Yesterday, the House of Representatives "overwhelmingly" passed a bill that would stop a 10.6 percent Medicare physicians pay cut, which is scheduled to go into effect on July 1. (Associated Press) The House passed the measure by a vote of 355-59, despite a potential presidential veto. Democrats want to fund the delayed cut by decreasing funding to Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, and President Bush has threatened to veto any bill that cuts funding to MAs. In any case, the House-passed bill … [Read more...] about House Passes Bill to Stop Medicare Physicians Pay Cut
Dual Eligible Lawsuit Settled
Beneficiaries of Medicaid can continue buying prescription drugs at a low cost once they become eligible for Medicare, according to a class action lawsuit settlement. (Kaiser Network) The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the settlement last week. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of 6.2 million "dual eligible" Medicaid beneficiaries. Under the 2003 Medicare law, dual eligibles are supposed to receive assistance for buying prescription drugs, but beneficiaries were … [Read more...] about Dual Eligible Lawsuit Settled
Information and Provider Letters: Unlicensed Locations Operated by a Licensed Assisted Living Facility Owner, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released two information letters and two provider letters: Service Provision Requirements for all HCS Program Providers In a two-page letter to Home and Community-based Services (HCS) and Mental Retardation Authorities (MRA), DADS clarified existing HCS Program rules concerning service provision requirements for HCS Program providers. Download the letter for more information. Clarification of Provider Role when … [Read more...] about Information and Provider Letters: Unlicensed Locations Operated by a Licensed Assisted Living Facility Owner, Etc.
Texas Register Update: Hearing Re State Mental Retardation Facilities
The following information was obtained from the June 13 issue of the Texas Register: The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) will hold a public hearing at 3 p.m. on June 23, 2008, to accept public testimony regarding the draft Report Update for State Mental Retardation Facilities for Fiscal Years 2008-2009. The hearing will take place in the Winters Building Public Hearing Room at 701 W. 51st Street, Austin, Texas. To find out where to send written comments, see the … [Read more...] about Texas Register Update: Hearing Re State Mental Retardation Facilities
Senate Democrats Fall Short on Medicare Physicians Payment Bill
Last week, Democrats in the Senate did not get the 60 votes needed to invoke cloture and begin debate on a measure that would delay a 10.6 percent Medicare physicians fee cut for 18 months. (Kaiser Network) As I mentioned before, Democrats in both houses of Congress are trying to delay the cut, which goes into effect on July 1, 2008. The Bush administration seeks to reduce funding to Medicare and Medicaid programs and will veto any bill that proposes to cut funding to Medicare Advantage (MA) … [Read more...] about Senate Democrats Fall Short on Medicare Physicians Payment Bill
Information Letters: Addition of Specialized Nursing Services, TILE/RUG Transition, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released four information letters: Addition of Specialized Nursing Services to the DBMD Program DADS informed Deaf-Blind Multiple Disabilities (DBMD) Providers that it will implement specialized nursing services and associated rates in the DBMD Program. The codes and rates are: Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) - 13A - $29.69 per hour Registered Nurse (RN) - 13B - $43.39 per hour Specialized Nursing (RN) - 13C - $49.90 … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Addition of Specialized Nursing Services, TILE/RUG Transition, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: RFPs for MITA State-Self Assessment
The following information was obtained from the June 6 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has announced its intent to release Request for Proposals (RFP No. 529-08-0180) to secure the services of a qualified vendor to assist the state in completing the Medicaid Information Technology Architecture (MITA) State-Self Assessment, the gap analysis and the to-be MITA roadmap. HHSC seeks to contract with a single qualified consultant to … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: RFPs for MITA State-Self Assessment
Congress Battles Over Medicare/Medicaid Funding
Although President Bush has proposed to reduce funding to programs like Medicare and Medicaid, both houses of Congress have other plans. Last week, the House of Representatives voted to approve a $3.1 trillion FY 2009 budget that excludes President Bush's proposed Medicare and Medicaid program cuts. (Kaiser Network) Kaiser reports (via the Washington Post) that Democrats may wait until the new administration to pass spending bills to avoid the current president's veto. Meanwhile, Democrats … [Read more...] about Congress Battles Over Medicare/Medicaid Funding
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the May 30 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold public hearings June 13 and June 17 to receive public comment on proposed rates for various programs, services, pay rates, and procedure codes. Beginning at this link, scroll down to read all 12 entries. Proposed Rules HHSC proposes to amend §354.1863, Prescription Requirements, under Title 1, Part 15, Chapter 354, … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates, Etc.
Information Letters: ICM Cost Reporting, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has issued five information letters: Integrated Care Management (ICM) Cost Reporting DADS informed ICM providers that all ICM long term services and support providers must provide the Health and Human Services Rate Analysis Department with cost information for ICM services. Download the letter for more information. Day Activity and Health Services (DAHS) and Primary Home Care (PHC) Providers in the ICM Program In a … [Read more...] about Information Letters: ICM Cost Reporting, Etc.
