"The US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) may be duplicating efforts and paying for the same services under multiple programs to test new payment and treatment delivery models, the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) said in a recent report. Better coordination among the programs is needed to prevent the inefficient use of federal resources, GAO said." – Medcape Medical News "In all, Medicare is rewarding 1,557 hospitals with more money and reducing payments to 1,427 … [Read more...] about Medicaid/Medicare News Around the Web
TX Register Updates: 1/11/13 Hearing, Medical Board Changes
The following information was obtained from December 28 issue of the Texas Register. Public Hearing and Notice HHSC will hold a public hearing on Friday, January 11, 2013, at 1:30 p.m. to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment methodology for cost sharing payments for Medicare services provided to dual eligibles. The hearing will be held in the Lone Star Conference Room. HHSC intends to submit Transmittal Number 13-001 to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, which would … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 1/11/13 Hearing, Medical Board Changes
Medicaid and Managed Care–Who Benefits?
Is Medicaid really broke? If not, who is making money where Managed Care is involved? According to this, not the providers. Is this ignored so that attention is focused on allegations of fraud by providers? … [Read more...] about Medicaid and Managed Care–Who Benefits?
House and Senate Bills: Medical Board, Elderly/Disabled
The following long term care-related bills were recently introduced in the 83rd Legislative Session: HB 305: Relating to the release of complaint information by the Texas Medical Board to the legislature. SB 152: Relating to the protection and care of persons who are elderly or disabled or who are children. SB 153: Relating to the amounts of administrative penalties assessed or imposed against certain health facilities. … [Read more...] about House and Senate Bills: Medical Board, Elderly/Disabled
IL and News Alert: 1/17/13 Meeting, Disability Rights Texas
NF: DADS reminded NFs of requirements to provide immediate access to a resident by a representative of Disability Rights Texas (formerly known as Advocacy, Incorporated), the state's designated protection and advocacy agency. (Letter) -- The Texas Promoting Independence Advisory Committee, Subcommittee on Employment for People with Disabilities meeting will be held on Thursday, January 17, 2013, from 1:30-4:30 p.m. at The Arc of Texas Conference Room, 8001 Centre Park Drive #100, Austin. … [Read more...] about IL and News Alert: 1/17/13 Meeting, Disability Rights Texas
TX Register Updates: Affordable Care Act, Nursing Changes
The following information was obtained from the December 21 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notices HHSC intends to submit to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance an amendment that would update the fee schedules in the current state plan by including fees for new services and by modifying fees for existing services. HHSC intends to submit to CMS a request to amend the Texas Healthcare Transformation Quality Improvement Program waiver program. An excerpt: The 82nd Texas … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Affordable Care Act, Nursing Changes
Medicare and Medicaid Court Decisions
Medicare recipients with chronic conditions can no longer be turned down for home health services provided by skilled nurses and therapists, according to a recent settlement between the federal government and consumer advocates. Home care and other long term care providers benefit as well. An excerpt: To receive this coverage, patients must meet specific requirements. First, a doctor must prescribe care from a nurse or therapist. Patients in skilled-nursing facilities also must demonstrate a … [Read more...] about Medicare and Medicaid Court Decisions
IL and News Alerts: EVV Updates, NCHS Request
CBA, CLASS, MDCP, PHC, CAS, FC, and CDSA: The news alert information applies only to Regions 5 and 6 placed under the requirement to use the EVV system, effective November 15, 2012. From November 15, 2012 through January 14, 2013, DADS will accept paper timesheets as a back-up. (Letter) -- Posted 12/12/12: DADS continues to receive extensive stakeholder concern regarding the proposed rules to allow services to be provided by a licensed home and community support services agency (or … [Read more...] about IL and News Alerts: EVV Updates, NCHS Request
TX Register Update: CNM/LM, Medical Board Changes
The following information was obtained from the December 14 issue of the Texas Register: Adopted Rules HHSC adopted amendments to §354.1252, Certified Nurse-midwives, and new §354.1253, Licensed Midwives. Among other things, the changes clarify that the section applies only to CNMs and updates terms and agency names. See the Texas Register for more information. The Texas Medical Board adopted amendments to several sections of the code. Licensure – Among other things, "amends the … [Read more...] about TX Register Update: CNM/LM, Medical Board Changes
DADS News Alerts: 12/18 Survey Deadline, 1/7/13 Meeting
-- To follow up on a request to provide examples of when Individual Responsibility Agreements (IRA) are used in the CLASS Medicaid waiver, DADS asks CLASS DSAs to complete a summary of when the agency has used an IRA agreement and, if possible, the total active agreements the agency has in place. E-mail to DADS at class@dads.state.tx.us by Tuesday, December 18, 2012. -- DADS invited providers to attend the next HCSSA stakeholder meeting on Monday, January 7, 2013, 1-5 p.m. in the Public … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: 12/18 Survey Deadline, 1/7/13 Meeting
