The Bush administration has proposed to raise Medicare drug benefit premiums for "higher-income" beneficiaries. (Kaiser Network) The proposal includes a cap on non-economic damages in medical malpractice suits and a requirement for health care providers to implement electronic records. The proposal isn't a move to placate House Democrats (the part about raising premiums for high earners), however; under the 2003 Medicare law, President Bush is required to submit a Medicare savings … [Read more...] about Bush Administration Proposes to Raise Medicare Drug Premium
Information Letters: PAS Reinstatement, Form Correction, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services has released 10 new information letters, dated from January 28 to February 12: Clarification of Policy and Procedures for Reinstating Personal Assistance Services (PAS) Following a Temporary Institutional Stay (letter) Correction to Form 3621 (letter) ICM: Long Term Service and Supports (LTSS) Program Operations (letter) ICM Program Contracts -- Action Required (letter) Money Follows the Person Demonstration Program (MFP) -- … [Read more...] about Information Letters: PAS Reinstatement, Form Correction, Etc.
Bush Administration To Shift More Medicaid Costs to States
The Bush administration plans more Medicaid rule changes. Earlier this week, CQ Weekly reported that the administration plans to shift more Medicaid costs to the states, prompted by Government Accountability Office studies that show states have used "questionable" practices to gain more federal dollars. (Kaiser Network) From the report (emphases added): The first regulation, to be issued March 3, would end payments for ancillary services provided under case-management plans. The … [Read more...] about Bush Administration To Shift More Medicaid Costs to States
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the February 1st and 8th editions of the Texas Register: Open Meetings The Texas Department of Health and Human Services (HHSC) will hold a public rate hearing on February 20, 2008, at 9:00 a.m. in the Palo Duro Canyon Conference Room of the Braker Center, Building H, at 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78758-4021. The topic will be proposed Medicaid payment rates for Institutions for Mental Diseases. HHSC also announced its intent to … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Resident Care Program and Other Hearings
The following information was obtained from the January 25 edition of the Texas Register: Open Meetings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will conduct a public hearing on February 11, 2008, at 9:00 a.m., to receive public comment on proposed payment rates for the Residential Care program, assisted living/residential care services under the Community Based Alternatives program, assisted living/residential care services under the Consolidated Waiver program and Community … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Resident Care Program and Other Hearings
House Democrats Consider New SCHIP and Medicaid Funding Bill
Last week, House Democrats failed to override President George W. Bush's veto of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) expansion bill. This week, they're considering drafting a new bill that would expand SCHIP, place a moratorium on rules limiting Medicaid eligibility, and provide a temporary boost to the federal medical assistance percentage for Medicaid. (Kaiser Network) Will Democrats garner enough votes for the proposed bill to override a presidential veto? Probably not. … [Read more...] about House Democrats Consider New SCHIP and Medicaid Funding Bill
Information and Provider Letters: System Downtime, Voluntary Contract Termination
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services has released 10 new information and provider letters: Final Notice of Tentatively Planned DADS Payment System Downtime for All Provider Payments (letter) HCS Voluntary Contract Termination Procedures (letter) Improper Duplication of AL/RC Services Provided to Dually-Eligible CBA, CWP and ICM Participants (letter) Office of Inspector General Review of Personal Assistance Services (letter) New Application Requirements … [Read more...] about Information and Provider Letters: System Downtime, Voluntary Contract Termination
AHA Objects to Medicare Auditing Program Expansion
The American Hospital Association (AHA) and other groups objected to and began a campaign against the expansion of a pilot program to audit Medicare claims, citing concerns about contingency fees. (Kaiser Network) Under the program, private-sector auditing firms will examine Medicare claims by hospitals and other providers, and the firms will receive contingency fees based on how much money their assessments save the government. Hospital groups believe that such fees encourage auditors to be … [Read more...] about AHA Objects to Medicare Auditing Program Expansion
House Dems Fail to Override SCHIP Veto
Last Wednesday, Democrats in the House of Representatives failed to override President George W. Bush's veto of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) expansion bill. Democrats were 15 votes short of the required 2/3 majority needed to override a presidential veto. (Kaiser Network) Last year, Bush twice vetoed a bill that would have expanded SCHIP by $35 million over five years. Mike Leavitt, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, said the administration … [Read more...] about House Dems Fail to Override SCHIP Veto
Texas Register Updates: Three Hearings, Income Exclusions Rule
The following information was obtained from the January 18 edition of the Texas Register: Open Meetings On February 4, 2008, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will conduct hearings on procedure codes relating to two physician-administered drugs, Eculizumab and Nelarabine (10 a.m.), proposed Medicaid payment rates for certain radiological service procedures (1:30 p.m.), and 12 specific DADS nursing facility rehabilitative and specialized services occupational, physical, … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Three Hearings, Income Exclusions Rule
