The Community Based Alternatives (CBA) program was terminated on August 31, 2014, andindividuals receiving CBA services were transitioned to the Home and Community BasedSTAR+PLUS Waiver program. In addition, individuals receiving Primary Home Care (PHC) –(Personal Attendant Services [PAS]), and Title XIX- Day Activity Health Services (DAHS), withSupplemental Security Income (SSI) or SSI-related Medicaid were also transitioned to theSTAR+PLUS program effective September 1, 2014.Included in this … [Read more...] about STAR+PLUS Managed Care Resource Information for Transitioned Community Based Alternatives, Primary Home Care and Day Activity Health Services Providers

The Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has contracted with Kathryn du Pree,an expert in services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), toconduct quality service reviews (QSRs) of the implementation of federal requirements relating toPASRR and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), (collectively referred to herein as the“federal requirements”), as they apply to certain individuals with IDD.Ms. du Pree (the Expert Reviewer) and her team members … [Read more...] about Pre-admission Screening and Resident Review – Quality Service Reviews

DADS information letter provides clarification of the requirements for provision of Day Habilitation (DH) services in the host home and for provision of DH services by a Host Home/Companion Care(HHCC) provider, in accordance with Section 4320 and Section 3710 of the Home andCommunity Services (HCS) Program Billing Guidelines. DADS enforcement of Section 3710 asdescribed in this letter will be effective January 1, 2015. DADS enforcement of Section 4320 willcontinue to be cited in accordance with … [Read more...] about Clarification of HCS Billing Guidelines Host Home/Companion Care and Day Habilitation

Important timelines for getting and renewing licenses for Nursing Facilities Completed applications for a license must be submitted 60 days prior to the requested date of the issuance of a license. Completed applications for the renewal of a license must be submitted 45 days before the current license expires. An applicant for license renewal that submits an application during the 45-day period ending on the date the current license expires must pay a late fee of an amount equal to one-half … [Read more...] about Nursing Facility Licensing

2016-2017 budget request and consolidated budget HHSC has submitted its Legislative Appropriations Request for fiscal years 2016-17. The agency’s base request totals $58.8 billion. The agency also is seeking additional funding for cost growth in Medicaid and CHIP and to make some operational improvements. The Consolidated Budget identifies the major funding issues affecting Texas’ health and human services agencies, highlights cost containment efforts, and examines provider rates. It also … [Read more...] about 2016-2017 budget request and consolidated budget

App Makes it Easier for Texans to Send Documents to State A new Your Texas Benefits app allows people to use their cell phones to send paycheck stubs and other documents to the state when applying for SNAP food benefits, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program or TANF cash assistance."This is another way we're making it more convenient for people to find out if they can get state benefits," said Texas Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Kyle Janek. "One of the most common … [Read more...] about App Makes it Easier for Texans to Send Documents to State

Contract and Fiscal Compliance Monitoring – Updated Negative Billing Procedures   The purpose of this information letter is to notify contracted providers of clarifications to the contract and fiscal compliance monitoring protocol in relation to negative billing. In accordance with the current contract and fiscal compliance monitoring protocol, the current contract and fiscal compliance monitoring protocol allows the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) contract staff … [Read more...] about Contract and Fiscal Compliance Monitoring – Updated Negative Billing Procedures

Addition of Employment Assistance and Expansion of the Consumer Directed Services Option to Supported Employment and Employment Assistance   In accordance with §32.075 of the Texas Human Resources Code, the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) began offering EA through the Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) Program effective February 1, 2014. Additionally, DADS added SE as a service that may be provided through the consumer directed services (CDS) … [Read more...] about Addition of Employment Assistance and Expansion of the Consumer Directed Services Option to Supported Employment and Employment Assistance

State Unveils New Healthy Texas Women Website AUSTIN – State Senator Jane Nelson, Representative Jim Keffer and Texas Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Kyle Janek, M.D., today unveiled Healthy Texas Women, a new one-stop hub created to help women connect with family planning programs and other state services. "Texas supports many health care programs and services for women, and this new website brings all those services in one place," Janek said. "We're incredibly grateful for … [Read more...] about State Unveils New Healthy Texas Women Website