Although President Bush has proposed to reduce funding to programs like Medicare and Medicaid, both houses of Congress have other plans. Last week, the House of Representatives voted to approve a $3.1 trillion FY 2009 budget that excludes President Bush's proposed Medicare and Medicaid program cuts. (Kaiser Network) Kaiser reports (via the Washington Post) that Democrats may wait until the new administration to pass spending bills to avoid the current president's veto. Meanwhile, Democrats … [Read more...] about Congress Battles Over Medicare/Medicaid Funding
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the May 30 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold public hearings June 13 and June 17 to receive public comment on proposed rates for various programs, services, pay rates, and procedure codes. Beginning at this link, scroll down to read all 12 entries. Proposed Rules HHSC proposes to amend §354.1863, Prescription Requirements, under Title 1, Part 15, Chapter 354, … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates, Etc.
Information Letters: ICM Cost Reporting, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has issued five information letters: Integrated Care Management (ICM) Cost Reporting DADS informed ICM providers that all ICM long term services and support providers must provide the Health and Human Services Rate Analysis Department with cost information for ICM services. Download the letter for more information. Day Activity and Health Services (DAHS) and Primary Home Care (PHC) Providers in the ICM Program In a … [Read more...] about Information Letters: ICM Cost Reporting, Etc.
Senate Democrats Push Medicare Advantage Plans Cut
The drama on Capitol Hill continues. Democrats in the Senate are continuing to push a bill that would stop a 10.6 percent Medicare physician payment cut. To fund the cut, they propose to reduce funding to Medicare Advantage plans. President Bush said he will veto any bill that cuts funding to these plans. (Kaiser Network) An excerpt: CQ Today reports that the veto threat "will almost certainly force a compromise later this month." Senate Republicans have proposed a $14.9 billion, … [Read more...] about Senate Democrats Push Medicare Advantage Plans Cut
Texas Register Updates: Per-Day Payments for Veterans Nursing Facilities
The following information was obtained from the May 23 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has adopted the following per-day payment rates for the state-owned veterans nursing facilities for fiscal year 2008, effective last September: Big Spring, $133.00; Bonham, $133.00; Floresville, $133.00; Temple, $133.00; McAllen, $133.00; El Paso, $133.00; and Amarillo, $133.00. See the relevant section of the Texas Register for more … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Per-Day Payments for Veterans Nursing Facilities
Hospitals Hope Nocturnists Will Improve Quality of Overnight Care
An interesting story from the Wall Street Journal: In attempt to reduce the rate of deaths, medical errors, and complications, some hospitals are hiring doctors called "nocturnists" who work only night shifts. These hospitals are hoping the quality of overnight care will improve by hiring physicians and critical care workers to deal with whatever problems arise during the night. Traditionally, doctors work on call, and nighttime hospital staffs are on the thin side. "People get sick 24 … [Read more...] about Hospitals Hope Nocturnists Will Improve Quality of Overnight Care
Information Letters: Billing for CMA Vendor Number Transfers, Form Revisions
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released two information letters: Billing Procedures for CMA Vendor Number Transfers In a letter to Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) Case Management Agencies (CMA), DADS clarified billing procedures for CMA vendor number transfers, which will be handled the same way as other transfers, except that two 3625 forms must be completed when transfers occur within a month. Please download the letter for more … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Billing for CMA Vendor Number Transfers, Form Revisions
Provider Letter: Precertification Training for New ICF/MR Providers
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has released a provider letter to Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation or a Related Condition (ICFs/MR). DADS informed these providers about precertification training for new ICFs/MR. The rules require a new ICF/MR to designate at least one representative involved in direct management of the ICF/MR to attend a training session before DADS issues a facility license. The following joint training classes … [Read more...] about Provider Letter: Precertification Training for New ICF/MR Providers
CMS to Test Medicare Bundled Payments
Last week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a program called the Acute Care Episode (ACE) to test hospital and physician services bundled payments in an effort to improve quality of care through Medicare fee-for-service. (Source) Under the current system, CMS pays the hospital a certain amount and pays physicians who cared for the patient separately. According to CMS, separate payment systems may lead to conflicts of interests and affect health care … [Read more...] about CMS to Test Medicare Bundled Payments
Texas Register Updates: CLASS Waiver Services, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the May 16 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) issued two public notices: 1) an intent to submit an amendment to the Texas Home Living waiver, which would revise the methodology for establishing the rates for reimbursing the Consumer Directed Services Agencies; and 2) an intent to submit to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services an amendment to the Community Living Assistance … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: CLASS Waiver Services, Etc.
