As Medicare goes, so goes Medicaid. Physicians in Texas are leaving Medicare, according to the Houston Chronicle. In the last two years, about 350 Texas doctors have dropped the program. In 2008, 62 percent of Texas doctors opting out of Medicare were primary care physicians. Something similar is happening with Medicaid, the government health insurance program for low-income individuals and families. NBC reports that over three million poor and disabled people in the state are covered by … [Read more...] about Texas Doctors May Drop State Medicaid
Texas Register Updates: Board of Nursing Rule Changes
The following information was obtained from the July 7 issue of the Texas Register: Adopted Rules The Texas Board of Nursing adopted amendments to §211.6, relating to Committees of the Board, which, among other things, direct the Board to determine the feasibility of conducting a pilot program to evaluate the efficacy and effect of deferring a final disciplinary action against an individual for minor violations of the Nursing Practice Act and Board rules. The Board adopts amendments to … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Board of Nursing Rule Changes
The American Psychological Association Files Complaint Against Texas Psychologist
This should be interesting. COLUMBUS, OHIO — Psychologists in the United States have been warned by their professional group not to take part in torturing detainees in U.S. custody. Now the American Psychological Association has taken the unprecedented step of supporting an attempt to strip the license of a psychologist accused of overseeing the torture of a CIA detainee. The APA has told a Texas licensing board in a letter mailed July 1 that the allegations against Dr. James … [Read more...] about The American Psychological Association Files Complaint Against Texas Psychologist
Information Letters: HDM, HCS, TxHmL, ICFs/MR, Etc.
DADS released seven new information letters. Title XIX and Title XX Home Delivered Meals (HDM): DADS posted budget-based rate negotiation documents and detailed instructions on the HDM provider page at the "FFY 2011 Budget Negotiation" link: http://www.dads.state.tx.us/providers/HDM/index.cfm Download the letter for more information. All Community Services Contractors: DADS clarified hospice enrollment procedures for Texas Medicaid clients enrolled in the Medicaid Managed Care … [Read more...] about Information Letters: HDM, HCS, TxHmL, ICFs/MR, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: July 2 Issue
The following information was obtained from the July 2 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC intends to submit Transmittal Number 10-047, Amendment Number 940, to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, to modify the asset limits to the Medicare Savings Program as mandated under the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act. HHSC also intends to submit amendments to modify the reimbursement methodologies in the Texas … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: July 2 Issue
Texas Register Updates: June 25 Issue
The following information was obtained from the June 25 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC has proposed and adopted Medicaid payment rates for contracts not participating in the Attendant Compensation Rate Enhancement (the Enhancement) and the attendant compensation base rate for contracts participating in the Enhancement for non-state operated ICF/MR residential services and day habilitation services. HHSC also proposed new per diem reimbursement rates for the non-state … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: June 25 Issue
Number of Doctors Refusing Medicare Patients Growing
We wanted to point you to another news story about the growing number of doctors who no longer accept Medicare patients. An excerpt from USA Today: Recent surveys by national and state medical societies have found more doctors limiting Medicare patients, partly because Congress has failed to stop an automatic 21% cut in payments that doctors already regard as too low. The cut went into effect Friday, even as the Senate approved a six-month reprieve. The House has approved a different bill. • … [Read more...] about Number of Doctors Refusing Medicare Patients Growing
Texas Register Update and DADS News Alerts:
The following item appeared in the June 18 issue of the Texas Register: HHSC intends to submit to CMS a request for an amendment to the CBA waiver program, which would add more slots to the waiver program, document the use of Individual Responsibility Agreements, and update terminology throughout the waiver application. For copies and questions, contact Christine Longoria by mail at Texas Health and Human Services Commission, P.O. Box 85200, mail code H-620, Austin, Texas 78708-5200, phone … [Read more...] about Texas Register Update and DADS News Alerts:
Provider and Information Letters: NFs, HCS, ICF/MR, Etc.
DADS released one provider and three information letters: NFs: DADS will begin using Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 for all MDS assessments with an Assessment Reference Date, Entry Date, or Discharge Date of October 1, 2010 or later, in accordance with CMS requirements, effective October 1, 2010. (Letter) HCS and ICF/MR: HHSC adopted amendments to Title 1 of the TAC §355.457 and §355.722 to limit the ICF/MR and HCS fiscal accountability system to services delivered on or before August … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: NFs, HCS, ICF/MR, Etc.
Healthcare Providers and the “Red Flags” Rule: A Reprieve?
McKnights Long-Term Care News is reporting that a "stipulation in principle" has been reached with the FTC to temporarily exempt healthcare providers from the rule. In an earlier article, McKnights noted that the FTC has moved the compliance date of the rule to January 2, 2010. The stipulation may arise from the fact that medical groups have sued the FTC seeking the exemption on the basis that the rule "exceeds the powers delegated to it by Congress and that its application to physicians is … [Read more...] about Healthcare Providers and the “Red Flags” Rule: A Reprieve?
