Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives approved an amendment to block a rule proposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that would have reduced Medicare inpatient hospital reimbursements in FY 2008 by 2.4 percent. (Kaiser Network) CMS apparently anticipates that hospitals will bill Medicare for services that reimburse at higher rates "in response to changes that would link payments with the severity of the illnesses of patients." The proposed rule to reduce … [Read more...] about House Blocks Medicare Inpatient Hospital Reimbursement Reduction
Texas Register Updates: Mental Retardation Authority Rules, Survey Process
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) proposed amendments to §§2.101 - 2.103 and 2.105 - 2.112, and the repeal of §§2.104 and 2.113 - 2.115, Chapter 2, Mental Retardation Authority Responsibilities, Subchapter C, Charges for Community Services. From the Texas Register: Because they originated at the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, the rules in Chapter 2, Subchapter C, currently contain references to both mental health and mental retardation … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Mental Retardation Authority Rules, Survey Process
Information Letters: Claims Processing Changes, Avoiding Misc. Claims
In a letter dated July 16, the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) informed Nursing Facilities about procedural changes in the Provider Claims Service Unit. It will now take 7-10 business days to process requests, whether the request has been submitted by telephone or e-mail. For more information, download the letter here. In a letter dated July 17, DADS reminded Nursing Facilities, Community Services Providers, Therapy Providers, and ICF/MR Service Groups 5 & 6 Providers to … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Claims Processing Changes, Avoiding Misc. Claims
Information Letters: PMAB Training, Promoting Independence Initiative, Etc.
In a letter dated July 6, the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) informed Home and Community-based Services Program Providers, Texas Home Living Program Providers, and Executive Directors of Mental Retardation Authorities that the Prevention and Management of Aggressive Behavior (PMAB) training curriculum owned by the state of Texas is not available to train employees of private providers. PMAB training is available for personnel working on state mental retardation facilities … [Read more...] about Information Letters: PMAB Training, Promoting Independence Initiative, Etc.
Drug Companies’ Gift Giving Under Scrutiny
Texas Register Updates: Reimbursement Rates, Hearings, Etc.
Reimbursement Rates The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has proposed to amend §355.114, Consumer Directed Services Payment Option, in its Reimbursement Rates. The reimbursement methodology for Consumer Directed Services (CDS) allocates a flat fee of the total payment rate for each CDS hour of service without regard for total payment. The amendment would change the rate to one that reflected the CDS Agency’s actual level of effort providing support services. See the … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Reimbursement Rates, Hearings, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Value-Added Services
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has proposed to amend §353.2, Definitions, to update the definition of value-added services. An excerpt: The current rule states that value-added services must be health care services. To align the rule with S.B. 10 and planned contract changes for value-added services, the proposed amendment states that value-added services may be health care services or positive incentives that promote healthy lifestyles and improve health outcomes. … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Value-Added Services
Texas Register Updates: Public Hearing Notices
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) announced three public hearings in the June 29 Texas Register. July 17 – HHSC will hold a public hearing to receive comments on proposed rate increases for providers of 24-Hour Residential Child Care (RCC) services. The meeting will be held on July 17 at 1:30 p.m. in the Lone Star Conference Room of the HHSC, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin, Texas. For information on how to receive briefing packages … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Public Hearing Notices
HIPAA–Stonewalling Families is NOT the Law
HIPAA continues as the gift that just keeps giving--to lawyers at any rate. Apparently, it is being misconstrued around the country to be an obstacle to families seeking to ascertain the condition of their loved ones. From an interesting editorial in the Idaho Mountain Express: American medicine and its practitioners are among the finest anywhere in the world. However, getting to that treatment through the maze of government and insurance paperwork and waiting for an appointment is … [Read more...] about HIPAA–Stonewalling Families is NOT the Law
Texas Register Updates: Family Violence, ICF/MR Program Changes
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has proposed to repeal and replace Subchapter A, §379.1, regarding definitions for programs serving adult victims of family violence and their children. HHSC updated and clarified the rules regarding the Family Violence Program and added a new definition relating to Dating Violence. See the relevant section of the June 22 Texas Register for more information. On behalf of the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), HHSC has … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Family Violence, ICF/MR Program Changes
