Benefit Limits and Benefit Limit Exceptions (BLEs). The PH-MCO has the option to impose the same benefit limits or lesser benefit limits as the Department. For those services that are covered in a Member’s benefit package only with an approved BLE, the PH-MCO must use the same criteria as the Department or may use criteria that are less restrictive for its review of BLE requests. The PH-MCO must establish and maintain written policies and procedures for its BLE process. The PH-MCO must receive advance written approval from the Department of these policies and procedures. The policies and procedures must comply with guidance issued by the Department. The PH-MCO’s submission of revised policies and procedures for review and approval by the Department shall not act to void any existing policies and procedures which have been prior approved by the Department for operation in a HC Zone. Unless otherwise required by law, the PH- MCO may continue to operate under such existing policies and procedures until such time as the Department approves the new or revised version thereof. The Department may periodically request ad hoc information related to PH-MCO operations surrounding these BLE requests. If the PH-MCO imposes benefit limits, the PH-MCO must issue notices to its members and notify network providers at least thirty
Benefit Limits and Benefit Limit Exceptions (BLEs). The PH-MCO has the option to impose the same benefit limits or lesser benefit limits as the Department. For those services that are covered in a Member’s benefit package only with an approved BLE, the PH-MCO must use the same criteria as the Department or may use criteria that are less restrictive for its review of BLE requests. The PH-MCO must establish and maintain written policies and procedures for its BLE process. The PH-MCO must receive advance written approval from the Department of these policies and procedures. The policies and procedures must comply with guidance issued by the Department. The PH-MCO’s submission of revised policies and procedures for review and approval by the Department shall not act to void any existing policies and procedures which have been prior approved by the Department for operation in a HC Zone. Unless otherwise required by law, the PH- MCO may continue to operate under such existing policies and procedures until such time as the Department approves the new or revised version thereof. The Department may periodically request ad hoc information related to PH-MCO operations surrounding these BLE requests. If the PH-MCO imposes benefit limits, the PH-MCO must issue notices to its members and notify network providers at least thirty (30) days in advance of the changes. The member notices must receive advance Department approval prior to being sent to Members. If the PH-MCO denies a BLE request, the PH-MCO must issue a written denial notice, using the appropriate template in Exhibit N(4), N(5) and N(6) of this Agreement. If the Member is currently receiving a service or item that is subject to a benefit limit and the request for a BLE is denied, and the recipient files a complaint or request for a Fair Hearing that is postmarked or hand-delivered within 10 days of the date of the notice, the PH-MCO must continue to provide the service until a decision is made. Recipients with approved BLE’s are in a course of treatment. As such, the requirements for Continuity of Care for Course of Treatment Services Not Requiring Prior Authorization for Adults Age 21 and Older and Children Under the Age of 21, set forth in MA Bulletin 99-03-13, Attachment D, apply. PH-MCOs are required to honor all approved BLE requests issued by the Fee-for-Service (FFS) program or by another PH-MCO. The FFS delivery system will also honor all approved BLE requests issued by PH-MCOs.
