The Kaiser Foundation has updated its issue module on financing long term care. According to Kaiser, about 9.5 million Americans need long term care, and with the first of the baby boomers ready to retire, the number will increase. By 2030, the number of long term care recipients will double. Kaiser estimates that over $158 billion was spent on long term care in 2004, and the average yearly cost of nursing home care is $74,000. Medicaid pays for most long term care, but recipients pay … [Read more...] about Long Term Care Financing
DADS Training Conference and Sessions
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) will present a nursing facility joint training conference titled "Understanding Nursing Facility Enforcement Processes." The conference will be held at the J.J. Pickle Center in Austin, Texas, on April 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and at the Arlington Convention Center in Arlington, Texas, on April 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about the conference, download the five-page brochure here. Permanency Planning training … [Read more...] about DADS Training Conference and Sessions
Texas Register Updates for March 9 and 16
March 9 The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) announced on behalf of the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) that it has adopted the repeal of §§7.301 - 7.311 and §§7.313 - 7.316 in Chapter 7. The repeal is intended to facilitate the consolidation of rules dealing with volunteer programs and donations to DADS by striking obsolete rules. For more information, see the relevant section in the March 9 Texas Register. Additionally, HHSC will submit an … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates for March 9 and 16
DADS Letters and Memorandum: Drug Destruction Records, Etc.
In a letter dated March, 6, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) reminded nursing facilities of the state requirement that medications of deceased residents, expired medications, and discontinued medications must be disposed as instructed by government laws and rules. For more information, download the letter here. DADS also issued a federal survey and certification letter (CMS) and a state memo. Download the federal survey letter, Clarification of Provider Number … [Read more...] about DADS Letters and Memorandum: Drug Destruction Records, Etc.
Two Medicare Prescription Drug Studies
The Kaiser Network reports the release of two Medicare prescription drug studies. One study found that over 25 percent of Medicare drug plans increased copayments and prices for beneficiaries in 2006, despite the fact that beneficiaries were locked into the plans for the year. According to the Consumers Union, which issued the study, some private insurance plans raised prices by 5 percent or more last year. One plan reportedly raised costs by almost 30 percent. From Consumers Union: … [Read more...] about Two Medicare Prescription Drug Studies
CMS Denies Lawmakers’ Request for Medicare Drug Discount Data
Lawmakers asked the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for information on Medicare prescription drug discounts obtained by pharmacy benefit managers, and CMS Administrator Leslie Norwalk refused, contending that the release of such information would undermine the negotiation process. (Kaiser Network) "Several independent entities, including the Congressional Budget Office and the Federal Trade Commission, have concluded that public disclosure of negotiated price concessions will … [Read more...] about CMS Denies Lawmakers’ Request for Medicare Drug Discount Data
Texas Register: Medicaid Waiver Program Orientation Notice
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) announced in the March 2 issue of the Texas Register that it will hold a pre-application orientation (PAO) for providers who wish to participate in Medicaid waiver programs. Additionally, DADS will begin charging a $25 fee for providers registering to attend a PAO, effective June 4, 2007. To register for the PAO to be held at 8:45 a.m. on Monday, June 4 in Austin, Texas, at the J.J. Pickle Center, you may request a registration … [Read more...] about Texas Register: Medicaid Waiver Program Orientation Notice
State Bill Would Reform Medicaid, ‘Stretch’ Coverage
In the wake of Medicaid budget cuts, state lawmakers are looking for ways to make sure low-income Texans are covered. The Dallas Morning News is reporting that Texas lawmakers have introduced a bill that would “overhaul Medicaid†by reducing the program’s cost while covering more people. Jane Nelson, state senator and chief sponsor of the bill, told the paper that the measure would appropriate funds to pay for preventive care and to discourage Medicaid recipients from going to … [Read more...] about State Bill Would Reform Medicaid, ‘Stretch’ Coverage
Federal and State Survey Letters
There have been several survey and certification letters posted on the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services web site since January. Please click on the titles to download letters in PDF format. Federal Multiple Providers -- Medical Gas Storage and Usage Considerations (1/12/07) Publication of the Hospital CoPs: Requirements for H and P; Authentication of Verbal Orders; etc. (1/26/07) Electronic Signature Guidance in Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (IRFs) … [Read more...] about Federal and State Survey Letters
Pharmaceutical Companies Overcharge Feds
Lawmakers and advocacy groups claim that prescription drug makers have been overcharging the Medicaid program. (Newhouse News Service) Testifying before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Ron Tenpas, a U.S. associate deputy attorney general, said drug companies are required by law to give Medicaid programs the same discount as managed care plans and hospitals, but they have not. The government contends drug companies have concealed this practice. So far, about $3.9 … [Read more...] about Pharmaceutical Companies Overcharge Feds