According to the Kaiser Network, MedPAC has recommended reducing Medicare reimbursements to home health agencies by 5.5 percent from FY 2009 levels and increasing payments to long term care hospitals and dialysis centers. MedPAC, which advises Congress on Medicare issues, will send a report to the legislative body in March. The report will also contain a recommendation to change home health agency reimbursement rates in 2011 "to account for the average cost of care, develop studies to … [Read more...] about Smaller Reimbursements for Home Health Agencies
Information Letters: Special Purpose License Correction, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued two information letters and two memos from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC): Change in the DAHS and CBA Provider Manuals Relating to Physicians with a Special Purpose License In a letter to Day Activity and Health Services (DAHS), Community Based Alternatives (CBA), and Integrated Care Management (ICM) Waiver Services providers, DADS notified them of a correction to the DAHS provider manual under … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Special Purpose License Correction, Etc.
Obama Seeks to Rein in “Entitlement” Medicaid
Texas Register Updates: Telemedicine Services Changes
The following information was obtained from the January 2 issue of the Texas Register: The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has proposed to repeal 1 TAC §354.1430, concerning Definitions; §354.1432, concerning Benefits and Limitations; and §354.1434, concerning Requirements for Telemedicine Providers, and to replace the repealed rules with proposed new 1 TAC §354.1430, concerning Definitions, and §354.1432, concerning Benefits and Limitations, under Chapter 354, … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Telemedicine Services Changes
Information Letters: RUGs Questions, OCS through CDS Option
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released two information letters: RUGs Information Requiring Special Attention DADS issued an information letter to Nursing Facility providers to share questions that require special attention. DADS provided four questions and responses in a three-page letter. Example: Question 4: When calling PCS, what type of calls can be escalated to the supervisor? Response: A delay in the processing of the form which will cause … [Read more...] about Information Letters: RUGs Questions, OCS through CDS Option
Texas Register Updates: Board of Nursing Adopts Amendments
The following information was obtained from the December 26 issue of the Texas Register: Adopted Rules The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) adopted an amendment to 22 TAC §211.6, pertaining to Committees of the Board, which adds language to the rule reflecting the establishment of the Eligibility and Disciplinary Advisory Committee, which was known as the Eligibility and Disciplinary Committee Task Force. BON also adopted amendments to 22 TAC §217.16, relating to Minor Incidents, which … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Board of Nursing Adopts Amendments
Nursing Facility Industry Experts Question Five Star Rating System
In the previous entry, I mentioned DADS's new Five Star Rating System for nursing homes. These facilities will be rated on health inspections, staffing, and quality. Kaiser Network is reporting than nursing facility industry experts say the new system is stricter in some states than others, which may result in better facilities in certain states. About 22 percent of almost 16,000 nursing facilities received the lowest rating, and 12 percent received the highest. National Citizen's Coalition … [Read more...] about Nursing Facility Industry Experts Question Five Star Rating System
DADS Alerts: CLASS Clarification, Etc.
The Texas Department and Aging and Disability Services (DADS) notified Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) providers that Form 8604, the Transition Assistance Services (TAS) Assessment and Authorization, has been replaced by Form 3621-A, CLASS Transition Assistance Services. See the TAS handbook for more information. DADS is offering new forms for programs like Deaf/Blind with Multiple Disabilities, Home and Community-based Services, and Intermediate Care Facilities for … [Read more...] about DADS Alerts: CLASS Clarification, Etc.
Information Letters: Service Authorization Notifications
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released two information letters: Service Authorization Notification for Emergency Dental Services DADS informed Nursing Facility providers about a change in the notification process for clients receiving authorizations for Emergency Dental Services, effective December 11. DADS will no longer send a fax notification to providers when the service authorization(s) have been approved for Emergency Dental Services. Download the … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Service Authorization Notifications
Medicare Advantage and Part D Under Obama
Last summer, President George W. Bush vetoed a bill that would have halted a 10.6 percent Medicare physicians pay cut. Democrats proposed to reduce payments to Medicare Advantage (MA) plans to fund the physicians pay cut. President Bush reportedly vetoed the bill because it would "harm beneficiaries by taking private health plan options away from them" and urged Congress to send him a bill "that reduces the growth in Medicare spending, increases competition and efficiency, implements … [Read more...] about Medicare Advantage and Part D Under Obama
