Click on any of the categories below to see their related questions. Select the question to see the
answer.
 1.
General
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What is USP?
USP is the acronym for Uniform Screening Program. It is a web-based program to screen applicants for appropriate placement in Medicaid long-term care services and support and PASARR.
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What is MUST?
MUST is an acronym for Medicaid Uniform Screening Tool. It is the tool that is used to screen applicants for Medicaid long term cares services and support and PASARR.
2.
Providers/Screeners
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Who is a Screener?
A Medical professional utilizing the Medicaid Uniform Screening Tool (MUST) to make a referral to Medicaid for long-term care services and supports (covered under the Uniform Screening Program and expanding over time) including
- Physicians, Physician Assistants, Family Nurse Practitioners, and other mid-level practitioners
- RNs and LPNs,
- Medical/Clinical Social Workers,
- Qualified Professionals and Psychologists,
- Hospital discharge planners and case managers who make referrals to long-term care services and supports,
- Case managers from regional, local and community organizations that make referrals to long-term care services and supports,
- Staff of Aging Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs),
- Departments of Social Services,
- and other Providers, Agencies and Networks whose Entity Administrator determines the potential screener has the experience and informal training with which to complete the screenings
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How do I become a Screener?
To become a Screener you must first meet the professional qualifications mandated by DMA. Individuals meeting these qualifications need to be Medicaid certified by participating in the MUST training and demonstrating competency in the use of the tool by passing the MUST Online Certification Test.
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What computer applications are needed?
- Internet access
- NCID email account
- Microsoft Windows® (Windows 2000, Windows XP Professional, Microsoft Windows Vista)
- Microsoft Internet Explorer® 6.0 or later
- Adobe Reader®, versions 7.0 or 8.0
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What happens if I miss training?
If you missed the scheduled training session you may take the Online Tutorial Training available at www.ncmust.com. The Online Tutorial & Training will provide much of the same training material covered in the regional training sessions. The participant taking the Online Tutorial & Training will be required to complete the Online Certification Test which demonstrates competency in the use of the NC MUST tool.
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What forms are being eliminated?
The Uniform Screening Tool (MUST) replaces:
- FL2
- FL-2e
- PASARR Level I Screening Form
- PASARR Tracking Form
- Nursing Facility Ventilator Addendum
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What is NCID?
NCID is an acronym for North Carolina Identity Management. It is a identity management system provided to State, local, business and citizen users by the State of North Carolina. NCID provides a common, consistent user interface for all identiy managment related functions such as login, forgotten User ID, and forgotten password.
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Are MUST screenings mandatory?
Yes. MUST is replacing the FL-2, FL-2e, PASARR Level 1 Screening, and other forms used for Medicaid referrals for services. It is mandatory that the MUST be used for all screening requests to North Carolina Medicaid long term care services and support.
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How do I submit a PASARR request?
A PASARR screening can be submitted two ways. First if the applicant is a Medicaid applicant then select the appropriate screening type and complete the entire MUST form. Upon selection of Nursing Facility as the accepted program a PASARR Level I evaluation will be performed. The second way to obtain a PASARR screening for non-Medicaid applicants is to select the PASARR Only screening option.
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What is meant by best fit?
A "best fit" is the terminology used to indicate the best recommended program choice or level of care outcome of a screening based on the data entered by the referring screener and/or screening agency.
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What is a PDF file/form?
PDF is an acronym for "Portable Document Format" and was developed by Adobe as means for electronic document exchange. PDF files can be easily viewed and printed on any type of computer by the use of a reader program. These files are compact and easily downloaded over the internet. To get a free copy of Adobe reader go to www.adobe.com or by selecting this link. 
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Will the screening generate Prior Approvals?
Yes, it will generate certain Prior Approvals for Community Alternatives Programs and Nursing Facility, but NOT Private Duty Nursing Services, Personal Care Services or Personal Care Services Plus.
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Can the data entered into the PDF form be saved?
Yes. The PDF form should be used when the from is being completed "offline".
(Offline means that you are not connected to the internet.) The form can be saved to the local computer
and later, once the connection to the internet is re-established, the form may be uploaded to the MUST application
for processing.
3.
Applicant/Recipient
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What is Medicaid?
Title XIX of the Social Security Act is a federal entitlement program that pays for medical assistance for certain individuals and families with low incomes and resources. This program, known as Medicaid, became law in 1965 as a cooperative venture jointly funded by the federal and state governments (including the District of Columbia and the Territories) to assist states in furnishing medical assistance to eligible needy persons. Medicaid is the largest source of funding for medical and health-related services for America’s poorest people. Within broad national guidelines established by federal statues, regulations and policies, each state (1) establishes its own eligibility standards; (2) determines the type, amount, duration and scope of services; (3) sets the rate of payment for services; and (4) administers its own program. Medicaid policies for eligibility, services and payment are complex and vary considerably, even among states of similar size or geographic proximity. Thus, a person who is eligible for Medicaid in one state may not be eligible in another state, and the services provided by one state may differ considerably in amount, duration or scope from services provided in a similar or neighboring state. In addition, Medicaid eligibility and services within a state can change during the year.
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Who has to be screened?
All applicants requesting a referral to North Carolina Medicaid for long-term care services and/or support services covered under the North Carolina Medicaid Uniform Screening Program (MUST).
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I have a MUST letter. What do I do with it?
If you are a Medicaid recipient, please take this MUST notification letter to your local County Department of
Social Services and/or applicable local provider agency. In order for your N.C. Medicaid screening results to
be accessed, the Department of Social Services and/or local provider agency representative must have your MUST ID.
If you are not a Medicaid recipient you may learn more about the eligibility requirements by contacting your local
County Department of Social Services or accessing the Division of Medical Assistance's website at www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dma .
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Uniform Screening
Tool (MUST)
Frequently Asked Questions