Texas Register Updates: CLASS Renewal, Etc.

The following information was obtained from the February 13 and February 20 issues of the Texas Register:
Public Notice
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) intends to submit a request to renew the Community Living and Support Services (CLASS) program, a Medicaid home and community-based services waiver program under the authority of Title XIX, Section [...]

CMS Quick Links for Tuesday

Last week the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it would postpone implementation of a competitive bidding rule for durable medial equipment providers until April. CMS was required do another round of bidding and make changes, so the implementation date was pushed back. The comment period for the final rule ends on [...]

Funding Troubles for Texas Nursing Homes

The Houston Chronicle published a story last Sunday on funding problems in Texas nursing homes. It seems that Medicaid payments have not kept up with increasing health care costs. Reimbursements are too low for some providers to stay in business. Sixty nursing homes have shut their doors in the past three years.
Texas Health and Human [...]

Information Letters: ICF/MR Cost Reporting, Etc.

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

Medicaid Cost Reporting for Behavioral Support Services Prior to Transition to Community-based Services

DADS informed Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation (ICF/MR) providers about a recent clarification from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding allowable Medicaid cost reporting. [...]

Law, Health & Liberty Podcast–Andy Schlafly of the Association of American Physicians & Surgeons

This is Garlo Ward’s second podcast. It now has a name, Law, Health & Liberty. Click on the title to see the podcast. I chose this name because I see my firm’s job as protecting the liberty interests of health providers against the actions of government which undermine your ability to [...]

Texas Register Updates: RFP in Compliance with Frew v. Hawkins

The following information was obtained from the February 6 issue of the Texas Register:
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) announced the release of a Request for Proposals for “Consulting Services to Provide a Study of Various Outreach and Informing Strategies” (RFP #529-09-0060). HHSC wants to find out why Medicaid enrollees 20 and under [...]

Home Care Group Develops Medicare Anti-Fraud Plan

The Kaiser Network reports that the American Association for Homecare presented a 13-point plan on preventing Medicare fraud and abuse related to durable medical equipment.
According to the group’s plan, suppliers of home durable medical equipment would be subject to site inspections, and contract renewal would be contingent on these inspections. Also required under the plan [...]

Information and Provider Letters: Licensure, Abuse/Neglect Reporting, Etc.

The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has issued one provider and three information letters:

DADS Time Frames for Submission of a Plan of Correction (PoC) for Licensure Violations and Assessing an Administrative Penalty When a Facility Fails to Submit a Timely PoC for Licensure Violations

DADS informed Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental [...]

Legislative Updates: Bills Introduced

The following is a list of bills introduced in the 81st Legislative Session that impact providers:
HB 5 – Relating to the elimination of smoking in all workplaces and public places; providing penalties.

HB 67 – Relating to a medical assistance buy-in program for children with certain developmental disabilities.

HB 87 – Relating to increasing the amount of [...]

Obama Reverses Bush’s SCHIP Policy

Last week, President Barack Obama issued a memorandum lifting President George Bush’s directives on limiting expansion of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), potentially adding up to four million children. (Source)
Obama also signed a bill into law reflecting these changes. The new law reauthorizes and expands SCHIP, offers dental care to children who don’t [...]

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