Category Archives: Healthcare

COVID-19 Links

In an effort to streamline the ever-changing world we live in with the COVID-19 virus, here are some links that are all related to updated tax changes, small businesses, individual sick leave, and other filing requirements.  As more information is released, it will be added at the top of this list.

 

 

 

Have you been using zoom?  https://www.forbes.com/sites/leemathews/2020/04/13/500000-hacked-zoom-accounts-given-away-for-free-on-the-dark-web/#58a7fbc858c5

US Dept of Treasury Grants Additional Income Tax Filing and Payment Relief https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-20-23.pdf

New NonProfit Extensions https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm970

CDC Recommendations https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

COVID-19 Relief Tracker https://www.forbes.com/sites/briannegarrett/2020/03/20/small-business-relief-tracker-funding-grants-and-resources-for-business-owners-grappling-with-coronavirus/#1e1e001bdd4c

There’s hope for Small Businesses! https://www.wraltechwire.com/2020/04/03/bank-of-america-accepting-virus-crisis-loan-applications-receives-10000-in-first-hour/

Key Highlights of the CARES Act and the FFCRA Relief Provisions https://www.langdoncpa.com/?p=4717&preview=true

SBA loans more difficult than we thought https://www.langdoncpa.com/2020/04/03/sba-loans-may-be-more-difficult-than-we-thought/

Employer tax credits, and more https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2020/apr/irs-new-employer-tax-credits-form-employee-retention-credit-guidance-coronavirus.html

More Assistance for Nonprofits https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/trends-policy-issues/loans-available-nonprofits-the-cares-act-public-law-116-132

NC Press Release: Deferred Interest https://www.langdoncpa.com/2020/04/01/press-release-nc-deferring-interest/

Applications for Small Business Paycheck Protection Program https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2020/mar/paycheck-protection-loan-for-small-businesses-coronavirus-pandemic.html

Employer questions answered! https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/employers

SBA debt relief related to COVID-19 https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources#section-header-4

Gift tax returns extended too! https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2020/mar/gift-gst-tax-returns-postponed-filing-deadlines-coronavirus-pandemic.html

Assisted Living Resources for COVID-19 https://www.ncala.org/covid-19.html

How much COVID-19 stimulus will I receive? https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/27/the-stimulus-payment-calculator-tells-you-how-much-money-you-could-get.html

Possible Increase for VA Nursing Facilities https://www.vhca.org/publications/careconnection/march-26-2020/vhca-vcal-seeking-additional-funding-for-nf-care-under-covid-19-emergency/

COVID-19 Resources for Non-Profits https://www.ncnonprofits.org/resources/pandemicresources

The CARES Act questions answered https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2020/mar/cares-act-economic-relief-coronavirus-tax-provisions.html?utm_source=mnl:alerts&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=25Mar2020&utm_content=headline

NC DHHS provides additional COVID-19 support https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/nc-medicaid-increases-support-protect-those-most-risk-serious-illness-covid-19

Clarification on NC Tax Deadlines https://www.ncacpa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Frequently-Asked-Questions-COVID-final.pdf?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=NCACPA&_zs=fG9HX&_zl=MMK22

Employers using Payroll Tax Credits for Paid Leave due to Coronavirus https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/employers-can-begin-using-payroll-tax-credits-for-paid-leave-for-coronavirus

CMS extends Cost Report Deadlines https://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/ls/JM%20Part%20A~BMYLSN5443?opendocument&utm_source=J11AL&utm_campaign=JMALs&utm_medium=email

Small Business Q&A https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/covid19-faqs

IRS push back tax FILING deadline https://abc11.com/business/tax-day-pushed-back-amid-viral-outbreak-mnuchin/6031749/

Bill to address paid sick leave related to COVID-19 (FFCRA) https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomspiggle/2020/03/17/the-families-first-coronavirus-response-act-what-it-does-for-employees-who-need-paid-sick-leave/#615dd2f06f1a

HUD and Single Audit Extension https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/M-20-17.pdf?utm_medium=email&SubscriberID=111017000&utm_source=GAQC20&Site=AICPA&LinkID=8741972&utm_campaign=GAQC_AlertMAR20&cid=email:GAQC20:GAQC_AlertMAR20:https%3a%2f%2fwww.whitehouse.gov%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2f2020%2f03%2fM-20-17.pdf:AICPA&SendID=266068&utm_content=A20MAR400_GAQC_Alert401

IRS Press Release “Payment Relief” https://www.langdoncpa.com/2020/03/19/official-guidance-for-tax-deadlines/

Single Audit Submission Info https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/M-20-11.pdf

US Department of Labor defines FMLA related to COVID-19 https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla/pandemic

IRS extends PAYMENT deadline https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/17/treasury-and-irs-to-delay-tax-deadline-by-90-days.html

https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/tax-compliance/news/21129660/2020-tax-season-payment-deadline-extended-to-july-15-as-nation-fights-coronavirus-irs-news?utm_source=CPA+Other+Communications&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CCSN200317002&o_eid=9442A3978623C7T&rdx.ident=[object+Object]

 

Medicaid Transformation Suspended

Image result for NC dhhsThe North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) issued a press release Tuesday, November 19th, announcing that the implementation of Medicaid Managed Care had been suspended until further notice. Managed Care was set to go live February 2020 but the General Assembly adjourned without approving the necessary funding for the program. North Carolina has been on the road to Medicaid transformation since 2015, which aimed to move Medicaid from a Fee-For-Service program to Managed Care. With this suspension the transformation will no longer take place.

The news of suspension for Managed Care puts a halt to the preparations being made across the state by various healthcare providers who anticipated the program to go live in just a few short months. You can read more about the press release on the NC DHHS website here.

Stay up to date on news surrounding Medicaid and Managed Care by following NC DHHS or Benchmarks.

Adult Care News

Adult Care Homes (ACH) and other types of Group Homes in North Carolina have compliance requirements under the General Assembly’s Statute 131 D-4.1-4.3.  In May, DHHS sent out letters to all affected providers to remind them of this obligation.  These legislative changes mandate that cost reports be filed for these facilities every two years.  2019 is an on year for facilities licensed as an Adult Care Home (131D), Nursing Home with Adult Care beds (131E), or Mental Health living facility (122C).  Facilities that do not receive State/County Special Assistance revenue can file an exemption.

Along with the cost report, facilities with over 7 beds are additionally required to have Agreed-Upon-Procedures (AUPs) performed.  Depending on the type of facility, determines the extent of the procedures.  The Office of the Controller just released the procedures required for 2018-2019 which can be found here.

Langdon & Company has an extensive history with these requirements and we keep a great rapport with the acceptance bodies to ensure that our reports are filed correctly and timely.  We would love the opportunity to discuss the obligations of your facility and assume the responsibility of this mandate.  If you have additional questions, please contact us.

NC Medicaid Compliance Update

by Rachel Owens

North Carolina requires program-specific reporting of facilities/homes based on their license. For many facilities this is not a new requirement, however, for adult care, mental health and dual-licensed facilities this is only required every other year.  This year is an on year.  Compliance with these state requirements fulfill the mandate enforced by the North Carolina General Assembly under General Statute 131 D-4.1-4.3 through the Office of the Controller.  Facilities that do not receive funds through State/County Special Assistance are exempt, but all others must complete a cost report.  The deadline for which, is just a few short months away – September 30, 2019!

What report is my facility required to file?

Requirements of the statute vary depending on the license and the number of beds in the facility.  Facilities with 6 beds or less are required to prepare a cost report only.  Facilities with 7 or more beds must complete a cost report and have agreed-upon-procedures performed by an independent CPA.  The larger facilities with 31 beds or more have additional requirements for their cost report this year.

There are many factors to consider to determine exactly what is expected of each facility and what period is to be reported.  The repercussions of non-compliance of these requirements are suspended admissions or worse!  The OOC office anticipates releasing updated cost report information and agreed-upon-procedures in the next few weeks.  The healthcare industry continues to be an ever-changing environment and we continue to be on the look out for additional information as the deadline approaches.  We would be happy to answer any questions you have and would appreciate the opportunity to serve your organization.

 

Fringe benefits: Long-term care insurance can pay off

The U.S. population is aging and, as it does, the need for long-term support and services will only grow. According to a 2017 fact sheet from the AARP Public Policy Institute, on average, 52% of people who turn 65 today will develop a severe disability that will require long-term care (LTC) at some point. For this reason, among others, employers should consider offering LTC insurance as a fringe benefit.

High cost of care

LTC insurance helps covered individuals pay for the care they need because of a severe cognitive impairment or if they need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, toileting and eating. They might require assistance because of an accident, disability, chronic illness or aging.

The costs associated with such care have skyrocketed. AARP reports that the average annual cost of a private room in a nursing home in 2016 was about $92,000, with a shared room costing around $82,000 annually.

The average cost for a home health aide in 2016 was $20 per hour. With the average aide working about 30 hours per week, that came out to $31,000 per year. And, to the surprise of many, Medicare doesn’t pay anything for LTC, whether in-home or at a facility.

Purchase considerations

LTC insurance isn’t cheap. But by buying the insurance on a group basis, you may be able to obtain a discount from the individual policy rates.

You also might qualify for a guaranteed issue plan that provides coverage regardless of health status and need — meaning employees who might not be able to get coverage on their own would now have one less thing to worry about.

From a tax perspective, you can claim a deduction for the premiums you pay, and neither the premiums nor the benefits are taxable for the employee.

Employer benefits

The positive impact of offering LTC insurance can play out over the long term. First, a fringe benefit like this can draw better job candidates who are looking for more than just basic health care coverage. It might help you retain employees as well — especially those who are already looking toward retirement and beyond.

Think about extending LTC insurance to employees’ family members, too. As AARP notes, unpaid family and friends provide most LTC support, often incurring direct costs as well as lost wages and benefits. Employees providing caregiving could be forced to cut their work hours, take easier positions or quit work altogether.

By providing coverage for their family members, you could reduce the caregiving burden on your employees, relieving stress on them — and probably reaping productivity gains to boot.

A worthy consideration

Not every employer will have room in its benefits budget to buy LTC coverage. But if you’re looking to upgrade your fringe benefits, this is one perk that’s well worth considering. To discuss further, please contact us.

© 2018

Analyze your health plan’s electronic security to comply with HIPAA

If you’re an employer that sponsors a health care plan, you may worry about inadvertently violating the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act — commonly known as HIPAA. But you should also bear in mind that there is a formal requirement for ensuring electronic data security. Specifically, sponsors of most plans must do a risk analysis to comply with what’s called the HIPAA security rule.

Pertaining to PHI

The HIPAA security rule describes the required risk analysis as “an accurate and thorough assessment of the potential risks and vulnerabilities to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic protected health information.”

In this context, a “vulnerability” is a flaw or weakness in a security system that could be exploited (intentionally or accidentally) to breach security. “Risk” is determined by assessing both the likelihood that a vulnerability will be exploited and the extent of the resulting impact on the health plan.

In performing the risk analysis, it’s important to remember that the HIPAA security rule applies only to electronic protected health information (PHI). Employers with insured plans may limit their compliance obligations by minimizing the amount of electronic PHI they create, receive, maintain or transmit. For example, you might structure your plan so individually identifiable information, such as claims data, is maintained exclusively by your insurer.

Also, enrollment information created by the plan sponsor — for instance, when you administer open enrollment — doesn’t constitute PHI because that information isn’t collected on behalf of the plan. Thus, the risk analysis for a small insured plan can be much simpler than that for a large, self-insured plan where the sponsor performs administrative functions.

Surveying your systems

As a first step, identify all hardware, software, facilities, workstations and information systems used in storing, receiving, maintaining or transmitting electronic PHI. You may be surprised at the amount of electronic PHI you have. Next, identify and assess security measures currently in place to protect the electronic PHI, noting specific vulnerabilities and risks. Finally, determine what, if any, additional security measures are needed to respond to the identified vulnerabilities and risks.

It’s particularly important to document completely each step of the risk analysis, including how the health plan reached its conclusions regarding vulnerabilities, risk assessment and security measures. The security rule doesn’t require perfect security but, in the event of a security breach, a health plan must be able to explain why its security measures were appropriate.

Undertaking the process

Note that the HIPAA security rule doesn’t apply to a health plan that has fewer than 50 participants and is self-administered by the employer that established and maintains the plan.

If the rule does apply to you, keep in mind that it doesn’t specify how often employers should conduct a risk analysis. Undertaking the process annually or whenever there’s a major change to your health plan or IT systems is generally recommended. For further information, please contact us.

Update: NC Adult Care Home Cost Reports

The NC Department of Health and Human Services released a memo dated May 15, 2017 detailing the official instructions for Adult Care Home reporting requirements as well as the release of Agreed-Upon-Procedures (AUP) instructions. As of November 21, 2016, the Cost Report for Adult Care Homes was reinstated with the significant change being reporting is only every two years, beginning this year.

To comply with these requirements all facilities that receive State/County Special Assistance funds are required to file a cost report. Those facilities that have more than 7 beds are additionally expected to have Agreed-Upon-Procedures performed.  The cost reports will be completed using the latest completed fiscal year end. These cost reports are due – September 30, 2017!

As an advocate for providers we are flexible in the midst of inconvenient legislation and would be happy to serve your Organization as well. If you have questions, please contact [email protected] or [email protected]!

https://www2.ncdhhs.gov/control/acf/2016-17/aup/adult-care-mental-health-faciliites.pdf

 

 

 

 

Two NC Budgets Passed!

by Rachel Owens

It’s the beginning of summer in NC.  That means that the two chambers of our General Assembly are hard at work trying to agree on a state-wide budget.

The House of Representatives passed the Health and Human ServicesNC health news budget a few weeks ago.  The Senate just passed theirs.  As always there are similarities and differences in each department; each of which, have very “hot topics” that are addressed.  Thanks to NC Health News for a comparison chart to show the differences between the two.

If you have additional questions about the budget decisions and how they affect your organization, contact our office.  We’ll be happy to give you some insight on what these choices mean for you.

Rachel ([email protected]) is a Senior in the Cost Report department at Langdon & Company LLP.  She works with various healthcare companies, several of which, from the audit all the way through their state reporting compliance.

Changes in NC Behavioral Healthcare

by Rachel Owens

Consolidation of the state-funded management organizations has been officially declared!

Currently, there are eight LME/MCOs across North Carolina.  The consolidation will reduce the number of LME/MCOs down to four, by combining the catchment areas into contiguous regions.  The LME/MCO’s that are merging are: Smoky Mountain + Partners, Cardinal + CenterPoint, Trillium + Eastpointe, and Alliance + Sandhills. LME_MCO_ConsolidationMap

No timeline has been established for the transition, but the hope is that it will not take more than two years to implement.  The first merger will be between CenterPoint and Cardinal Innovations – somewhere between May 1 and June 30. This change affects each county from “Murphy to Manteo.”  Read more about the consolidation in Rose Hoban’s recent article in NC Health News .

Langdon & Company LLP is committed to assisting the mental health provider population in any way we can.  Please contact our office if you have questions on how these changes will affect your organization.

 

NC Senate Bill 424 “Fostering Success,” an analysis of the current proposal and how it will affect the Foster Care Benefits Program in North Carolina

by Josh Bryant

Under current State law, foster children stop receiving benefits on their 18th birthday, unless they are a full-time student, up until the age of 21. However, North Carolina legislators have been working to extend the age limit for foster care benefits from 18 to 21 under a wider swath of requirements that will undoubtedly benefit thousands who are currently cared for in the Foster Care Program.

In order to receive foster care benefits until the age of 21, under the current law a child must be a full-time student. With the passage of NC Senate Bill 424, effective August 1, 2016, under Section 1 a foster child may fulfill one of following five requirements and remain eligible to receive benefits until 21:

  • completing high school or a GED,family
  • being enrolled in a college or a vocational program,
  • participating in an employment program,
  • being employed for at least 80 hours per month,
  • or, incapable of completing one of these requirements due to a medical condition or disability.

Additionally, “Fostering Success” also expands the ability of foster parents and children to succeed in life by allowing more “wiggle room” for decisions to be made on part of the child. For example, under the proposed law, a foster child who is a full-time student over age 18 may now be approved to live outside a foster care facility in a college dormitory or a partially-supervised residential agreement. Furthermore, the Bill will make it easier for foster children who are eligible for guardianship but are unlikely to find a permanent residence in the formation of the Guardianship Assistance Program or GAP.

In summary, “Fostering Success” lends a hand to individuals who are otherwise deemed an adult the necessary assistance they need to supplement their life without having to endure additional hardship in order to receive such help.

Funding for the bill has been set aside for implementation in the coming year and will be fully implemented August 1, 2016.

Josh ([email protected]) is a staff Auditor with Langdon & Company, LLP.  He works on a variety of clients in the non-profit sector.  Please contact our office if we can help your organization better understand the latest legislation and how it affects your constituents.