McKnight's reports that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a final rule confirming that the federal government will pay the full cost of new Medicaid beneficiaries as the program expands across the country to implement the health care reform law. However, the federal government's contribution will decrease after 2016. By 2020, the contribution will be 90 percent. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the heath care reform law but gave states the option to expand Medicaid. Some … [Read more...] about Governor Perry to Discuss Medicaid Today
TX Register Updates: HHSC-OIC Provisions
The following information was obtained from the March 29 issue of the Texas Register. HHSC adopted amendments to §354.2401, Definitions; §354.2403, Monitoring and Review; §354.2405, Utilization Control Methods; and §354.2407, Recipient Rights. The amendments update existing HHSC Office of Inspector General provisions relating to the lock-in of recipients who overuse Medicaid services, as authorized by federal regulations at 42 CFR §431.54(e). See the Texas Register for more information. … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: HHSC-OIC Provisions
Senate Bill, Long Term Care News
SB 1842: Relating to rules for restraint and seclusion procedures at certain facilities. -- McKnight's reports on a lethal, antibiotic-resistant bacteria in acute and long term care facilities: The bacteria, Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), are found in healthy digestive systems but cause infections when they get in other organs or the bloodstream. Some CRE germs are resistant even to antibiotics of "last resort," such as carbapenems, and the germs can transfer their … [Read more...] about Senate Bill, Long Term Care News
TX Register Updates: Fee Schedules and Rates
The following information was obtained from the March 22 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notices HHSC intends to submit an amendment to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance to update the fee schedules in the current state plan by including fees for new services and modifying fees for existing services: Dental Services; Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies; Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment Services; and Physicians and Certain Other … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Fee Schedules and Rates
ILs and News Alerts: New UPL, 4/1 NF Webinar
DADS released two information letters. HHSC will implement a new Upper Payment Limit Supplemental Payment Program for non-state government-owned ICF/IID and NF. Participation is voluntary. -- DADS posted responses to questions from a CLASS webinar held on August 22, 2012. You will find the answers on the CLASS web page. -- DADS will hold a PASRR Changes for Nursing Facilities webinar on Monday, April 1, 2013, from 1:30pm-2:30pm. You may register here. -- DADS opened registration … [Read more...] about ILs and News Alerts: New UPL, 4/1 NF Webinar
Medicaid News: Expansion, Physician Shortage
"In the letter (PDF) [to the Texas congressional delegation ] Perry reaffirms his pledge not to expand Medicaid, an important — if optional — tenet of President Obama's federal health care law. Medicaid serves the disabled and poor children; the Affordable Care Act aims to expand coverage to more impoverished adults." - Texas Tribune "With extra federal money coming in, Medicaid expansion could offset $1.2 billion in the 2014-15 biennium budget that Texas would spend on other health programs … [Read more...] about Medicaid News: Expansion, Physician Shortage
ILs/PLs: Dental Contractor, Asbestos Survey
DADS released two information and two provider letters: NF, Hospice, and ICF/IID: DADS informs providers that when billing for non-Medicare covered services, they're not required to file a claim to determine the liability of a Medicare Supplemental Insurance policy. (Letter) CLASS, CMA DSA: DADS recently contracted with contract with the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. An excerpt: As part of the expansion of Utilization Management and Review (UMR), the … [Read more...] about ILs/PLs: Dental Contractor, Asbestos Survey
TX Register Updates: Waiver Renewals, Medical Board Changes
The following information was obtained from the March 15 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notices HHSC intends to submit to CMS a request to renew the HCS waiver program and an amendment to the CBA waiver program. See the Texas Register for details. Proposed Rules HHSC proposed to amend §355.8066, Hospital-Specific Limit Methodology, which would provide more detail about the formulas used to calculate the hospital-specific limit, describe the use of a survey to collect data from … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Waiver Renewals, Medical Board Changes
Senate Bills: PPACA, Medicaid
The following recently introduced Senate bills could affect long term care providers: SJR 61: Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the reduction of amounts paid by Texans to provide health care to the uninsured if Medicaid eligibility is expanded in accordance with the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; requiring hospital district tax rate reductions. SB 1045: Relating to an evaluation of the state supported living center system. SB 1058: Relating to the … [Read more...] about Senate Bills: PPACA, Medicaid
House Bills: PPACA, Medicaid
The following recently introduced House bills could affect long term care providers: HB 2276: Relating to notice of residential services available for persons with intellectual disabilities. HB 2288: Relating to the exemption from sales and use taxes of certain health care supplies. HB 2348: Relating to the powers and duties of the Texas Medical Board and the regulation of certain persons licensed by the board. HB 2358: Relating to the regulation of the practice of nursing. HB … [Read more...] about House Bills: PPACA, Medicaid
