaMQ9lHNXUXS/view?usp=share_link |
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