In a move that is sure to cause controversy (although it shouldn't), President George Bush plans to implement new standards requiring Medicaid recipients to prove American citizenship in order to receive benefits. Although the Senate and House of Representatives are trying to reach a compromise on the immigration bill, Bush signed the Medicaid citizenship requirements into law back in February. The requirements will take effect on July 1, 2006. From the New York Times (free registration … [Read more...] about Proof of Citizenship for Medicaid
Archives for June 2006
Complaints About Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership
I am collecting complaints from providers about service problems with Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP). So far, I have heard complaints that TMHP does not return telephone calls and that processing Electronic Data Interchange Agreements has been unduly slow, causing unconscionable delays in Medicaid payment to contractors for services they have provided. I have heard, from more than one source, that the delays have been blamed by TMHP supervisors on the illness and absence of … [Read more...] about Complaints About Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership
Provider Letter: LTC Online Portal
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) advises Consolidated Waiver Program, Waiver, Home and Community Support Services, Community Based Alternative, Hospice, Nursing Facilities, and Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly Providers that effective August 21, 2006, the DOS-based CARE Form System software is being upgraded to a web-based system. Download the letter here. With the more user-friendly system, providers will be able to submit forms and corrections, and … [Read more...] about Provider Letter: LTC Online Portal
Long Term Care Hospital Units?
Will long term care units in hospitals become a trend? Iowa is considering adding long term care wings to its hospitals that could bring in more federal funding. Such a plan is currently illegal, but the director of the Iowa Department of Inspection and Appeals said the agency will rewrite the rules to allow the units. The decision to pursue the project was apparently prompted by a different agency's rejection of a plan to build four long term care hospitals in the state. Do hospitals … [Read more...] about Long Term Care Hospital Units?
Provider Letter: Medicaid Hospice Contracts
In a letter to dated May 31, DADS notifies Medicaid Hospice providers that the Provider Services - Community Services Contracts unit will now be responsible for enrolling Medicaid Hospice providers and administering Hospice contracts, effective June 1. The Provider Services - Institutional Services Contracts unit previously handled such enrollments and administration. For details, download the letter here. … [Read more...] about Provider Letter: Medicaid Hospice Contracts
Provider Letters: Handling and Movement Practices, Minimum Data Set Assessments
In a letter dated May 22, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) advises licensed nursing facilities of new rules on safe resident handling and movement practices, effective June 1. You may download the letter and three-page attachment here. In a separate letter dated May 31, DADS reminds nursing facilities that they must submit ongoing Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments to a state database for private-pay residents whose information has not been entered into the Centers … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: Handling and Movement Practices, Minimum Data Set Assessments
