The following information was found in the May 9 issue of the Texas Register: Open Meetings and Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has issued correction notices about proposed Medicaid payment rates for certain procedures associated with the 2008 Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System. The notices contained an incorrect phone number, procedure code description, and HCPCS description. Click on the link for more information. The Texas Board of Nursing … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates, Texas Medical Board Amendments, Etc.
Resolution Eliminates Medicaid and Medicare Reductions
In the on-going battle to eliminate Medicaid and Medicare program reductions, Democrats in Congress have come to an agreement on a fiscal year 2009 budget resolution. (Kaiser Network) The $3.3 trillion budget resolution rejects President Bush's proposed spending cuts for Medicaid and Medicare. Bush seeks to reduce spending on these programs by $195 billion. While both houses may pass the resolution, it may not survive a presidential veto. From the report: Senate Budget Committee ranking … [Read more...] about Resolution Eliminates Medicaid and Medicare Reductions
Provider and Information Letters: DADS-Approved Provider of HCSSA Training, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has released four information letters and one provider letter: Initial HCSSA Administrator Training Approval In a seven-page letter to Home and Community Support Services Agencies (HCSSAs), DADS described the initial process for becoming a DADS-approved provider of HCSSA training for administrators and alternative administrators, and to get listed as a provider. For details about administrator requirements, download the … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: DADS-Approved Provider of HCSSA Training, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Reimbursement Rates, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the May 2 issue of the Texas Register: Open Meetings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a series public hearings on May 19, 20, and 23 concerning Medicaid reimbursement rates for various providers. For times and locations, please follow this link and scroll down for more information about each hearing. Proposed Rules HHSC has proposed to repeal §352.10, Quality Assurance Fee for the Home and Community-based … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Reimbursement Rates, Etc.
Information Letters: TILE to RUG Transitions, Living Options
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released three new information letters: Helpful Nursing Facility Provider Information for the TILEs to RUGs Transition DADS informed Nursing Facility and Hospice Providers about the September 1, 2008, transition from the Texas Index for Level of Effort (TILE) to the federal Resource Utilization Group (RUG). DADS says it is essential for providers to monitor future updates on the Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership … [Read more...] about Information Letters: TILE to RUG Transitions, Living Options
Medicare Durable Equipment Hearing on the Hill
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill continue to debate and discuss Medicare issues. This week, the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee held a hearing to discuss the competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment. (Kaiser Network) Durable equipment includes prosthetics, orthotics, and other tools, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services is tasked with selecting suppliers based on bids. The program will expand to 70 additional Metropolitan Statistical Areas in 2009. An … [Read more...] about Medicare Durable Equipment Hearing on the Hill
Introducing GINA New Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008
President Bush is expected to sign into law the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) passed last week by Congress. The new law, which has been debated in Congress for 13 years, adds to current federal anti-discrimination laws (including Title VII) prohibitions on employers and insurance companies using genetic tests showing people are at risk of developing cancer, heart disease or other ailments to reject their job applications, promotions or health care coverage, or in setting … [Read more...] about Introducing GINA New Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008
Bush Agrees to Medicaid Rules Moratorium
The Bush administration has agreed to a moratorium on two of seven proposed Medicaid rules, which include limiting Medicaid reimbursements to hospitals and nursing homes run by state and local governments, so lawmakers can discuss and agree to changes. (Medical News Today) As you may recall, the administration proposed to limit physician reimbursement rates and stopped the expansion of Medicaid programs like the State Children's Health Insurance Program. According to U.S. Department of … [Read more...] about Bush Agrees to Medicaid Rules Moratorium
Texas Register Updates: Nursing Facilities and Nurses Aides
The following information was obtained from the April 25 issue of the Texas Register: Adopted Rules The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) adopted amendments to §§19.208, 19.214, and 19.2112, in Chapter 19, Nursing Facility Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid Certification, which will update terminology and state agency names and correct rule cross-references to reflect changes from health and human services agencies consolidations in 2004 and to make sections … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Nursing Facilities and Nurses Aides
Provider and Information Letters: Family Council Provisions, Joint Training Sessions
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released a provider and information letter, and announced joint training sessions: Family Council Provisions in Senate Bill (SB) 131, 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007 (Replaces PL 08-03) DADS informed Nursing Facilities that the DADS Council has approved proposed rules for implementation of the provisions of SB 131 related to family councils on December 12, 2007. You may download the letter and a four-page questions … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: Family Council Provisions, Joint Training Sessions
