The following information was obtained from the November 16 issue of the Texas Register. Proposed Rules HHSC proposed to repeal §354.1430, Definitions, and §354.1432, Benefits and Limitations; and proposes new §354.1430, Definitions, and §354.1432, Telemedicine and Telehealth Benefits and Limitations. The proposed rules would reflect new definitions and benefits described in SB 293, which requires HHSC to expand services provided by use of advanced telecommunications services. See the … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Telemedicine, Cost Reports
House and Senate Bills: Assisted Living, HCS
The following long term care-related bills were recently introduced in the 83rd Legislative Session: HB 43: Relating to the establishment of the affordable assisted living facility program. HB 128: Relating to the creation of a childhood health program grant. SB 29: Relating to certain Medicaid home and community-based services waiver programs. SB 33: Relating to the electronic monitoring of residents at state supported living centers; providing criminal penalties. SB 34: Relating … [Read more...] about House and Senate Bills: Assisted Living, HCS
DADS News Alerts: SSLC Changes & 12/6 Hearing
-- DADS will hear public comment on the State Supported Living Centers (SSLC) Long Range Planning Report for FY 2010-2012 during the DADS Council meeting on Thursday, December 6, 2012, at 9 a.m. in the Public Hearing Room of the John H. Winters Human Services Complex, 701 West 51st St., Austin. You may download the 16-page report in PDF. -- HHSC proposed an amendment to 40 TAC §3.101, Definitions; and new Subchapter F, Restraints, consisting of §§3.601-3.608, in Chapter 3, Administrative … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: SSLC Changes & 12/6 Hearing
TX Register Update: 11/29 Hearing, MCO Changes
The following information was obtained from the November 9 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearing and Notice HHSC will hold a public hearing in the Lone Star Conference Room on Thursday, November 29, 2012, at 9 a.m., to receive public comment on proposed payment rates for the AL/RC services under the CBA program, CBA Personal Care III services, and the RC program. HHSC intends to submit to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, which would define the reimbursement methodology … [Read more...] about TX Register Update: 11/29 Hearing, MCO Changes
Some Physicians Won’t See Higher Payment Rates
Back in May, CMS reported that under the health care reform, primary care physicians would see an increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates. Kaiser News reports that OB/GYNs and ER doctors presently are excluded. Instead, the higher Medicaid rates, which will be in effect for two years, are reserved for family doctors, internists and pediatricians, because those specialties are specifically listed in the 2010 law, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said. The OB/GYNs and ER doctors … [Read more...] about Some Physicians Won’t See Higher Payment Rates
IL/News Alerts: PASRR Process Change, ICF/IID Workshops
NF Administrators, MDS Coordinators, and Directors of Nursing: DADS reminded these providers that the PASRR process will change next year. An excerpt: • Eliminating the role of nursing facilities in the Level II evaluation process; • Requiring specific specialized services to be identified before admission to the nursing facility; and • Requiring DADS to have clear processes in place for resident review when an individual experiences a significant change in their MDS assessment. • … [Read more...] about IL/News Alerts: PASRR Process Change, ICF/IID Workshops
TX Register Updates: 11/14 Hearing, Use of Restraint Changes
The following information was obtained from the November 2 issue of the Texas Register. Public Hearing HHSC will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, November 14, 2012, at 1:30 p.m. to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rate for Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment Dental Services. The hearing will be held in the Lone Star Conference Room. For more information, see the Texas Register. Proposed Rules On DADS' Behalf HHSC proposed to amend §3.101, … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 11/14 Hearing, Use of Restraint Changes
Texas Counties and Medicaid Expansion
Governor Rick Perry has made his opposition to "Obamacare" known. He is against the policy and said Texas will not expand Medicaid. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the health care reform law, but gave states the option to expand Medicaid to implement it. The Texas Tribune published a story on the election's impact on Texas Medicaid. An excerpt: Gov. Rick Perry says Texas will opt-out of that expansion. But Anne Dunkelberg of the Center for Public Policy Priorities, a liberal state policy … [Read more...] about Texas Counties and Medicaid Expansion
ILs/News Alert: Cost Avoidance Project
NF, Hospice, and ICF/IID: DADS provided a status of the Cost Avoidance Project implementation: Release 1 (August 2012), Release 2 (November 2012), and Release 3 (February 2013). (Letter) All providers: DADS alerted providers of three changes to the MESAV, effective November 2, 2012. An excerpt: 1) "Other Insurance Policies" Section A new section "Other Insurance Policies" will be added to the MESAV. Insurance policies for Long Term Care (LTC) individuals will be displayed on the … [Read more...] about ILs/News Alert: Cost Avoidance Project
TX Register Updates: 10/29 Forum, 11/14-15 Hearings
The following information was obtained from the October 26 issue of the Texas Register. Public Hearings and Notices HHSC will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, November 14, 2012, at 1:30 p.m. to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for Ambulance Services, case management services provided to children and pregnant women, hearing aids; Medicaid biennial calendar fee review, and vaccine and toxoids (shingles vaccine); on Thursday, November 15, 2012, at 1:30 p.m. receive … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 10/29 Forum, 11/14-15 Hearings
