DADS released four information letters. HCS, TxHmL, CLASS, DBMD, ICF/ID, and Local Authorities: DADS providers should no longer refer individuals already employed and want assistance with job maintenance to the DARS, DRS, or DBS, effective the date of the letter. Provider should seek approval through the individual's service plan to provide SE or other services needed to maintain an individual's employment. Medicaid Hospice: Effective July 1, 2012, hospice providers must use the … [Read more...] about ILs: Revised Form 3071, Claims Billing Closeout
TX Register Updates: July 18 Hearings, DAHS Changes
The following information was obtained from the July 29 issue of the Texas Register. Public Hearings HHSC will hold a public hearing on July 18, 2012, at 1 p.m. to receive comment on proposed payment rates DAHS in the CBA and MDCP waiver programs. At 2 p.m., HHSC will hear public comment on proposed rates under foster care redesign for Single Source Continuum Contractors that provide services in the 24-Hour Residential Child Care program. The hearings will be held in the Lone Star … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: July 18 Hearings, DAHS Changes
Kaiser Webcast, Supreme Court Aftermath
Kaiser News Network posted a video webcast about the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to uphold the health care reform law. What does the court decision mean for Texas? From the Texas Tribune: In the wake of Thursday's U.S. Supreme Court ruling upholding federal health reform, Texas has two big choices to make: whether to accept federal funds to expand Medicaid, and whether to roll out a consumer marketplace for comparing and purchasing insurance coverage. While the Supreme Court found the … [Read more...] about Kaiser Webcast, Supreme Court Aftermath
Individual Mandate Survives as Tax
The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the Affordable Care Act and ruled the law's most controversial portion, the individual mandate, unconstitutional. The Obama administration created the individual mandate as a fine to be imposed on individuals who didn't have health insurance. The court held this requirement unconstitutional, but artfully contended that the government has the power to tax individuals. In that regard, the mandate survives as a tax. "Because the Constitution permits such a tax, … [Read more...] about Individual Mandate Survives as Tax
ILs/PL: CDC TB Guidelines, Cost Avoidance
DADS released two information letters and one provider letter. AL/RC, CAS, CBA, CDSA, DAHS, FC, HDM, MDCP, PHC, and TAS: DADS notified these providers and agencies about certain changes. An excerpt: Effective with reviews conducted on or after July 1, 2012, the review period for contract and fiscal compliance monitoring for the programs and services identified above will encompass all months since the beginning of the contract (if not monitored previously) or since the exit date of the … [Read more...] about ILs/PL: CDC TB Guidelines, Cost Avoidance
TX Register Updates: NorthSTAR Correction, Dual Eligibles
The following information was obtained from the June 22 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notice Correction A notice in the June 8, 2012, issue incorrectly stated that an amendment changed the NorthSTAR behavioral health program enrollment period from 30 days to 15 days. The correct period is from 45 days to 15 days. See the Texas Register for details. Withdrawn Rules HHSC withdraws the emergency new §355.8201 and §355.8202, which appeared in the January 20, 2012, issue, effective … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: NorthSTAR Correction, Dual Eligibles
Texas Providers: Grant Awards and Court Decisions
McKnight's reports that long term care providers will benefit from federal grants to improve care and lower costs. The University of North Texas Health Science Center received a grant of over $7 million for the Interventions to Reduce Acute Care Transfers assessment tool. Other Texas recipients include CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System in Texarkana, which will receive over $3 million. In other news, Texas and the entire country (and probably the world) await the U.S. Supreme Court's decision … [Read more...] about Texas Providers: Grant Awards and Court Decisions
DADS News Alerts: Skilled Nursing Policy Changes
-- DADS will host four culture change symposia for NFs in 2012: Lubbock – Wednesday, August 22, Holiday Inn Lubbock - Hotel and Towers Dallas – Friday, August 24, Westin Park Central San Antonio – Tuesday, November 13, Sheraton Gunter Hotel Houston – Thursday, November 15, Houston Marriott Westchase -- DADS issued an alert to providers and other qualified entities interested in becoming DBMD residential services providers in Region 7, the Austin area. Contract information: Paul … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: Skilled Nursing Policy Changes
TX Register Updates: Correction & Reimbursement Change
The following information was obtained from the June 15 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notice Correction HHSC corrected a public notice published in the April 6, 2012, issue about submitting a request to renew the MDCP waiver: The notice incorrectly stated that the waiver provided in-home child care, including in the individual's or a family member's home, or a foster family's home. It should have stated: Services include respite, adaptive aids, minor home modifications, financial … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Correction & Reimbursement Change
ILs/PL: Annual Mandatory ALF Training
DADS released two information letters and one provider letter: Medicaid Hospice: DADS asked these providers to submit the form attached to the letter, which shows the methodology CMS uses to determine the provider's Medicare overall cap for FFY 2010 and 2011. The deadline for submitting this information was May 15, 2012. (Letter) ALFs: DADS provided information about annual mandatory training for ALFs. See the provider web page for more information. (Letter) AFC, ALF, CBA, CLASS, … [Read more...] about ILs/PL: Annual Mandatory ALF Training
