October 28, 2022 | Deborah Good, PhD, HLM, ATR-BC, ATCS, LPAT, LPCC
New Mexico LPATs are now eligible to apply for Medicaid reimbursement as private practitioners. This is a huge victory because, as many of you know, Medicaid approval status sets the standard for all other insurance companies. Art therapists in New Mexico have worked for 28 years to make this happen — and hope all of you will take advantage of this incredible recognition for the art therapy license.
According to the new rules changes last year, all clinicians in the state who are seeking Medicaid reimbursement through their private practice (no matter what their license type) must apply with the state Medicaid division through the NM Medicaid portal, be approved and then apply for provider status with the three MCO insurance branches: Western Sky, BCBS, and Presbyterian Healthcare providers.
First LPAT Approved as a Provider
Erika Jacknins become the first art therapist approved as a Medicaid independent provider in New Mexico.
In October, Erica Jacknin, LPAT, ATR-BC, became the first NM LPAT approved as a Medicaid independent provider. During this process, we discovered that the Medicaid Conduent Portal status for the LPAT needed to be changed from Provider type 445, specialty 123 to allow LPATs to open the MAD 335 application. That change was completed by October 1, 2022 and is now available for all LPATs to apply for coverage.
Should you need assistance in filling out this application, Debra Basey, Social/Communication Services Coordinator Supervisor is willing to walk you through the process. Debra’s contact information is Debra Basey, Medical Assistance Division, Policy & Provider Services Bureau, 1 Plaza La Prensa, P.O. Box 2348, Santa Fe, NM 87504-2348, or Debra.Basey@state.nm.us.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions at drdeborahgood@gmail.com.