Sec. 10.09.56.22. Payment Procedures

A. Request for Payment.

(1) An approved provider shall submit requests for payment for the services covered under this chapter according to the procedures set forth in COMAR 10.09.36.04 or otherwise established by the Program.

(2) The provider shall:

(a) Bill the Program in accordance with the payment methodology specified in §C of this regulation;

(b) Accept payment from the Program as payment in full for the services covered under this chapter and make no additional charge to the participant or any other party for these services; and

(c) Submit a request for payment in a manner approved by the Program, which includes the:

(i) Date or dates of service;

(ii) Participant's name and Medicaid number;

(iii) Provider's name, location, and Program identification number;

(iv) Type, procedure code or codes, and unit or units of covered services provided; and

(v) Amount of reimbursement requested.

B. Documentation Required.

(1) Payments by the Program or its designee may be withheld if the provider fails to submit requested evidence of services provided, staff qualifications, corrective action plans, or other types of documentation related to ensuring the health and safety of a participant.

(2) Payments shall be released upon receipt and approval by the Program or its designee of the requested documentation.

(3) An appeal by the provider under COMAR 10.01.03 does not stay the withholding of payments.

C. Billing time limitations for the services covered under this chapter are the same as those set forth in COMAR 10.09.36.06.

D. Payments.

(1) Payments shall be made only to a qualified provider for services covered under this chapter which are rendered to a participant.

(2) Providers shall be paid the lesser of:

(a) The provider’s customary charge to the general public unless the service is free to individuals not covered by Medicaid; or

(b) The rate established according to the fee schedule published by the Department.

E. Rates.

(1) The Department shall publish a fee schedule for services covered under this chapter that shall be publicly available and updated at least annually or upon any changes made by the Department.

(2) Effective July 1, 2018, the Program’s rates as specified in the Department’s fee schedule shall increase on July 1 of each year by 3 percent, subject to the limitations of the State budget.