EVV Reference

Electronic visit verification system: complete 2026 guide

The complete 2026 electronic visit verification system guide. What EVV is, the 7 CMS-required data elements, the 3 state models, and how to evaluate vendors.

By Calvin Nesvig, Founding Partner·Updated May 3, 2026·9 min read
Quick answer
  • EVV is required by federal law (21st Century Cures Act, Section 12006) for Medicaid PCS and HHCS.
  • Every visit must capture 7 CMS data elements : service type, recipient, date, location, provider, start, end.
  • States choose between 3 implementation models : open (provider choice), closed (state-mandated vendor), or open + aggregator.
  • Software that does not capture all 7 elements cannot be used for Medicaid EVV submission.
  • AveeCare captures all 7 and exports to all 50 state aggregators at $6 / active client / mo.

The 7 CMS-required data elements

Every Medicaid PCS / HHCS visit must capture all 7. Software that misses any cannot be used for EVV submission.

1
Type of service performed

Personal care, companion care, skilled visit, etc. Tied to service code.

2
Individual receiving the service

Client / member name + Medicaid ID.

3
Date of the service

YYYY-MM-DD.

4
Location of service delivery

Address; geocoded to confirm against service plan.

5
Individual providing the service

Caregiver / aide name + credentials.

6
Time the service begins

Captured at clock-in via mobile app or IVR.

7
Time the service ends

Captured at clock-out via mobile app or IVR.

3 state EVV models

1. Provider Choice (Open Model)

Pick any vendor that meets the 7 CMS data-element requirement.

2. State-Mandated External Vendor (Closed Model)

Use the state-contracted vendor (typically Sandata, HHAeXchange, Tellus, AuthentiCare, or CareBridge).

3. Provider Choice with Aggregator

Open vendor choice + centralized aggregator. Common in NY, IL, NC, KS, GA, AR, IN, TX, CA.

See our EVV vendors by state reference for which model your state uses.

6 EVV system must-haves

GPS-verified location capture

Location matched against service plan address.

Offline mobile clock-in

Visits in basements / rural areas still verify; sync on reconnect.

Visit-maintenance workflow

EVV mismatches require correction before submission.

State aggregator export

Sandata, HHAeXchange, Tellus, AuthentiCare, CareBridge, DataLogic — whichever your state uses.

Compliance reporting

EVV usage rate by caregiver / client / service code.

BAA + HIPAA coverage

PHI flows through EVV; vendor BAA required.

Where AveeCare fits

AveeCare captures all 7 CMS data elements with GPS-verified mobile clock-in, offline-first capture, visit-maintenance workflow, and exports to all 50 state aggregators. $6 / active client / month, EVV included.

Frequently asked questions

CN
Calvin Nesvig
Founding Partner, AveeCare

Builds home care software full-time and works with home care agencies on workflow and software fit every week.

Need an EVV system that works in your state?

$6 / active client / month. EVV included.