On Monday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced new rules that will allow low-income Medicare Part D prescription drug program beneficiaries to remain enrolled in their current plans instead of facing reassignment at the end of the year. The new rules will be effective May 31, 2008. (Source) The new rules apply to beneficiaries eligible for the low-income subsidy under Part D. Under the existing rule, beneficiaries in plans that charge no premium are automatically … [Read more...] about CMS Changes Rules To Reduce Medicare Drug Plan Reassignments
California Medi-Cal Director Failed to Review Physician Reimbursement Rates
According to the Sacramento Bee (via Medical News Today), California has not been complying with a law that requires the Medi-Cal director to review physician reimbursement rates every year. According to Sandra Shewry, director of the California Department of Health Care Services, the 1976 law is obsolete, passed when health care spending "made up a smaller portion of the state budget and the health department made annual recommendations for adjustments in the rates." The review requirement … [Read more...] about California Medi-Cal Director Failed to Review Physician Reimbursement Rates
Texas Register Updates: HSC Waiver Renewal
The following information was obtained from the March 21 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has announced its intent to submit the state's application for a renewal of the Texas Waiver for Home and Community-Based Services (HCS waiver) and Amendment 808, Transmittal Number TX 08-004, to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act. See the relevant section of the Texas Register for details. … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: HSC Waiver Renewal
California Coalition Will File Suit to Stop Medicaid Cuts
As you may recall, the Bush administration has proposed to cut spending on programs like Medicaid, including reducing physician reimbursements. A coalition of local governments and providers in California plans to file a lawsuit to stop these cuts. (Kaiser Network) San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom said that a proposed 10 percent reimbursement reduction could serve as a disincentive to doctors treating patients in Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program. He fears patients will seek treatment … [Read more...] about California Coalition Will File Suit to Stop Medicaid Cuts
Information Letters: Vocational Rehab, Medicaid Hospice, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released three new information letters: Revised Coordination and Notification Process for Vocational Rehabilitation and Supported Employment Services DADS informed Home and Community-based Services Program Providers, Texas Home Living Program Providers, Community Living and Support Services Program Providers, Deaf Blind and Multiple Disabilities Program Providers, Executive Directors of Mental Retardation Authorities, … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Vocational Rehab, Medicaid Hospice, Etc.
More Fraud Found in Private Sector Managed Care Plans?
The Kaiser Network recently highlighted a story from the Wall Street Journal about fraud in private sector Medicare and Medicaid managed care plans. (Kaiser Network) In the 1990s, the federal government moved more Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries to managed care plans in the private sector to reduce costs. Although some believed the private sector would have incentives to conduct business ethically and prevent fraud, others believe a new kind of fraud has cropped up. An excerpt: The … [Read more...] about More Fraud Found in Private Sector Managed Care Plans?
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates
The following information was obtained from the March 14 issue of the Texas Register: Open Meetings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a hearing on Medicaid payment rates for various procedure codes, including Lung Volume Reduction and eye surgery. The hearing will be held on March 31, 2008, at 1:30 p.m. in the Lone Star Conference Room of the Health and Human Services Commission, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Blvd, Austin, Texas. Visit the … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates
Information Letters: Relocation Contractors, COLA Rate Changes
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued three new information letters: Clarification of Roles and Responsibilities for Relocation Contractors in the ICM Program Service Areas – DADS issued a three-page letter to Integrated Care Management Providers and DADS Relocation Contractors in the ICM Program Service Areas about these contractors' roles and responsibilities in the program. Download the letter for more information. Consumer Directed Services Town Hall … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Relocation Contractors, COLA Rate Changes
Texas Register Updates: Hearing on External/Internal Assessment, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the March 7 issue of the Texas Register: Open Meetings The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) will hold a public hearing to receive comments about the External/Internal Assessment, which will be included in the Texas Health and Human Service System Strategic Plan for Fiscal Year (FY) 2009-2013. The hearing will take place on Tuesday, March 18, 2008, at 4:00 p.m., in the Winters Building Public Hearing Room at 701 W. 51st … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Hearing on External/Internal Assessment, Etc.
Executives of Health Care Finance Company Convicted of Fraud
Five executives of National Century Financial Enterprises, a finance company which bought accounts receivables of small hospitals and nursing homes, have been convicted by a federal jury of wire and securities fraud. The company went bankrupt in 2002 and the executives were accused of hiding losses from shareholders by moving money around in accounts and keeping two sets of books. Here is the defense attorneys' position: Attorneys for the five defendants said prosecutors took the … [Read more...] about Executives of Health Care Finance Company Convicted of Fraud
