The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that Medicare outpatient hospital care reimbursements will increase by 3.8 percent in 2008. (Kaiser Network) According to CMS, this higher reimbursement rate was established because of the increased volume and complexity of outpatient hospital care services. Hospitals are required to report quality of care data, or they could see reimbursements reduced by 2 percent in 2009. In related news, CMS announced that it will reduce … [Read more...] about Outpatient Hospital Care Reimbursements to Increase
Information Letters: Promoting Independence Initiative, ICM Program, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued five information letters last week. --- In a letter to Nursing Facility Administrators, which updates Provider Letter #04-18, DADS informed these providers about the Promoting Independence Initiative, developed in response to the Supreme Court ruling in Olmstead v. L.C, 110 S. Ct. 2176 (1999). For more information, download the letter here. --- In a letter to Region 3 Community Based Alternatives Providers in the Dallas … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Promoting Independence Initiative, ICM Program, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Contract Employee Qualifications, Licensure Issues, Etc.
Proposed Rules On behalf of the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) proposed amendments to §10.311, concerning qualifications and training requirements for contractor employees; §10.315, concerning criminal background checks; and §10.321, concerning roles and responsibilities of case managers, in Chapter 10, Guardianship Services. The amendment would update contractor employee qualifications with regard to … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Contract Employee Qualifications, Licensure Issues, Etc.
SCHIP Compromise?
Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill are trying to reach a compromise on expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). (Kaiser Network) Two weeks ago, President George W. Bush vetoed a bill that would have added $35 billion to SCHIP over a five-year period. Last week, the House of Representatives passed a modified SCHIP bill, but the vote was not veto-proof. If the two sides of the aisle can reach a compromise, the bill may have a chance of becoming law. However, … [Read more...] about SCHIP Compromise?
Provider and Information Letters: Closure Notices, Provider Input Needed
In a recent provider letter, the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) reminded Nursing Facilities that any facility that decided to voluntarily close must give residents at least 30 days written notice of this intent, pursuant to Texas Human Resources Code §102.003, 40 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §19.401(b)(21) and §19.502(e)(1), and 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §483.12(a)(5). For more information, download the letter here. In an information letter to … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: Closure Notices, Provider Input Needed
More SCHIP Votes
According to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services secretary Mike Leavitt, President George W. Bush, who vetoed a bill to expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), would accept a bill that increases SCHIP funding by only $20 billion over five years, as opposed to $35 billion over five years. (Kaiser Network) Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on a modified SCHIP bill, but the measure still would increase spending by $35 billion over five … [Read more...] about More SCHIP Votes
HHS Appeals Ruling Requiring Release of Medicare Physicians Claims Data
Last August, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must release Medicare physicians claims information for Illinois, Maryland, Virginia, Washington state, and the District of Columbia. (Kaiser Network) An organization called Consumers' CHECKBOOK/Center for the Study of Services sued for access to this information apparently "to help the public evaluate the performance of the program and the physicians," and HHS … [Read more...] about HHS Appeals Ruling Requiring Release of Medicare Physicians Claims Data
Information Letters: Training Class, Requisition Fee
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) informed Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL ) Program Providers that it will offer a Data Entry Training Class for HCS and TxHml Waiver Program Providers. To see the full list of scheduled classes, download the letter here. DADS informed Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) Case Management Agencies and Direct Services Agencies that beginning November 1, 2007, CLASS case managers … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Training Class, Requisition Fee
Texas Register Updates: Community-Based Services Amendments, Etc.
Adopted Rules The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) adopted amendments to §48.2901 and §48.6003 in Chapter 48, Community Care for Aged and Disabled, to clarify eligibility criteria for certain community-based services provided by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS). An excerpt: Under the new Integrated Care Management (ICM) Program, implemented in accordance with Texas Government Code, Chapter 533, Subchapter D, persons eligible for managed … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Community-Based Services Amendments, Etc.
Will the House Override President Bush’s SCHIP Veto?
Last week, President George W. Bush vetoed a bill that would have expanded the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). His veto caused quite a backlash in the mainstream media and among Democrats. The House of Representatives will vote tomorrow whether to override the veto. The expansion would add $35 billion over five years to the SCHIP program. Republicans who voted against the bill are concerned it will expand coverage to adults, illegal aliens, and middle-income families who … [Read more...] about Will the House Override President Bush’s SCHIP Veto?
