PPL 21-034: Opportunities for COVID-19 testing in schools and the impact on Local Educational Agency Medi-Cal Billing Option Program (LEA BOP)
On Monday, November 22, DHCS released an email regarding Policy and Procedure Letter 21-034. This PPL notifies LEAs participating in the LEA Billing program of opportunities related to COVID-19 testing in schools.
As you already know, COVID-19 related activities are not billable activities as specified in PPL 21-035: COVID-19 FAQ, which DHCS released on November 16, 2021. However, this new PPL states an opportunity to include the costs of personnel administering COVID-19 testing on the CRCS if that employed practitioner was an RMTS participant in Pool 1, Direct Service Providers. This PPL further indicates that if your LEA purchases and administers COVID-19 tests outside of the CDPH K-12 School Testing Program, the costs of the tests and the contracted costs for processing these tests (net of federal funding) can also be reported on the CRCS as medical supply costs and contracted service costs.
It is important to remember that much of the funds used to procure testing supplies will likely be from federal funding and, therefore, not claimable. As a reminder, LEAs will not receive interim reimbursement for the purchase, administration, or processing of COVID-19 tests.
In summary, there is nothing for your LEA to do at this time. As Paradigm clients, your TSP lists likely already include personnel who may administer COVD-19 testing in your district. However, if you have any questions or want to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact your account manager.
