Resources for County Birth to 3 Programs

ForwardHealth is committed to protecting the health and safety of Birth to 3 Program participants and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Check this page regularly to stay informed about the latest updates.
COVID-19 Unwinding Resources

Suspension of Face-to-Face Services Lifted, Effective May 13, 2020

Effective May 13, 2020, the following contacts may be completed either face-to-face or remotely, by phone or alternate electronic or virtual method:

• Intake (initial home visits)
• Evaluation and Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP)
• Ongoing service delivery (home visits)
• Service coordination

DHS is committed to reducing the risk of COVID‐19 exposure to program participants and staff. It is imperative to take measures to protect populations at an elevated risk of becoming seriously ill should they become infected.

County Birth to 3 Programs must work with families to affirm their acceptance of face-to-face service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The family leads this decision. Discussion with the family should address available options for service delivery and risks associated with each option. County Birth to 3 Programs should review available information from their local public health department authorities and align their practices for face-to-face service delivery with the guidance from those local authorities. Remote provision of services continues to be available.

PHE Unwinding Updates

Coming Soon

Birth to 3 Program Questions and Answers

DHS has answered questions about temporary Birth to 3 Program changes due to COVID-19 on the COVID-19: Birth to 3 Program Operational Questions and Answers DHS webpage. These questions and answers will be updated regularly.

Telehealth Resources for Medicaid Providers

The Telehealth Resources for Providers page includes summaries and explanations of the recently published materials, FAQs, billing guidance, and resources related to telehealth.

Telehealth Services for Birth to 3 Programs

Telehealth services are covered for the Birth to 3 Program if the service can be delivered with a functional equivalency to the face-to-face service. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth services for the Birth to 3 Program are temporarily covered by ForwardHealth. More information is included in the March 2020 ForwardHealth Update (2020-15), titled “Additional Services to Be Provided via Telehealth,” for further information.

Sign up for Email Subscription Messages

Sign up for email subscription messages to receive Wisconsin Birth to 3 Updates for Counties messages like the ones below about important information and policy changes:

• Update: Innovation in Social-Emotional Development Grants (3/25/20)
• COVID-19 Update for Birth to 3 Programs (3/24/20)
• Suspension of Face-to-Face Visits (3/19/20)

Communications to Participants and Families

• Birth to 3 Program Family Communication: COVID-19 Related (4/27/20)

Other Resources and Links

• COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease) DHS webpage
• COVID-19: Health Care Providers DHS webpage
• COVID-19: ForwardHealth Program Updates DHS webpage (for participants and members)
• Wisconsin Medicaid Response to COVID-19 Outbreak Member Bulletin
• COVID-19 PHE Unwinding Resources