Sandhills Center announces further extension of COVID-19 enhanced Medicaid reimbursement rates through March 2021

Publication Date: December 29, 2020

Sandhills Center is extending, for the third time, specific rate increases to its network of providers to offset additional costs they have incurred during the coronavirus pandemic.

In March 2020, Sandhills Center first announced temporary increased Medicaid reimbursement rates of 5 to 15 percent for network providers of local behavioral health services. The increases were effective for dates of service April 1, 2020 through June 30, 2020. Two subsequent announcements extended the temporary rate increases through December 31, 2020.

“Extending rate increases through the end of March 2021 furthers Sandhills Center’s strong behavioral healthcare response at a time when it is critical to the communities within our region,” said Victoria Whitt, Sandhills Center Chief Executive Officer.

The temporary Medicaid reimbursement rates include an additional 15 percent for residential services, such as:

• Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities
• Behavioral Health Long-Term Residential
• Innovations Residential Services (Residential Supports 1-4, Supported Living 1-3 and Supported Living Periodic)
• Community Support Team
• Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services

All other Medicaid services previously had received a 5 percent increase that was extended through December 31, 2020. As part of today’s announcement, Sandhills Center will sustain those rate increases through March 31, 2021, as well.

The continued reimbursement rate enhancements are possible only through the additional funding offered at the federal and state levels, and supported by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. The March 31, 2021 date announced may be later amended as the pandemic evolves.

“Sandhills Center intends for providers to utilize this extra temporary funding to supplement direct care staffing, and to purchase supplies and other resources they need to maintain quality services to individuals and families in our region,” Whitt added. “All along, our providers have been working on the front lines, and the effects of COVID-19 are unrelenting. We appreciate the opportunity to again offer them extra support during this challenging time.”