Products & ProgramsMedicaidDecember 17, 2023

Child Health Plus benefit expansion

Beginning January 1, 2024, Empire became Anthem. This article, published under the former brand, now applies to Anthem.

RETRACTION: This article, originally published on December 17, 2023, was retracted on February 1, 2024.

In accordance with Public Health Law §2510(7), Child Health Plus (CHPlus) covered health services will be expanded to include Children’s Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) effective February 1, 2024.

 These services are intended to assist children/youth in being successful at home, in school, and in other natural environments to help maintain them in the community and avoid higher levels of care and out-of-home placements. Services are family-driven, youth-guided, and culturally and linguistically appropriate. Services are individualized to meet the physical health, developmental, and behavioral health needs of each child/youth. Services are provided in a flexible, complimentary package that evolves over time to meet the changing needs of the child/youth.

Children’s HCBS include the following services:

  • Adaptive and assistive technology
  • Caregiver/family advocacy and support services
  • Community habilitation
  • Day habilitation
  • Environmental modifications
  • Non-medical transportation
  • Palliative care: bereavement service
  • Palliative care: expressive therapy
  • Palliative care: massage therapy
  • Palliative care: pain and symptom management
  • Pre-vocational services
  • Planned respite
  • Crisis respite
  • Supported employment
  • Vehicle modification

Please note, these benefit changes are consistent with what Empire BlueCross BlueShield HealthPlus is already covering in our Medicaid Managed Care line of business.

Providers should bill services in accordance with NYS Medicaid guidelines.

Also refer to our provider website for additional information regarding new billing requirements for Children’s HCBS by visiting Provider News.

If you have questions or need more information, contact Provider Services at 800-397-1630.

Empire BlueCross BlueShield HealthPlus is the trade name of HealthPlus HP, LLC, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

NYBCBS-CD-047163-23