If you want to see a real mess of a trial involving allegations of molestation of children, go to William Anderson's great blog. You can also follow this travesty on Twitter. … [Read more...] about Tonya Craft Trial
Health Care Reform and Medicaid Expansion
The New York Times published a story about the new health care law's burden on already burdened states. Under the bill, millions more Americans will be covered under Medicaid. An excerpt: "Able-bodied adults under 65 — now mostly ineligible unless they have dependent children — will qualify for coverage in 2014 as long as they earn no more than $14,404 (in current dollars) for a single adult and $29,326 for a family of four, or 133 percent of the federal poverty level. "Of the 32 million … [Read more...] about Health Care Reform and Medicaid Expansion
Texas Register Updates: Texas Medical Board Amendments
The following information was obtained from the April 23 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings and Notices HHSC will hold a public hearing on May 12, 2010, at 9 a.m., to receive public comment on rates for Levels 1 through 25 under the Attendant Compensation Rate Enhancement in the ICF/MR, HCS, and TxHmL programs. The hearing will be held in the Lone Star Conference Room of the Health and Human Services Commission, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Boulevard, … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Texas Medical Board Amendments
Information Letters: CLASS, HCS, TxHmL, ICF/MR, AL/RC
DADS released four information letters: CLASS providers: On May 15, the Medicaid Eligibility Service Authorization Verification will replace the Individual Plan of Care (IPC) as the official notification that the IPC is approved. An excerpt: "CLASS providers should access a MESAV within 15 business days, not including a two business-day mailing period, from submission to the CLASS Program in the DADS Provider Services Office. MESAV information can only be requested for three consecutive … [Read more...] about Information Letters: CLASS, HCS, TxHmL, ICF/MR, AL/RC
Can Physicians Thrive Without Medicare and Insurance Plans?
Here is an interesting column about just that. It is written by Dr. George Watson, president of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons. I have previously interviewed the General Counsel for AAPS, Andy Schlafly, here. … [Read more...] about Can Physicians Thrive Without Medicare and Insurance Plans?
CMS News: Physician Payment Rates, Inpatient Care
Physicians will get a temporary reprieve from Medicare reimbursement payment cuts. Last week, President Barack Obama signed into law the Continuing Extension Act of 2010, which holds off a payment reduction through May 31, 2010. The law is retroactive to April 1, 2010. "The Administration has repeatedly stated that the formula that determines what physicians and others are paid under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule is broken and needs to be fixed. We will continue to work with Congress to … [Read more...] about CMS News: Physician Payment Rates, Inpatient Care
Information Letters for Nursing Facilities
DADS developed Form 1018 - Specialized Services Customized Manual Wheelchair Authorization Request and Form 1017 - Specialized Services Durable Medical Equipment Authorization Request and form instructions to be used for NF residents who qualify for Customized Manual Wheelchair and Durable Medical Equipment benefits through Specialized Services. (Letter) DADS will authorize reimbursement only for NF Emergency Dental Services and will not reimburse routine dental services. (Letter) … [Read more...] about Information Letters for Nursing Facilities
Texas Register Updates: Social Security Act Amendments
The following information was obtained from the April 16 issue of the Texas Register: HHSC intends to submit amendments to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, that would modify the reimbursement methodology in the Texas Medicaid State Plan as a result of the General Appropriations Act. HHSC intends to submit other amendments that would modify the reimbursement methodologies in the Texas Medicaid State Plan as a result of Medicaid fee … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Social Security Act Amendments
Here’s A Little Medical Humor
Texas Register Updates: Strengthening Nonprofit Capacity, Renal Dialysis Reimbursement
The following information was obtained from the April 9 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearing The HHSC Task Force on Strengthening Nonprofit Capacity will hold a public hearing on April 19, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., in the Thompson Conference Center, Room 3.102, at 2405 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin, Texas. For more information, contact Joanne Pierce, Office of Community Collaboration, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, 9013 Tuscany Way, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78754, … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Strengthening Nonprofit Capacity, Renal Dialysis Reimbursement
