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Licensed Provider Accepting Children with CDC Scholarship

Licensed Provider Accepting Children with CDC Scholarship

Licensed Providers are eligible to bill and receive payment for children approved for the CDC Scholarship immediately upon becoming licensed. The CDC Scholarship is available to families who apply and meet eligibility requirements. Families can make up to 200% of the FPL. Parents can use the Eligibility Calculator - Great Start to Quality to help see if they may qualify.

 Step 1- Provider Information:

  • CDC Licensed Provider Confirmation (DHHS-4481-B) is mailed to all new providers when the licensed program is opened. This document has the Provider ID number that is used on the DHS-4025 (Provider Verification Form).

 

  Step 2- Providers must Register with Sigma to be able to receive scholarship payments:

  • Providers can register with Sigma on their website at SIGMA VSS or by calling the Sigma Helpdesk at 888-734-9749.

 

  Step 3- Provider Requirements:

 

Step 4- Parent Completes Verification (MDHHS-4025):

  • Parent completes the Child Development And Care (CDC) Provider Verification [MDHHS-4025] form. The parent completes and signs the form prior to submitting to MDHHS.
  • Multiple providers can be assigned to a case. It is the parent’s responsibility to make sure the number of hours of care do not exceed the authorized hours, or the parent is responsible for payment to the provider for that time. Parents must contact MDHHS to report they are ending care with an assigned provider.

 Step 5- Documents:

  • Provider receives the CDC Provider Notice (DHS-198) regarding the authorization for a child. The DHS-198 will have child’s name, number of hours approved, the service begin/end dates and family contribution amount.
  • If the number of hours is ‘0’ the child has not been authorized for a CDC Scholarship.
  • Children have a 12-month eligibility. The providers end date follows the CDC Scholarship Application timeline regardless of when care began. For instance, if parent applies May 2025 the CDC eligibility period is until May 2026. If the provider is assigned July 2025 the provider will be able to bill from July 2025 to May 2026 (10 months).
  • CDC recommends tracking the end date listed on DHS-198. This allows provider to remind the family to submit paperwork for redetermination. Redetermination starts one month prior to service end date. This allows MDHHS time to process paperwork so that billing/payment is not interrupted. The parent and provider will be mailed a new DHS- 198 at redetermination.
  • The I-Billing system displays the information that is on DHS-198. However, the end date displays as ‘Ongoing’ and changes color 30 days prior to end date.

Where to Find Additional Resources:

  • Online Billing Support: Provider Billing Help and Provider Billing Guidance
  • CDC Websites: Child Development and Care and Providers for news and updates.
  • Provider ID: If you have not received or cannot locate your Provider ID call CDC: 866-990- 3227
  • CDC Scholarship Billing Questions: 866-990-3227
  • Authorization Questions: Child assignments, number of hours approved or service begin/end dates or family contribution amounts call MDHHS 844-464-3447.
    • Information sharing by CDC and MDHHS regarding client cases is restricted due to confidentiality. If you are not the authorized provider on the case the Specialist will not be able to share information and will refer you to the parent.
  • Scholarship Handbook for Licensed Providers: Billing and payment rules and information. This handbook is updated quarterly January 1st, April 1st , July 1st and October 1st.