Information Letters: Cost Reports and Rebates

On February 28, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission issued a letter to Community Based Alternatives, Community Living Assistance and Support Services, Case Management Agency, Direct Service Agency, and Primary Home Care Providers, informing them about new rules related to Consolidated Cost Reporting Requirements for the 2007 Cost Report. For details on the new [...]

Information Letter and Memo for Nursing Facilities

The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) informed nursing facility administrators about the Nursing Facility Quality Review Process for 2008. This year, the Nurse Aid Competency Evaluation Services Plus Foundation, Inc. will conduct evaluations, accessing residents’ clinical records and behavior monitoring logs. Download the letter for more information. According to a memo to [...]

Governors Criticize Medicaid Cost Shift

The National Governors Association has gone on record to oppose the Bush administration’s proposal to shift more Medicaid costs to the states. (Kaiser Network) The shift reportedly will save $15 billion over five years. One change under the new rules is that states no longer will be allowed to use Medicaid funds to help pay [...]

Information Letters: Customized Power Wheelchairs Added, Etc.

The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services has released four new information letters: NF: Customized Power Wheelchairs Added as Medicaid Nursing Facility Program Service (letter) ICF/MR: Posting of Models Used by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to Evaluate Cost Reports (letter) HCS, TxHmL, and CDSA: Implementation of Consumer-Directed Services Reimbursement Rates (letter) [...]

Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates

The following information was obtained from the February 15 edition of the Texas Register: Open Meeting The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold public hearings on proposed Medicaid payment rates for various procedure codes on February 29, 2008, at 1:30 p.m., in the Lone Star Conference Room of the Health and Human [...]

Bush Administration Proposes to Raise Medicare Drug Premium

The Bush administration has proposed to raise Medicare drug benefit premiums for “higher-income” beneficiaries. (Kaiser Network) The proposal includes a cap on non-economic damages in medical malpractice suits and a requirement for health care providers to implement electronic records. The proposal isn’t a move to placate House Democrats (the part about raising premiums for high [...]

Information Letters: PAS Reinstatement, Form Correction, Etc.

The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services has released 10 new information letters, dated from January 28 to February 12: Clarification of Policy and Procedures for Reinstating Personal Assistance Services (PAS) Following a Temporary Institutional Stay (letter) Correction to Form 3621 (letter) ICM: Long Term Service and Supports (LTSS) Program Operations (letter) ICM Program [...]

Bush Administration To Shift More Medicaid Costs to States

The Bush administration plans more Medicaid rule changes. Earlier this week, CQ Weekly reported that the administration plans to shift more Medicaid costs to the states, prompted by Government Accountability Office studies that show states have used “questionable” practices to gain more federal dollars. (Kaiser Network) From the report (emphases added): The first regulation, to [...]

Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates, Etc.

The following information was obtained from the February 1st and 8th editions of the Texas Register: Open Meetings The Texas Department of Health and Human Services (HHSC) will hold a public rate hearing on February 20, 2008, at 9:00 a.m. in the Palo Duro Canyon Conference Room of the Braker Center, Building H, at 11209 [...]

Texas Register Updates: Resident Care Program and Other Hearings

The following information was obtained from the January 25 edition of the Texas Register: Open Meetings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will conduct a public hearing on February 11, 2008, at 9:00 a.m., to receive public comment on proposed payment rates for the Residential Care program, assisted living/residential care services under the [...]

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