Texas Register Updates: Frequency of Reporting Costs, Etc.

The following information was obtained from the June 20 issue of the Texas Register:
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission adopted the repeal of §355.454, concerning Frequency of Reporting Costs and an amendment to §355.457, concerning Fiscal Accountability, in its Reimbursement Rates Chapter.
The updates will “clarify and formalize requirements related to required documentation and [...]

Information Letters: Search for Parent or Guardian of a Child

The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued two information letters:

Compliance with Texas Government Code Section 531.164(h) related to Search for Parent or Guardian of a Child

In a letter to Intermediate Care Facility for Persons with Mental Retardation (ICF/MR) and Nursing Facility (NF) Providers, DADS reminded them of the requirements related to Search [...]

House Passes Bill to Stop Medicare Physicians Pay Cut

Yesterday, the House of Representatives “overwhelmingly” passed a bill that would stop a 10.6 percent Medicare physicians pay cut, which is scheduled to go into effect on July 1. (Associated Press)
The House passed the measure by a vote of 355-59, despite a potential presidential veto. Democrats want to fund the delayed cut by decreasing funding [...]

Dual Eligible Lawsuit Settled

Beneficiaries of Medicaid can continue buying prescription drugs at a low cost once they become eligible for Medicare, according to a class action lawsuit settlement. (Kaiser Network)
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the settlement last week. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of 6.2 million “dual eligible” Medicaid beneficiaries. Under the 2003 [...]

Information and Provider Letters: Unlicensed Locations Operated by a Licensed Assisted Living Facility Owner, Etc.

The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released two information letters and two provider letters:

Service Provision Requirements for all HCS Program Providers

In a two-page letter to Home and Community-based Services (HCS) and Mental Retardation Authorities (MRA), DADS clarified existing HCS Program rules concerning service provision requirements for HCS Program providers. Download the letter [...]

Texas Register Update: Hearing Re State Mental Retardation Facilities

The following information was obtained from the June 13 issue of the Texas Register:
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) will hold a public hearing at 3 p.m. on June 23, 2008, to accept public testimony regarding the draft Report Update for State Mental Retardation Facilities for Fiscal Years 2008-2009. The hearing will [...]

Senate Democrats Fall Short on Medicare Physicians Payment Bill

Last week, Democrats in the Senate did not get the 60 votes needed to invoke cloture and begin debate on a measure that would delay a 10.6 percent Medicare physicians fee cut for 18 months. (Kaiser Network)
As I mentioned before, Democrats in both houses of Congress are trying to delay the cut, which goes into [...]

Information Letters: Addition of Specialized Nursing Services, TILE/RUG Transition, Etc.

The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released four information letters:

Addition of Specialized Nursing Services to the DBMD Program

DADS informed Deaf-Blind Multiple Disabilities (DBMD) Providers that it will implement specialized nursing services and associated rates in the DBMD Program. The codes and rates are:
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) – 13A – $29.69 per hour
Registered [...]

Texas Register Updates: RFPs for MITA State-Self Assessment

The following information was obtained from the June 6 issue of the Texas Register:
Public Notices
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has announced its intent to release Request for Proposals (RFP No. 529-08-0180) to secure the services of a qualified vendor to assist the state in completing the Medicaid Information Technology Architecture (MITA) State-Self Assessment, [...]

Congress Battles Over Medicare/Medicaid Funding

Although President Bush has proposed to reduce funding to programs like Medicare and Medicaid, both houses of Congress have other plans.
Last week, the House of Representatives voted to approve a $3.1 trillion FY 2009 budget that excludes President Bush’s proposed Medicare and Medicaid program cuts. (Kaiser Network)
Kaiser reports (via the Washington Post) that Democrats may [...]

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