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.
Quick answer The 7 CMS data elements 3 state models EVV system must-haves AveeCare fit FAQ

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.

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Frequently asked questions

An electronic visit verification (EVV) system electronically captures and verifies the start time, end time, location, service performed, individual receiving service, and individual providing service for Medicaid-funded personal care services (PCS) and home health care services (HHCS). EVV is required by the federal 21st Century Cures Act and was phased in by states between 2020 and 2023.
CMS requires every Medicaid PCS / HHCS visit to capture: (1) type of service performed, (2) individual receiving the service, (3) date of the service, (4) location of service delivery, (5) individual providing the service, (6) time the service begins, (7) time the service ends. Software that does not capture all 7 cannot be used for Medicaid EVV submission.
Medicaid-funded personal care services (PCS) and home health care services (HHCS) require EVV. This includes most state Medicaid programs, Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs), HCBS waiver programs, and Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance Programs (CDPAP/CDS). Private-pay home care, Medicare home health, and most LTC insurance-funded care do not require EVV.
Yes. AveeCare captures the 7 CMS-required EVV data elements at every visit and exports them to all 50 state aggregators (Sandata, HHAeXchange, Tellus/Netsmart, AuthentiCare, CareBridge, DataLogic). EVV is included at $6 per active client per month, no separate per-visit or per-state fee.

Sources

Accessed May 3, 2026.

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.

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