The Bush Administration has backtracked on its commitment to require Medicaid recipients to show proof of citizenship to continue receiving benefits. At least eight million people will be exempted from the requirement because they established citizenship when they applied for Medicare or Supplemental Security Income. Is "established" the same as "proved"? Did the Medicare and Supplemental Security Income recipients show documentation or simply check a box? Last week I wrote that the new … [Read more...] about Bush Administration Relaxes Proof of Citizenship Requirement
Medicaid Proof of Citizenship in Effect
On July 1, a new rule went into effect that requires new Medicaid applicants and current beneficiaries re-enrolling in Medicaid to show proof of U.S. citizenship in order to collect benefits. Last month I wrote about the new law and followed up with a post about the Texas Health and Human Services Commission's intention to verify the citizenship and identity of beneficiaries in Texas. At least one state will delay implementing the new law. North Carolina will push the effective date back as … [Read more...] about Medicaid Proof of Citizenship in Effect
Citizenship Verification for Medicaid Recipients
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will begin verifying the citizenship and identity of people applying for or receiving Medicaid to comply with a new federal law that takes effect July 1. The federal Deficit Reduction Act, passed earlier this year, does not change who is eligible to receive services. But the new law does require states to verify the citizenship or immigration status of all Medicaid clients. HHSC Executive Commissioner Albert Hawkins said Texas already … [Read more...] about Citizenship Verification for Medicaid Recipients
Louisiana Seeks to Overhaul Medicaid System
Louisiana is one of a growing number of states seeking to overhaul its Medicaid system. I wrote about the subject a few days ago. (See States Take On Medicaid Reform) Louisiana plans to propose changes designed to provide flexibility in its Medicaid program in order to treat more uninsured patients. The changes would likely increase out-of-pocket expenses for these patients. Louisiana has a charity hospital system that treats uninsured patients, but some believe the system should be shut … [Read more...] about Louisiana Seeks to Overhaul Medicaid System
Congress and Medicare
Congress probably won't act on Medicare legislation until after the August recess and may end up waiting until after the elections, according to The Hill. One of the pending Medicare bills is a proposal to eliminate late fees for beneficiaries who didn't sign up for the Medicare prescription drug plan before the May 15 deadline, which I blogged about here. Medical News Today has a round up of news links. In other Medicare news, an "independent expert panel" concluded that enrollment of … [Read more...] about Congress and Medicare
Provider Tax Proposal in New Jersey
In order to raise $430 million, the governor of New Jersey has proposed to tax hospitals about $1,400 a bed. Half the funds would be used to increase matching funds from the federal government under Medicaid. (Source) Many states require providers, including nursing homes, to pay a tax or "quality assessment fee." States use this money to obtain matching funds from the federal government under the 50/50 Medicaid match system. There is currently no provider tax assessed against nursing homes … [Read more...] about Provider Tax Proposal in New Jersey
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
Proof of Citizenship for Medicaid
In a move that is sure to cause controversy (although it shouldn't), President George Bush plans to implement new standards requiring Medicaid recipients to prove American citizenship in order to receive benefits. Although the Senate and House of Representatives are trying to reach a compromise on the immigration bill, Bush signed the Medicaid citizenship requirements into law back in February. The requirements will take effect on July 1, 2006. From the New York Times (free registration … [Read more...] about Proof of Citizenship for Medicaid
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
Medicaid Personal Responsibility Contracts
At least one state wants Medicaid beneficiaries to take responsibility for their own care strongly enough to put incentives in place. West Virginia proposed and the feds approved a plan for "personal responsibility contracts." (Medical News Today) To receive credits for health care services, beneficiaries must choose a primary care provider - a "medical home" - and take measures to stay healthy and improve health by taking medications, attending doctors appointments and exercising. … [Read more...] about Medicaid Personal Responsibility Contracts