In a letter to Home and Community Support Services Agencies, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) reminds these providers of the requirement to report allegations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of clients to DADS and the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). These incidents previously were investigated by on-site visits. In September 2004, the process was changed to allow desk reviews instead of on-site visits. The provider letter answers frequently … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: Desk Review and NPI Collection Process
Over 41,000 Qualified Nursing School Applicants Rejected in 2005
Nursing schools had to turn away over 41,000 qualified applicants in 2005 because there weren't enough faculty to teach. This is an unfortunate trend because of the overall nursing shortage nationwide. According to USA Today, 7.9 percent of faculty positions at nursing schools remain unfilled, and the Department of Health and Human Service reports that the 10 percent RN vacancy rate will increase to 36 percent by 2020. In July, I blogged about the high turnover rate in health care jobs and … [Read more...] about Over 41,000 Qualified Nursing School Applicants Rejected in 2005
CMS Says No to Maryland Drug Plan Proposal for Uninsured
In an effort to provide low-cost prescription drugs to the state’s uninsured, Maryland proposed to offer them prescription drugs at Medicaid prices, but the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rejected the plan. (Kaiser Network) The state sought to finance the plan through various sources, including through pharmaceutical company rebates. This is not a legitimate source for matching funds, says CMS spokesperson Mary Kahn. The federal government matches state Medicaid … [Read more...] about CMS Says No to Maryland Drug Plan Proposal for Uninsured
Hearing Notice For Proposed Rates for State-Owned Veterans Nursing Facilities
There will be a public hearing for comment on the proposed payment rates for state-owned veterans nursing facilities on October 19, 2006, at 10:00 a.m. in the Permian Basin Room of Building H, Braker Center at 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin, Texas. The hearing will be conducted by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. See the Texas Register for more information. … [Read more...] about Hearing Notice For Proposed Rates for State-Owned Veterans Nursing Facilities
Provider Letters: Incident Reporting and Provider/Survey Conference
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued a provider letter to Licensed Nursing Facilities, Medicare/Medicaid-certified Nursing Facilities, and Skilled Nursing Facilities about guidelines for reporting incidents. Superseding guidelines dated July 14, 2000, the revised guidelines require any facility staffer who believes a resident has been abused, neglected, or exploited by another staffer to report it, pursuant to Health and Safety Code §242.122 and 40 Texas … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: Incident Reporting and Provider/Survey Conference
Medicare Part D Coverage News
No good deed goes unpunished. In 2007, private health insurers that provide coverage for Medicare Part D prescription drug plans will offer more plans, giving seniors more choices. But such a move will likely confuse beneficiaries already confused by current plan choices. Citing the New York Times, the Kaiser Network reports that health insurers began marketing 2007 drug plans last Sunday. The six-week enrollment period begins on November 15. Premiums more or less will remain the same, … [Read more...] about Medicare Part D Coverage News
New Hampshire Nursing Homes Sue DHHS
On occasion, I’ve blogged about nursing homes and the “burden†of Medicare Part D. In July, I told you that pharmaceutical representatives testified on Capitol Hill that nursing homes are losing money under the program. Nursing homes are also concerned about Medicaid under-reimbursements. Sixty nursing homes in New Hampshire are suing the Department of Health and Human Services for $4.4 million for care given to Medicaid beneficiaries since 2002. From the Kaiser Network: The … [Read more...] about New Hampshire Nursing Homes Sue DHHS
Provider Letter: Changes To Dental Evaluation Approval Process
In a provider letter dated September 27, 2006, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) informed Community Based Alternatives (CBA) Home and Community Support Services (HCSS) providers about changes to the approval process for dental evaluations. Under the new process, an HCSS provider's registered nurse is allowed to get multiple evaluations for CBA participants without obtaining prior approval from the DADS case manager. For more information, you may download the … [Read more...] about Provider Letter: Changes To Dental Evaluation Approval Process
Agency Vacancies Create Complications
As I blogged last week, Mark McClellan, current Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services (CMS) administrator, is set to leave his post. The Hill reports that Andrew von Eschenbach, President Bush’s nominee to lead the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is facing obstacles to his confirmation. Will the same happen when Bush nominates someone to take over McClellen’s post? According to The Hill, former “senior officials†for CMS and the FDA say that agency replacements face a … [Read more...] about Agency Vacancies Create Complications
Medicare Fee-for-Service Plan Enrollment Increases
As more beneficiaries sign up for Medicare fee-for-service plans, “experts†are concerned that Medicare may be going private, which apparently is a bad thing. Citing a New York Times story, the Kaiser Network reports that fee-for-service enrollments increased tenfold to 820,000 during the last two years. The federal government raised plan subsidies by an average of 11 percent, which some say accounts for the increased enrollment numbers. Chief Executive of the California Medical … [Read more...] about Medicare Fee-for-Service Plan Enrollment Increases