The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced policy changes for long term are hospitals. (Source) According to CMS acting administrator Kerry Weems, the proposed policy changes are designed to increase incentives for long term care hospitals to provide more efficient and high quality care for patients. Almost 400 hospitals would be affected. From the press release: CMS is proposing a standard Federal rate of $39,076.28 for the 2009 rate year. This is based on a proposed … [Read more...] about CMS Proposes Policy Changes for Long Term Care Hospitals
Information Letters: Accounting System Upgrade, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) reminded all Long Term Services and Supports Providers that DADS is planning to upgrade its financial accounting system and expects a delay in payment processing for all claims billed while the system is unavailable. Download the letter for more information. DADS informed Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) Providers and Mental Retardation Authorities about activities that must take place when an HCS provider notifies DADS of … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Accounting System Upgrade, Etc.
Can CMS Prevent States From Expanding Medicaid?
One ongoing issue in Congress will be whether the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has the authority to prevent states from expanding Medicaid coverage. President George W. Bush twice vetoed measures that would have expanded the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). According to the Kaiser Network, the administration has restricted states like Ohio, Louisiana, and Oklahoma from expanding SCHIP unless they demonstrate that they've enrolled at least 95 percent of … [Read more...] about Can CMS Prevent States From Expanding Medicaid?
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates for Surgery
The following information was obtained from the January 11 edition of the Texas Register: Open Meetings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public hearing on January 30, 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. HHSC will receive public comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for eye surgery by laser and bariatric surgery … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates for Surgery
Kaiser Releases Medicare Report
The Kaiser Network has released a reported titled "Financing Medicare: An Issue Brief," which gives an overview of Medicare's future, including funding issues and challenges. In other Medicare news, lawmakers say they will resume the business of Medicare, State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), and Medicaid policy changes in 2008. One issue on the list is preventing a 10 percent cut in Medicare physician fees. Other issues include genetic non-discrimination and discussing the Bush … [Read more...] about Kaiser Releases Medicare Report
OIG Report: Physician-Own Specialty Hospitals Poorly Equipped to Handle Emergency Care
According to a report issued by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), only 55 percent of physician-owned specialty hospitals had emergency departments and 7 percent didn't meet Medicare requirements that an RN be present at all times or that a doctor be on call if none are present on site. (Kaiser Network) The OIG concluded that physician-owned specialty hospitals are "poorly equipped" to handle emergency care. Molly Sandvig, executive … [Read more...] about OIG Report: Physician-Own Specialty Hospitals Poorly Equipped to Handle Emergency Care
Information Letters: Specialized Nursing Services, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) informed Community Based Alternatives and Consolidated Waiver Program Providers about the addition of Specialized Nursing Services and associated rates. From the letter: The addition of specialized nursing services is completed as a revision to the individual service plan (ISP) according to current policy and in the same manner as any other ISP change. Providers update and send the following documents to the DADS case manager: … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Specialized Nursing Services, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Major Consulting Contract, BON Amendments
The following information was obtained from the January 4 edition of the Texas Register: Public Notice The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has issued notice of a contract awarded to Public Strategies, Inc. The contract was executed on December 12, 2007, and will expire on August 31, 2008, unless extended or terminated sooner by the parties. The value of the contract is $2,650,000. See the relevant section of the Texas Register for more information. Adopted … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Major Consulting Contract, BON Amendments
Bush Blocks Medicaid Expansion
A New York Times story elaborates on the idea that the Bush administration is trying to preserve Medicaid for families targeted by the program – low-income families – by preventing states from expanding it. An expansion may extend coverage to families who can afford to buy private health insurance. President Bush twice vetoed a measure that would have expanded and funded the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) to the tune of $35 billion over five years. The administration, … [Read more...] about Bush Blocks Medicaid Expansion
Provider Letter: FDA Recall Announcement
In a letter dated December 27, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), informed all Regulatory Services Providers of a food product recall by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The product could pose "a significant health risk" to people receiving services regulated by the agency. From the letter: On Friday, December 21, 2007, the New Era Canning Company issued a voluntary recall of 171 cases (six cans per case) of Fancy Blue Lake Cut Green Beans because of … [Read more...] about Provider Letter: FDA Recall Announcement
