DADS released five information letters:
CBA and HCSSA:
DADS notified these providers that a monitored medication dispensing unit is reimbursable as an adaptive aid in the CBA program. The policy and operations will be in place to support it on March 6, 2012. (Letter)
DADS will implement a new Promoting Independence initiative to divert individuals from being admitted to an NF if they’re at immediate risk, effective March 1, 2012. (Letter)
HCS, TxHmL, and ICFs/ID w/ 13 or fewer beds:
DADS informed providers of the requirement to enter new information into CARE. An excerpt:
No later than March 1, 2012:
• All HCS and TxHmL waiver program providers must begin collecting data regarding oncall services provided by registered nurses (RNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) for entry into the CARE system; and
• ICFs/ID with 13 or fewer beds must begin collecting data regarding on-call services provided by RNs and LVNs for entry into the CARE system.
CBA, CDSA, CMPAS, DAHS, PHC, AL/RC, ERS, HDMP, and ADC:
DADS provided information about the STAR+PLUS Managed Care expansion to long-term services and supports providers in the Lubbock, El Paso and Hidalgo Service Areas. An excerpt:
STAR+PLUS Services
The following are two components to the STAR+PLUS program:
• STAR+PLUS services, which includes medical services and Personal Attendant Services (PAS), that replaces Primary Home Care (PHC), and Day Activity and Health Services (DAHS) in the new service areas.
• The Home and Community Based Services STAR+PLUS Waiver (SPW), provides longterm services and supports, enabling individuals to reside in the community rather than in an institution. The SPW replaces the Community Based Alternatives (CBA) waiver in the new service areas.
For a comprehensive overview of the STAR+PLUS program go to: http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/starplus/starplus.htm
CBA, CLASS, DBMD, HCS, MDCP, and TxHmL:
On March 1, 2012, Texas Medicaid is expanding the STAR Medicaid managed care program to serve clients in the 164 rural counties, Medicaid Rural Service Area, in which STAR+PLUS isn’t operating. Not all Medicaid clients are affected by this change. (Letter)
