The Bush administration seeks to cut Medicare reimbursements to hospitals, home health agencies, and skilled nursing facilities in an effort to save as much as $100 billion to fund health care proposals. (Kaiser Network) Last week, the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, chaired by Democrat Pete Stark, held a hearing to consider a proposal from the Bush administration “to freeze Medicare reimbursements for home health agencies and skilled nursing facilities." A health care … [Read more...] about Bush Proposes Medicare Reimbursement Cuts to Fund Proposals
Texas Register Update: NorthSTAR Program Waiver
The Texas Register published a notice about the Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s intent to submit the state’s application for renewal of the NorthSTAR Program §1915(b) waiver to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance under Title XIX of the Social Security Act. The current waiver expires on September 30, 2007. If you have questions or would like a copy of the waiver renewal, contact Carmen Capetillo by phone at (512) 491-1128 or facsimile at (512) 491-1953 or e-mail … [Read more...] about Texas Register Update: NorthSTAR Program Waiver
Provider Letters: R&S Report, Foster Care/Adoption Subsidy Medicaid
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) informed DADS Long Term Care Services and Supports Providers of the “importance and usefulness†of the Remittance and Status (R&S) Report Information in a letter dated May 18. To avoid incorrect and inaccurate billing, providers must make sure information is accurate. DADS reminded providers that a new fiscal year is approaching, so they need to review R&S reports carefully. For more information, download the letter here. In … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: R&S Report, Foster Care/Adoption Subsidy Medicaid
Provider Letters: ‘Clarifying the Myths in Assisted Living Facilities,’ Cost of Living Adjustments
In a letter dated May 14, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) notified assisted living providers, provider organizations, and surveyors about a conference called, “Clarifying the Myths in Assisted Living Facilities.†The conference will be held on July 19, 24, and 31. Topics to be presented include aging in place, emergency preparedness, and medication management. For locations and times, you may download the letter here. DADS reminded nursing facilities (in a … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: ‘Clarifying the Myths in Assisted Living Facilities,’ Cost of Living Adjustments
Texas Register Updates: Ambulance Services and Reimbursement Rates
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) proposed a series of rule changes that would align Medicaid rules with the requirement to acquire prior authorization for non-emergency ambulance transport. The rule changes would include terminology updates. A public hearing will be held on May 24, 2007, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the HHSC Lone Star Conference Room, 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78758. Send written comments to Garry Walsh, Senior Policy Analyst, Medicaid/CHIP … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Ambulance Services and Reimbursement Rates
Cooperation Key to Nursing Home Quality Improvements
Mary Ousley, past chair of the American Health Care Association, which represents long term care providers, testified before a congressional committee last week about the long term care profession’s experience with the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA ‘87). OBRA '87 is considered landmark legislation because it established many nursing home oversight rules in place today. Ousley said that in order to improve nursing facilities, providers, regulators, and consumers must … [Read more...] about Cooperation Key to Nursing Home Quality Improvements
Provider Letters: Minimizing Claim Rejections, Life Safety Code, Etc.
May 1 The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) sent an informational letter to long term care providers about what they can do to minimize claim rejections. Attached to the two-page letter is a two-page chart titled, “Common Reasons Claims Deny.†Download the letter and chart here. May 7 All home and community-based services waiver program providers will be required to comply with the 2006 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 Life Safety Code, … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: Minimizing Claim Rejections, Life Safety Code, Etc.
Provider Letters: National Provider Identifier and Criminal History Checks
April 27 The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) informed nursing facilities, community services, ICF/MR, and therapy providers about the National Provider Identifier (NPI) reporting process. An NPI is a 10-digit number used to identify health care providers. To prevent delays in billing, all providers that contract with DADS are required to report an NPI or Atypical Provider Identifier to DADS before June 1, 2007. For more information, download the letter here. May … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: National Provider Identifier and Criminal History Checks
Texas Register: MCOs, SHARS, Reimbursement, and PCS
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) proposed a new rule that would require Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCO) disease management care programs to have performance measures that are comparable to the Medicaid fee-for-service/Primary Care Case Management disease management program. Additionally, MCOs must demonstrate an ability to manage complex diseases among Medicaid recipients. A public hearing will be held on May 17, 2007, from 9-10 a.m. in the HHSC Lone Star … [Read more...] about Texas Register: MCOs, SHARS, Reimbursement, and PCS
STAR+PLUS Clients Letter and Fire Authority Memo
In a letter dated April 26, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services informed nursing facility providers new to the STAR+PLUS program about the program’s enrollment procedures and assured them that effective January 1, 2007, the STAR+PLUS enrollment will not impact the nursing facility process. For more information, download the letter here. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released a memo dated April 20 to state survey agency directors concerning “Permitted … [Read more...] about STAR+PLUS Clients Letter and Fire Authority Memo
