The Wall Street Journal reports that the pharmaceutical industry has agreed to cut the cost of Medicare drugs to prevent larger cuts President Barack Obama may impose to fund his health care reform plan. Under the cost-cutting plan, the drug industry would pay for half the Medicare drug's price when it's not covered by the gap under Part D. Over 10 years, pharmaceutical companies will sacrifice $80 billion by covering a larger share of brand-name prescription drug costs. The health care … [Read more...] about Pharmaceutical Industry Agrees to Cut Drug Costs
Information Letters: R&S Report Updates, Form 2032, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued six information letters: TMHP Remittance and Status (R&S) Report Information In a letter to DADS Long Term Care Services and Supports providers, DADS emphasized the importance and usefulness of the TMHP (R&S) Report: "Providers that do not reconcile their R&S Reports may be billing incorrectly, which can result in audits and penalties. Providers should ensure not only that all billing is accurate, but also that any … [Read more...] about Information Letters: R&S Report Updates, Form 2032, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Changes to Physicians Assistants Section, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the June 12 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public hearing on July 1, 2009, at 9 a.m. to receive public comment on rate increases for the Community Based Alternatives waiver program, the Community Living Assistance and Support Services waiver program, the Deaf-Blind with Multiple Disabilities waiver program, and others. The hearing will be held in the Lone Star … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Changes to Physicians Assistants Section, Etc.
Obama Proposes Medicaid and Medicare Cuts
Last week President Barack Obama proposed to cut $313 billion from Medicaid and Medicare over the next 10 years as part of so-called health reform, in addition to the $635 billion in cuts in his FY 2010 budget. (Source) The president proposes to expand coverage to "millions" who don't have it, while bringing down the cost of care. How does he intend to accomplish these seemingly opposing goals? Among other things, limiting growth of Medicare's fee-for-service payments and cutting subsidies to … [Read more...] about Obama Proposes Medicaid and Medicare Cuts
DADS News Alerts
We wanted to make you aware of these news alerts from the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services: Web-based Course on Customized Employment TMHP Online Portal Enhancements Information Broadband Update UT School of Social Work Survey: Employment Support Services in Texas Integrated Care Management (ICM) Long-term Services and Supports Provider Forum - ICM Transition … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts
Provider and Information Letters: Franchise Tax Report Requirements, Etc.
The Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued one provider and five information letters: New Franchise Tax Report Requirements DADS sent a provider letter to Adult Day Care Facilities, Assisted Living Facilities, Home and Community Support Services Agencies, Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons With Mental Retardation or Related Conditions, and Nursing Facilities to inform them about current license application instructions. Download the letter for more … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: Franchise Tax Report Requirements, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Rates for Tuberculosis Clinic Services
The following information was obtained from the June 5 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public hearing on June 24, 2009, at 1:30 p.m. to receive public comment on the proposed Medicaid payment rates for Tuberculosis Clinic services. The hearing will be held in the Lone Star Conference Room of HHSC, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin, Texas. HHSC announced its intent to submit … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Rates for Tuberculosis Clinic Services
Texas Register Updates: $555,390 Contract for Telemedicine Project
The following was obtained from the May 29 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notice The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) announced the awarding of contract #529-06-0425-00037 to Navigant Consulting, Inc., to provide consulting Services to HHSC regarding the effectiveness of the Specialty Care Access Improvement: Telemedicine Project. The total value of the contract is $556,390. See the relevant section of the Texas Register for details. … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: $555,390 Contract for Telemedicine Project
Provider and Information Letters: Emergency Preparedness, Hospice Rates
The Texas Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued a provider and information letter: Emergency Preparedness Reminder DADS reminded all Adult Day Care Facilities, Assisted Living Facilities, Home and Community Support Service Agencies, Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation or Related Conditions, and Nursing Facilities to review their emergency preparedness and response plans and available resources in the event of an emergency. Hurricane season is June 1 … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: Emergency Preparedness, Hospice Rates
Texas Senate Approves SCHIP Boost
The Houston Chronicle reports that the Texas Senate approved a bill to increase enrollment in the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) last week. The bill would raise the income eligibility limits from $44,000 to $66,000 for a family of four. An additional 80,000 uninsured children would be covered if the House approves the bill and the governor signs it into law. "Critics" of the bill are worried that parents who can afford private insurance will sign up for SCHIP, crowding out … [Read more...] about Texas Senate Approves SCHIP Boost
