In a letter dated June 26, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), informed Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation, Home and Community-based Services, Texas Home Living and Community Living and Assistance Support Services about payment rate increases. Increases range from 2.72 percent to 4.77 percent. For more information, download the letter here. In a June 27 letter to Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) contractors, DADS informed … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Rate Increases, MRA News, Etc.
Provider Letters: Evercare; Medicare Certification Surveys
This week, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released three provider letters. The first letter to community services providers, dated June 11, concerns Evercare’s notice sent to potential long term services and supports providers concerning liability insurance requirements. Evercare faxed information about its contracting and credentialing requirements concerning liability insurance. These requirements reflect DADS’s requirements; in that regard, providers … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: Evercare; Medicare Certification Surveys
Provider Letters: Complex Needs Waiver Programs, Medicare Certification
In a letter to Home and Community Support Services Agencies, Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) Staff, and All Other Stakeholders dated June 1, DADS announced that it is hosting half-day training sessions on “Meeting Complex Needs in Waiver Programs Registration Information.†The sessions will answer questions about licensing rules and contract requirements for accepting complex needs patients in the following 1915(c) Medicaid waiver programs: Consolidated Waiver Program, … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: Complex Needs Waiver Programs, Medicare Certification
Four New Provider Letters
Submission of the Hospice Election Form 3071 and Physician Certification of Terminal Illness Form 3074 The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) informed Medicaid hospice providers that it has updated its list of regional contacts for hospice election and certification forms to Community Services, Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership, and Health and Human Services Commission Medicaid Eligibility staff. For more information, download the letter and attached list of … [Read more...] about Four New Provider Letters
Hospice Care Reduces End-of-Life Hospitalization
According to a new study published by Health Services Research, nursing home residents receiving hospice care reduce their chances of hospitalization by half compared to those who don't receive hospice care. From SeniorJournal.com: People who choose hospice, which focuses on comfort instead of cure, tend to refuse aggressive end-of-life treatment anyway, Gozalo said. But even taking this into consideration, hospice still makes a significant difference in keeping people out of the hospital … [Read more...] about Hospice Care Reduces End-of-Life Hospitalization
Provider Letters: Alerts for Hospice and Nursing Facilities
Last week the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued provider letters for hospice and nursing facilities, and community services and therapy providers: August 9 - DADS reminded hospice and nursing facilities that the current DOS-based form system is being upgraded to a web-based system called LTC Online Portal, effective August 21. Providers that don't have access to the new system can mail hardcopies to Provider Claims Services. The PCS fax lines will be … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: Alerts for Hospice and Nursing Facilities
Provider Letters: Alerts for ICF-MR/RC Facilities
There were several new provider letters issued last week for Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation or a Related Condition (ICF-MR/RC). In an August 3 provider letter, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) described providers' options when an ICF-MR/RC survey team determines that a person living in one of these facilities no longer needs "active treatment services" (standard W 198). To read about these options, download the letter here. In … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: Alerts for ICF-MR/RC Facilities
Provider Letter: Adoption of Chapter 30 Medicaid Hospice Rules
In a letter dated June 2, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) alerts Medicaid hospice providers to changes to Medicaid hospice rules, effective June 1. Hospice providers will have to follow additional requirements in the Contracting for Community Care Services rules in Chapter 49. For example, hospices must have a contract with DADS before billing Medicaid services and a written contract with a nursing or immediate care facilities before payment is made, and … [Read more...] about Provider Letter: Adoption of Chapter 30 Medicaid Hospice Rules
Provider Letter: Medicaid Hospice Contracts
In a letter to dated May 31, DADS notifies Medicaid Hospice providers that the Provider Services - Community Services Contracts unit will now be responsible for enrolling Medicaid Hospice providers and administering Hospice contracts, effective June 1. The Provider Services - Institutional Services Contracts unit previously handled such enrollments and administration. For details, download the letter here. … [Read more...] about Provider Letter: Medicaid Hospice Contracts
Provider Letter: Freestanding Inpatient Hospice Evac Requirements
In a letter dated May 19, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services reminds freestanding inpatient hospices about patient safety during disasters. All Home and Community Support Services Agencies are bound by law to have a written policy for "publicly known natural disaster preparedness for clients receiving services." Inpatient hospices must also have an evacuation plan and periodically rehearse this plan with staff. Freestanding inpatient hospices are also required to have … [Read more...] about Provider Letter: Freestanding Inpatient Hospice Evac Requirements