Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Medical Assistance Services
 
Board
Board of Medical Assistance Services
 
Guidance Document Change: This is to provide an update to and supersedes the “Face-to-Face and Case Management Visits” Medicaid Bulletin posted on March 17, 2022.
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11/22/22  11:31 am
Commenter: Anonymous

Keeping Virtual Visits for Autisitc Children & Others with Compromised Immunity due to COVID-19
 

I would like to express my concern to the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) regarding the return to in-person services facilitator visits starting January 1, 2023 for those who are receiving Medicaid Waiver Services. I am a mother of a severe, non-verbal, autistic child who has a compromised immune system. Most on the Autism Spectrum have compromised immune systems due to their internal, health conditions. It would be appreciated if these individuals, as well as others with compromised immunity, to have the option of whether the facilitator visits in-person or virtually. We have had no issues in the past three years with virtual visits. The facilitator can clearly see the patient, along with the inside of the home. Questions and concerns are discussed just as well as in-person, eliminating the worry of spreading a virus among other clients and their families. A facilitator will visit many families in one day. If infected with COVID-19 from one visit, or prior to visitations, the virus could spread to many people. I am not asking that everyone needs to participate in virtual visits, or it being the ONLY option, just asking that we be given a choice. A reconsideration into this matter would be most appreciated. Thank you.

CommentID: 205937