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TX Register Updates: Medicaid Rate Hearing, SSI Changes

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The following information was obtained from the February 4 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices and Hearing HHSC adopted new Medicaid per diem payment rates for the non-state ICFs/MR and NFs: Base Rates by RUG class Payment Rates Per Day Adopted Rates Per Diem See the Texas Register for more information. HHSC will hold a public hearing on April 20, 2011, at 2 p.m., to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for the Blind Children's … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Medicaid Rate Hearing, SSI Changes

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst Talks Medicaid

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In an interview with the Texas Tribune, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst talks about the state budget, Medicaid reimbursement rates, and other topics. An excerpt: In 2003, when I came in as lieutenant governor, I saw that Medicaid was costing the state of Texas almost 25 percent of the budget and that health care costs for the vast majority of Texans were increasing each year. Then, in June 2004, at a Harris County Medical Association dinner, a group that probably represents 25 percent of our … [Read more...] about Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst Talks Medicaid

Information and Provider Letters: HCS, TxHmL, CDSAs, Etc.

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DADS released 12 information and provider letters: DBMD: HHSC approved new payment rates for Employment Assistance and Supported Employment in the DBMD waiver program effective, February 1, 2011: Employment Assistance $33.44; Supported Employment $33.44. (Letter) NF Administrators, Social Workers, and Rehabilitation Therapy staff: DADS clarified the provision of specialized services to Medicaid-eligible nursing facility residents and Preadmission Screening and Resident Review … [Read more...] about Information and Provider Letters: HCS, TxHmL, CDSAs, Etc.

House Bills, TX Register Updates

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The following bills (which may affect long term care providers) were recently introduced in the 82nd Legislative Session: HB 1008: Relating to the State of Texas entering into the Interstate Medicaid Reform Compact. HB 1013: Relating to the powers and duties of the Texas Medical Board. Be sure to check previous posts with legislative bills updates. Texas Register: Public Notice HHSC intends to submit to CMS a request for an amendment to HSC waiver program, which would implement … [Read more...] about House Bills, TX Register Updates

Information Letters: Wheelchairs, Per Diem Rates

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DADS released three information letters: NF Administrators, Social Workers, and Rehabilitation Therapy Staff: DADS clarified the benefit of customized power wheelchairs (CPWCs) to Medicaid-eligible nursing facility residents. CPWCs are available in the NF Medicaid program for Medicaid-eligible NF residents when medically necessary and prior authorized by the Texas Medicaid Healthcare Partnership. Providers must submit Form 3706, NF Customized Power Wheelchair Authorization. … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Wheelchairs, Per Diem Rates

TX Register Updates: Hearing, Civil Rights Rules

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The following information was obtained from the January 21 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearing and Notice HHSC will hold a public hearing on February 15, 2011, at 1:30 p.m., to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for Clinical Laboratory Services. The hearing will be held in the Lone Star Conference Room of HHSC, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin, Texas. HHSC intends to submit an amendment to the Texas State Plan for Medical … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Hearing, Civil Rights Rules

Providers Face 10 Percent Medicaid Cuts

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Earlier this month, Texas lawmakers released a proposed budget that would reduce Medicaid reimbursement rates by 10 percent. (Source) We've written about how Texas physicians are limiting new Medicaid patients because of low payment rates. An excerpt from the Austin Statesman: Such a reduction, on top of earlier rate trims, would drive Texas doctors out of the Medicaid business entirely, said John Holcomb, a Texas Medical Association doctor and chairman of the association’s select committee of … [Read more...] about Providers Face 10 Percent Medicaid Cuts

Information Letters/News Alerts: DAHS, Region 6 NF Meeting

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DADS released an information letter and several news alerts: Day Activity and Health Services: DADS reminded these providers about applicant eligibility requirements and to clarify the time frames and procedures for facility-initiated referrals initiated by DAHS facility staff. DAHS eligibility requirements are specified in 40 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §48.2915, Day Activity and Health Services, and 40 TAC §98.201, Eligibility Requirements for Participation. The time frames and … [Read more...] about Information Letters/News Alerts: DAHS, Region 6 NF Meeting