The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has released two provider and two information letters: Guidelines for Reporting Incidents (replaces PL 1999-34) In a provider letter, DADS notified ICFs/MR about changes in the guidelines for reporting incidents to DADS, effective immediately. The revised guidelines supersede guidelines dated October 1, 1999, for licensed ICFs/MR. Download the five-page letter for more information. Expired Licenses (replaces PL … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: Reporting Incidents Guidelines, Etc.
$20 Million Funding Reduction for Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a new rule that would reduce funding for inpatient rehabilitation facilities in fiscal year 2009. According to CQ Health Beat (via Kaiser Network), the $20 million reduction, required by Congress, would prevent a cut to Medicare physicians payments. The same legislation reauthorizes the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). In other SCHIP news, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) contends that the Bush … [Read more...] about $20 Million Funding Reduction for Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Hospital Reimbursement Rates, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the April 18 issue of the Texas Register: Proposed Rules The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has proposed to amend §355.8061, concerning payment for hospital services and §355.8069, concerning supplemental payments to certain rural public hospitals, in Title 1 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Part 15, Chapter 355, Subchapter J, Division 4, Medicaid Hospital Services. The amendment would make changes to the … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Hospital Reimbursement Rates, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Veterans Nursing Facility Payment Rates, etc.
The following information was obtained from the April 11 issue of the Texas Register: Open Meetings and Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has announced a hearing on proposed state-owned veterans nursing facility payment rates. The hearing is scheduled for May 6, 2008, at 9 a.m., in the Permian Basin Room of the HHSC, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin, Texas. HHSC will conduct a public rate hearing to receive comment on … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Veterans Nursing Facility Payment Rates, etc.
Provider and Information Letters: Licensing and Claims Processing
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has released a provider and an information letter: License Periods and License Renewal Requirements (HCSSAs) [replaces PL 08-06] DADS informed HCSSAs that beginning May 1, 2008, it will transmit license renewal notices, application forms, and license renewal instructions to current licensees at least 120 days prior to expiration of the current license. Contact the Professional and Technical Review Branch of the Licensing and … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: Licensing and Claims Processing
Medicare Physician Reimbursement Cut Delay?
A 10 percent reduction in reimbursements for Medicare physicians could be delayed for 18 months, if Democratic Congressman Max Baucus's plan is successful. (Kaiser Network) Medicare physicians will see their reimbursements cut by 10 percent beginning July 1, 2008. Under Baucus's plan, the cut would be delayed until 2010, and reimbursement rates would be raised by 1.1 percent. He also wants to increase and link reimbursements for primary care physicians (PCP) to quality of care. The … [Read more...] about Medicare Physician Reimbursement Cut Delay?
Information Letters: TILE Transition, Money Follows the Person
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has released two new information letters: TILEs to RUGs Training Information DADS informed Nursing Facility Providers, Hospice Providers, Community Based Alternatives Home and Community Support Services Agencies, Consolidated Waiver Programs, Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, State of Texas Access Reform Plus, and Integrated Care Management Providers about the transition from Texas Index for Level of Effort … [Read more...] about Information Letters: TILE Transition, Money Follows the Person
Texas Register Updates: Notice Correction, New Per Diem Rates
The following information was obtained from the April 4 issue of the Texas Register: Notices and Public Hearing The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has issued a correction to a public notice about its intent to submit Transmittal Number 08-000, Amendment Number 804, to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act in the February 1, 2008, issue of the Texas Register (33 TexReg 1001). The correct notice reads: HHSC announced … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Notice Correction, New Per Diem Rates
Medicare Advantage Reimbursements to Increase by 3.6 %
Next year, average reimbursements for private Medicare Advantage plans will increase by 3.6 percent, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced on Monday. Last year's increase averaged 3.5 percent. (Associated Press) Approximately 22 percent of Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in the private Medicare program. In related Medicare news, the American Association for Homecare believes CMS should delay implementing a Medicare competitive bidding program for durable … [Read more...] about Medicare Advantage Reimbursements to Increase by 3.6 %
Provider and Information Letters: New Forms, License Periods and Renewals
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released four new provider letters and one information letter: New HCS and TxHmL Forms 3610 and 3611 for Involuntary Termination of the Consumer Directed Services (CDS) Option DADS notified Home and Community-Based Services Providers, Texas Home Living Providers, and Mental Retardation Authorities about the process for an involuntary termination of the CDS option for an individual enrolled in the HCS or TxHmL Waiver Programs … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: New Forms, License Periods and Renewals
