August 12 2025 CHAMPS LOCD Reminders

August 12, 2025: Attention Nursing Facility, MI Choice, PACE, and MI Health Link Providers: MDHHS Provider Support has received an increase in LOCD inquiries related to Level of Care Determinations (LOCDs). To offer clarification and help eliminate the need to contact Provider Support, providers are reminded:  

• All LOCDs must be completed/conducted and entered timely in CHAMPS.
• Face-to-Face LOCD assessment must be completed by the provider prior to or on the day of admission or enrollment into a program.
• LOCD face-to-face assessments conducted, including Door 0 (zero, not eligible), must be entered in CHAMPS within 14 calendar days of the face-to-face LOCD assessment (i.e., conducted dated) to ensure a compliant LOCD record.
• Report the beneficiary’s Medicaid ID# on the LOCD.
• For instructions on how to obtain the MA ID# in CHAMPS, reference the provider tip:Eligibility Inquiry. Search using combinations of First/Last Name, Date of Birth (DOB), and Social Security Number (SSN).
• If the MA ID# is found in CHAMPS, report the MA ID# on the LOCD. The beneficiary’s demographic details will auto-populate to the record, reducing clerical errors and minimizing the need for LOCD corrections.
• If the MA ID# is not found in CHAMPS, leave the MA ID# field blank and ensure all other demographic information is accurate and complete on the LOCD. Once Medicaid eligibility is determined, the MA ID# will systematically attach to the record.
• When submitting the LOCD, be mindful of the ‘verification notification’ pop-up.Supporting documentation must be uploaded within 3 business days for the selected LOCD records. Review the LOCD Verification Review Tip for instructions on how to upload.
• Regularly monitor the LOCD end date.
• Providers are responsible for reassessing LOCD eligibility prior to the End Date of the current LOCD record or when there is a significant change in condition.
• Conduct a new LOCD before the end date to ensure no gap between LOCDs.

To help reduce the high volume of LOCD correction requests, providers are strongly encouraged to review all entries carefully before submission. Ensure all fields are accurate and complete, including but not limited to:

• Medicaid ID# Name,
• Date of Birth (DOB), and Social Security Number (SSN)
• Conducted, Created, and Start Dates National Provider Identifier (NPI)

Please Note: If there are demographic discrepancies between what is reported on the LOCD record versus the confirmed data in CHAMPS, the Medicaid ID# will not attach to the LOCD record. The provider will need to Contact Provider Support for a resolution.