Each Local Early Steps must identify a specific individual as the program coordinator. This person is responsible for the day-to-day activities of the program and serves as the primary contact person for the program.
Local Early Steps fiscal responsibilities include:
- Accessing Medicaid Funds
- Developing Written Procedures
- Contracting with Providers
This flowchart illustrates the Early Steps flow of funds starting at the federal level, through the state level, and down to the Local Early Steps program.
- Accessing Third Party Funds:
Federal Law requires that Part C is utilized as the payor of last resort. Part C is designed to be part of a collaborative, coordinated system of services and supports which utilizes a wide variety of local, state and national funding sources and services to meet the needs of eligible children and their families. Therefore, Local Early Steps and direct service providers are required to access Medicaid funds for eligible services provided to Medicaid enrolled families, including targeted case management and early intervention services. Service providers must also access all other resources such as private insurance, Military Tri-Care insurance and all other available resources and program funds.
- Developing Written Procedures:
Local Early Steps must develop written procedures for ensuring that Medicaid billable services are appropriately billed and collected including procedures for conducting a monthly review and research of the Errors on Billing report submitted from Medicaid indicating the number of claims paid, suspended or denied.
- Contracting with Providers:
Each Local Early Steps ensures that there are contracts written or other arrangements made with community agencies and other providers for the delivery of early intervention services. Local Early Steps are responsible for implementing local quality assurance measures to determine compliance with program and contract requirements.
