The following information was obtained from the September 5 issue of the Texas Register: The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) announced its intent to submit an amendment to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, which will revise the reimbursement methodology for Medicaid Hospice room and board when the recipient resides in a nursing facility. The changes also involve replacing references to the TILE case mix classification … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Reimbursement Methodology for Medicaid Hospice, Etc.
Archives for September 2008
Congress to Postpone SCHIP
Earlier this year, the Bush administration sought to prevent the expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The president twice vetoed versions of the bill that would have expanded the program amid concerns that parents who could afford private insurance would seek coverage under SCHIP, depriving low-income children of coverage. The Government Accountability Office studied the issue and concluded the administration violated federal law when it prevented states from … [Read more...] about Congress to Postpone SCHIP
Impact of Criminal Convictions on Occupational Licenses–An update on Legislation
During the 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007, three bills involving criminal convictions and occupational licenses were introduced and none of them passed. The first would have limited a licensing authority's ability to suspend or revoke a license based only on criminal convictions that have occurred in the past 5 years. The second bill proposed provisional licenses and the third bill suggested standards for considering deferred adjudications as convictions. Will similar bills be filed … [Read more...] about Impact of Criminal Convictions on Occupational Licenses–An update on Legislation
What’s in a Rule?
Earlier this year, the Texas Supreme Court issued an opinion outlining the definition of a "rule." El Paso Hospital Dist. v. HHSC, 247 S.W.2d 709 (Tex. 2008). The Court stated, "a presumption favors adopting rules... through the formal rule-making procedures." This case supports the premise that agency action may be invalidated if it isn't backed by a rule crafted through the formal rule-making process. When an agency fails to follow all of the required rule adoption procedures, because it … [Read more...] about What’s in a Rule?
Texas Public Information Act (PIA)–It could be your information
Texas PIA grants the public at large access to information held by governmental agencies and is more generous than its federal counterpart. Why should you care? Because it could be your business information the government is providing to the public. Any information shared with a governmental body (think state agencies HHSC or DADS) whether voluntarily or involuntarily is likely accessible by others--including your competitors. This means that you should (1) not provide more information and … [Read more...] about Texas Public Information Act (PIA)–It could be your information
Information Letters: Changes in Deaf-Blind Multiple Disabilities Program, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued six information letters: Addition of Supported Employment and Employment Assistance to the Deaf-Blind Multiple Disabilities (DBMD) Program and a Change in the Behavior Communication Specialist Service DADS informed DBMD Providers that it will implement Supported Employment and Employment Assistance services in the DBMD Program, effective September 1. Service codes and rates (per hour) for both services: Supported … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Changes in Deaf-Blind Multiple Disabilities Program, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Hearing Aid Services, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the August 29 issue of the Texas Register: Proposed Rules The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) proposes to amend §354.1231, Benefits and Limitations; §354.1233, Requirements for Hearing Aid Services; and §354.1235, Requirements for Provider Participation, in Title 1, Part 15, Chapter 354, Subchapter A, Division 15, related to Medicaid hearing aid services. The amended rules would better align Medicaid rules with current … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Hearing Aid Services, Etc.
OIG: Medicare Overpaid for New Generic Drugs
According to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the Department of Health and Human Services, Medicare overpaid for prescription drugs with new generic versions, because of delays in updating its pricing formula. (Kaiser Network) For example, Medicare overpaid $6.5 million for the cancer drug irinotecan. A generic version was approved, but new generic prices were not integrated right away. Medicare paid $126 a dose, although generic prices averaged $41. According to the 20-page … [Read more...] about OIG: Medicare Overpaid for New Generic Drugs
