The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released four information letters:
- Addition of Specialized Nursing Services to the DBMD Program
DADS informed Deaf-Blind Multiple Disabilities (DBMD) Providers that it will implement specialized nursing services and associated rates in the DBMD Program. The codes and rates are:
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) – 13A – $29.69 per hour
Registered Nurse (RN) – 13B – $43.39 per hour
Specialized Nursing (RN) – 13C – $49.90 per hour
Specialized Nursing (LVN) – 13D – $34.14 per hour
Download the letter for more information.
- MDS Software Changes for TILEs to RUGs Transition
DADS informed Nursing Facility and Hospice Providers about the transition from the Texas Index for Level of Effort (TILE) to the federal Resource Utilization Group (RUG), scheduled for September 1, 2008. To help with the transition, providers should monitor the Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership web site. Download the three-page letter for further details.
- RUGs Readiness for Nursing Facility and Hospice Providers — NEW INFORMATION
In another letter to Nursing Facility and Hospice Providers, DADS provided new information about the TILE to RUG transition scheduled for September 1. Download the six-page letter, which answers commonly asked questions.
- RUGs Readiness for Community Services Providers — NEW INFORMATION
DADS informed Community Based Alternatives Home and Community Support Services Agency Providers, Consolidated Waiver Program Home and Community Support Services Agency Providers, Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly Providers, State of Texas Access Reform Plus Providers, and Integrated Care Management/1915(c) Waiver Home and Community Support Services Agency Providers about steps they need to take to prepare for the September 1 transition from TILE to RUG. The five-page letter includes commonly asked questions and answers. An excerpt:
1. What does our agency need to do to get ready for the TILEs to RUGs change?
Issues involving Form 3652-A data should be resolved by August 25, 2008, because the LTC Online Portal will be unavailable August 25-31, 2008. Reviewing MESAV (Medicaid Eligibility Service Authorization Verification) and/or the Remittance and Status (R&S) Report will clarify whether any records are missing, identify any gaps in payment or services, explain the reason for a denied claim, etc. During this portal downtime, providers can obtain forms status information by contacting the TMHP Call Center/Help Desk at 1/800-626-4117, option 1 (see item 3 below).
To avoid delays in payment, please allow sufficient time to take care of any issues in order to insure that your forms are processed prior to the RUG transition on September 1, 2008.
