Although President George Bush reversed a proposed cut to physicians’ Medicare reimbursements late last year, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) will lobby Congress to increase reimbursements by about 1.7 percent in 2008. (Source) Reimbursement will be decreased by 10 percent under the present payment system, according to MedPAC, and it will urge Congress to act now. MedPAC will also recommend that Congress freeze 2008 reimbursement increases for long term care facilities … [Read more...] about MedPAC Seeks Medicare Reimbursement Increase
House Approves Medicare Drug Negotiation Bill
Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill that would allow the government to negotiate Medicare prescription drug prices. (Source) If passed by the Senate and signed into law by the president, the Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act of 2007 would nullify the part of Medicare Part D law that prohibits the government from negotiating drug prices. As expected, it was a party line vote, with mostly Democrats voting in favor of the bill. According to the Washington … [Read more...] about House Approves Medicare Drug Negotiation Bill
Four New Provider Letters
Submission of the Hospice Election Form 3071 and Physician Certification of Terminal Illness Form 3074 The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) informed Medicaid hospice providers that it has updated its list of regional contacts for hospice election and certification forms to Community Services, Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership, and Health and Human Services Commission Medicaid Eligibility staff. For more information, download the letter and attached list of … [Read more...] about Four New Provider Letters
Texas Register Updates: Sanctions, Health Passport, and SSI Gap
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has proposed a new rule titled, “Internet Posting of Sanctions Imposed For Contractual Violations.†Among other things, the rule would outline HHSC’s authority to impose sanctions on Medicaid Managed Care Organization’s that do not comply with contractual terms. This information would be posted on HHSC’s web site. Submit written comments to the following: Gilbert Estrada, Policy Analyst Medicaid/CHIP Division Texas … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Sanctions, Health Passport, and SSI Gap
More Texas Register Updates: Board of Nurse Examiners
The Board of Nurse Examiners has adopted amendments regarding Vocational and Profession Nursing Education. The amendments incorporate guidelines for faculty waivers into the nursing education rules, eliminating the need to issue waivers. For more information, see the relevant section in the January 5 Texas Register. … [Read more...] about More Texas Register Updates: Board of Nurse Examiners
Medicare Preventive Services
As part of a plan to lower costs and make sure people stay healthy, Medicare provides preventative services for beneficiaries. (Medical News Today) Services offered include a one-shot “Welcome to Medicare†exam, cardiovascular screenings to detect problems early enough for prevention and treatment, mammograms, pap tests and pelvic exams, colorectal cancer screenings, diabetes screenings, and more. For more information, visit CMS’s prevention page. … [Read more...] about Medicare Preventive Services
Bush Reverses Medicare Reimbursement Cut
President George W. Bush saved the day for physicians who receive Medicare reimbursements. Last week, he signed legislation that will reverse a 5.1 percent reduction in Medicare reimbursements. Current reimbursements rates will be maintained, and physicians who report quality-of-care data will see a reimbursement increase of 1.5 percent. (Medical News Today) Last month I told you that Congress passed the bill. President Bush signed it into law and reportedly said, “This is a good piece of … [Read more...] about Bush Reverses Medicare Reimbursement Cut
Texas Register Updates: Community Relations Repeals, Nursing Facility Amendments, Etc.
Updates from the December 22 edition of the Texas Register include the repeal of 40 TAC §§7.301 through 7.311 and §§7.313 through 7.316, concerning community relations, amendments to nursing facilities licensure and Medicaid certification requirement provisions, health and human services agencies licensing remedies, amendments to sections dealing with licensing standards for assisted living facilities, and more. For more information, visit the relevant section of the Texas … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Community Relations Repeals, Nursing Facility Amendments, Etc.
Few Legal Protections for Home Health Workers
An Iowa University law professor conducted a study of home health care workers and found that they have few legal protections. (Medical News Today) It’s more difficult to regulate employment inside a private home, and home health care workers don’t seem to be a high priority for agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Once again, soon-to-be retiring baby boomers will set the tone of the debate. According to the article, home health care is a fast growing … [Read more...] about Few Legal Protections for Home Health Workers
Provider Letters: Electronic Notifications and Travel Reimbursement Rates
In a letter dated December 18, the Texas Department for Aging and Disability Services (DADS) notified all assisted living, adult day care, home and community support service agencies, immediate care, and nursing facilities about a change in program notifications. DADS has been providing program notifications online effective October 1, 2006. Notifications will no longer be sent postal mail. DADS advises providers to visit the Regulatory Services policy web site and/or sign up to receive … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: Electronic Notifications and Travel Reimbursement Rates