Texas HHSC has posted a letter regarding payment rates. It begins,
On February 14, 2006, the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) received a letter from House Speaker Tom Craddick and Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst authorizing the expenditure of $75 million in General Revenue and $115.7 million in Federal Funds at the Department of Aging and Disability Services for nursing facility services, including rate increases. The letter further stated that rate increases should be retroactive to January 1, 2006 and should increase all rate components, including the enhancement add-on per diem rate by equal percentages. If increases to some cost areas are limited by pre-existing administrative rules, the balance of funds from those cost areas should be distributed by equal percentages across the remaining cost areas, including the enhancement add-on per diem rate.
You will be given the opportunity to make comments,
HHSC will hold a public hearing to receive comments on these proposed rates on March 24, 2006 and will consider concerns expressed at the hearing prior to final rate approval. It is anticipated that the increased funds will begin to be paid to facilities in early April with the increases being retroactive to January 1, 2006.
Other significant dates are given,
HHSC Rate Analysis will post worksheets on its website by early April to help facilities determine how these increases will impact their compliance with their staffing and spending requirements. Because of the retroactive change in requirements related to the enhancement rates, facilities will have the right to withdraw from the enhancement program or reduce their enhancement levels retroactively to January 1, 2006 if they believe they will not be able to meet the new requirements. If a provider wishes to reduce their enhancement level effective January 1, 2006, the provider must submit a request in writing by hand delivery, United States Mail, or special mail delivery no later than April 30, 2006. Requests to withdraw from participation must be submitted by certified mail. All requests must be signed by an authorized signator for the
March 14, 2006 contract in question as per the Texas Department of Aging and Disabilities Services Form 2031 applicable to the provider’s contract or ownership type. Requests received after April 30, 2006 will be effective on the first day of the month following approval of the request.
For the details, click here to read the entire letter.
