Last year, the Congressional Budget Office estimated that Medicaid spending would increase by $10 billion from 2008 to 2012 and by $23 billion from 2008 to 2017, under a so-called comprehensive immigration reform bill that failed to pass Congress. Three years earlier, the Government Accountability Office reported that the cost of caring for illegal aliens is difficult to track, for obvious reasons. Those in the country in violation of U.S. immigration law can and likely do use phony or stolen … [Read more...] about Illegal Alien Health Care Spending Difficult to Track
Hospitals Entice Nurses With Improved Working Conditions
The Kaiser Network wrote about a Washington Post story on how hospitals are dealing with nursing shortages. While nurses can command top salaries because of shortages, some providers are luring them by streamlining paperwork, implementing technology, and giving nurses more authority. Hospitals have figured out that financial incentives and perks have unintended consequences. Some nurses work long enough to collect the money and perks, then leave. An excerpt: Inova Fairfax recently … [Read more...] about Hospitals Entice Nurses With Improved Working Conditions
Information Letters: ISPs Utilization Review, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued three information letters: Utilization Review of Individual Service Plans (ISPs) DADS sent a letter to Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities Providers with an attachment that provides specific information regarding utilization review thresholds. These providers developed criteria to fully implement this review requirement, effective November 1, 2008. Download the letter and attachment here. Reminder -- Fiscal Year … [Read more...] about Information Letters: ISPs Utilization Review, Etc.
Democrats Seek to Increase Medicaid Reimbursements
Democrats in Congress may give states billions more in Medicaid reimbursements as part of a second economic stimulus package they hope to pass before Congress adjourns this month. (Kaiser Network) Proponents seek to make sure recipients aren't "kicked out" of the Medicaid program and the State Children's Health Insurance Program and may require states to agree not to cut eligibility. At the same time, proponents aim to deal with budget deficits, which 29 states will face in 2009. As a result, … [Read more...] about Democrats Seek to Increase Medicaid Reimbursements
Information and Provider Letters: FIVES Application, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued one provider letter and two information letters: Facility Inventory, Vacancy and Evacuation Status (FIVES) Application DADS reminded all provider types that DADS wants facilities to update their number of vacancies and evacuation information in the FIVES application every day during the five days before and after a hurricane. Visit the FIVES web page, and download the provider letter here. Notification of … [Read more...] about Information and Provider Letters: FIVES Application, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Reimbursement Methodology for Medicaid Hospice, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the September 5 issue of the Texas Register: The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) announced its intent to submit an amendment to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, which will revise the reimbursement methodology for Medicaid Hospice room and board when the recipient resides in a nursing facility. The changes also involve replacing references to the TILE case mix classification … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Reimbursement Methodology for Medicaid Hospice, Etc.
Congress to Postpone SCHIP
Earlier this year, the Bush administration sought to prevent the expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The president twice vetoed versions of the bill that would have expanded the program amid concerns that parents who could afford private insurance would seek coverage under SCHIP, depriving low-income children of coverage. The Government Accountability Office studied the issue and concluded the administration violated federal law when it prevented states from … [Read more...] about Congress to Postpone SCHIP
Information Letters: Changes in Deaf-Blind Multiple Disabilities Program, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued six information letters: Addition of Supported Employment and Employment Assistance to the Deaf-Blind Multiple Disabilities (DBMD) Program and a Change in the Behavior Communication Specialist Service DADS informed DBMD Providers that it will implement Supported Employment and Employment Assistance services in the DBMD Program, effective September 1. Service codes and rates (per hour) for both services: Supported … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Changes in Deaf-Blind Multiple Disabilities Program, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Hearing Aid Services, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the August 29 issue of the Texas Register: Proposed Rules The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) proposes to amend §354.1231, Benefits and Limitations; §354.1233, Requirements for Hearing Aid Services; and §354.1235, Requirements for Provider Participation, in Title 1, Part 15, Chapter 354, Subchapter A, Division 15, related to Medicaid hearing aid services. The amended rules would better align Medicaid rules with current … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Hearing Aid Services, Etc.
OIG: Medicare Overpaid for New Generic Drugs
According to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the Department of Health and Human Services, Medicare overpaid for prescription drugs with new generic versions, because of delays in updating its pricing formula. (Kaiser Network) For example, Medicare overpaid $6.5 million for the cancer drug irinotecan. A generic version was approved, but new generic prices were not integrated right away. Medicare paid $126 a dose, although generic prices averaged $41. According to the 20-page … [Read more...] about OIG: Medicare Overpaid for New Generic Drugs
