The following bills (which may affect long term care providers) were recently introduced in the 82nd Legislative Session: SB 30: Relating to a pilot project to establish a comprehensive single point of entry for long-term services and supports provided to the aged and physically disabled individuals. SB 33: Relating to the period of continuous eligibility for the medical assistance program. SB 43: Relating to the civil liability of an employer or former employer of a mental health … [Read more...] about 82nd Legislative Session: New Senate Bills
82nd Legislative Session: New House Bills
The following bills (which may affect long term care providers) were recently introduced in the 82nd Legislative Session: HB 28: Relating to reimbursement for health care services provided at certain times to persons enrolled in the Medicaid managed care program. HB 32: Relating to the prohibition of required health insurance coverage. HB 39: Relating to a court's authority to order a proposed patient to receive extended outpatient mental health services. HB 57: Relating to the … [Read more...] about 82nd Legislative Session: New House Bills
TX Register Updates: Texas CHIP, STAR Program Changes
The following information was obtained from the November 5 issue of the Texas Register Public Notices HHSC intends to submit an amendment to the Texas CHIP to assure that dental coverage includes dental benefits from each of the required categories of care. HHSC proposes to eliminate the current dental tiers, remove the coverage limits based on preventive dental services and therapeutic dental services, and provide all CHIP members coverage up to $564 per 12-month enrollment … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Texas CHIP, STAR Program Changes
Texas May Withdraw from Medicaid
Will Texas withdraw from the Medicaid program? If you believe the news reports, it's a possibility. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is preparing a report on how ending the program would effect the state, due to be released between now and January. (Source) According to the Dallas Morning News, around three million currently uninsured Texans would be eligible for Medicaid under the health care reform law. Republicans said they will try to weaken the law to render it basically … [Read more...] about Texas May Withdraw from Medicaid
Midterm Elections and Health Care Reform
Yesterday, the Republicans regained control of the U.S. House of Representatives, capturing 60+ seats and gaining at least six seats in the U.S. Senate. Republicans also won key governor races across the country. How do these state and national results affect providers? Republican victors have vowed to repeal President Barack Obama's health care reform law, an almost impossible task given the Democratic Senate and White House. From Kaiser Health News: While unable to overturn the federal … [Read more...] about Midterm Elections and Health Care Reform
IRS Defers Requirement on Reporting Health Plan Coverage Costs
On October 12, 2010, the IRS released a draft Form W-2 for employers for 2011. Employers use Form W-2 to report wages and employee tax withholding. The IRS also announced that it will defer the requirement that employers report the cost of coverage under an employer-sponsored group health plan. Therefore, employer reporting of coverage costs is optional for 2011. The deferral allows employers additional time to make changes to their payroll systems or procedures in preparation for compliance … [Read more...] about IRS Defers Requirement on Reporting Health Plan Coverage Costs
New CMS Survey Memo Addresses Point of Care Devices and Infection Control in Nursing Homes
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently released a survey memorandum regarding point of care testing in nursing homes. Specifically, the memorandum addresses the practice of using a blood glucose meter or other point of care device for more than one resident. Such devices must be properly cleaned and disinfected after use with each resident. Finger stick devices may not be used for more than one resident. Improper or non-cleaning of point of care devices such as blood glucose … [Read more...] about New CMS Survey Memo Addresses Point of Care Devices and Infection Control in Nursing Homes
IRS Posts FAQ on Medical Resident FICA Program
In March 2010, the Internal Revenue Service announced that it would accept the position that medical residents are excepted from FICA taxes based on the student exception for tax periods ending before April 1, 2005. At that time, the IRS began contacting hospitals and universities, as well as medical residents, who filed FICA (social security and Medicare tax) refund claims for these periods with more information and procedures. The IRS announcement came after several cases litigating the … [Read more...] about IRS Posts FAQ on Medical Resident FICA Program
TX Register Updates: Nov. 4 STAR+PLUS Hearing
The following information was obtained from the October 29 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC intends to submit amendments to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, which would amend the payment methodology for inpatient hospital services to rebase the payment division standard dollar amounts and diagnosis related group factors with more recent cost data. HHSC will hold a public hearing on November 4, 2010 from 10-11 a.m. to receive comments on the proposed amendment … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Nov. 4 STAR+PLUS Hearing
This Should Concern You
Although this story regards TYC, it should concern those of you who are subjected to hearings through DADS. A jury in Travis County has found that an ALJ whistleblower was unlawfully terminated after he participated in investigations uncovering wrongdoing by other ALJ's in his department. It appears that ALJ's employed by TYC were pressured to render particular decisions. Moreover, in one case an ALJ COACHED a police officer in how to "manipulate testimony to insure a youth would have his … [Read more...] about This Should Concern You
