Federal lawmakers are in budget negotiations this week. (Kaiser Network) One program under discussion is Medicare. The House of Representatives version of the Omnibus Appropriations bill includes $50 billion in cuts to Medicare Advantage plans. Max Baucus, a Democrat and chair of the Senate Finance Committee, wants to reduce cuts to $20 billion. Lawmakers will continue debating the budget bill today. Additionally, a 2004 moratorium on the building of new physician-owned specialty hospitals … [Read more...] about Medicare Budget News
Information Letters: Hospice Cap, Specialized Respiratory Nursing Services
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission has approved rate changes for the Medicaid hospice program for Federal Fiscal Year 2008. The rate changes are the result of information provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The hospice cap amount for the cap year ending October 31, 2008, is $21,410.04. For information on where to mail paper vouchers, download the letter here. In an information … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Hospice Cap, Specialized Respiratory Nursing Services
Politicians Still Sparring Over SCHIP
In October, President George W. Bush vetoed a bill that would have expanded the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Concerned that reauthorization would add $35 billion over five years to the program and that it would expand coverage to adults, illegal aliens, and middle-income families who may be able to afford private insurance, Republicans have been trying to come up with a compromise bill. Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has given negotiators until the end of this … [Read more...] about Politicians Still Sparring Over SCHIP
Texas Register Updates: Minimum PNA Raised
The following information was obtained from the November 23 edition of the Texas Register: The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has adopted an amendment to Subchapter A, Chapter 32 of the Human Resources Code, to clarify that HHSC sets the Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) in accordance with Chapter 32 of the Human Resources Code. House Bill 52 raised the minimum PNA to $60 a month. For more information about what the amendment will change, see the relevant section of the Texas … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Minimum PNA Raised
Changes in Health & Safety Code Regarding Transport
As of September 1, 2007, a change has been effected in the Texas Health & Safety Code regarding transport of patients by stretcher: SECTION 14. (a) Subsection (a), Section 773.004, Health and Safety Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) This chapter does not apply to: (1) [a ground transfer vehicle and staff used to transport a patient who is under a physician's care between medical facilities or between a medical facility and a private … [Read more...] about Changes in Health & Safety Code Regarding Transport
AHA Responds to CMS Proposal to Change Medicare Reimbursement System
Earlier this week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed to change the way it pays Medicare reimbursements to hospitals. CMS seeks to encourage higher quality of care in hospitals by rewarding those that meet a certain threshold. To fund the "incentive payment pool," CMS will cut payments by a flat rate of 2 percent to 5 percent. The American Hospital Association (AHA) has responded to CMS’s proposal. Noting that the changes could create financial problems, AHA … [Read more...] about AHA Responds to CMS Proposal to Change Medicare Reimbursement System
Information Letter: NPI Contingency Period Ends March 1, 2008
In a three-page letter, the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) informed Nursing Facilities, Community Services, ICF/MR, and Therapy Providers that the National Provider Identifier (NPI) contingency period ends on March 1, 2008. NPI will replace legacy provider identifiers. Providers’ claims can’t be paid if they are submitted without NPI data. For more information, download the letter here. … [Read more...] about Information Letter: NPI Contingency Period Ends March 1, 2008
CMS Set to Base Medicare Hospital Reimbursements on Quality of Care
Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed to change the way it pays Medicare reimbursements to hospitals. (Kaiser Network) CMS seeks to reduce payments by a flat rate (2 percent to 5 percent) to create an "incentive payment pool" for hospitals that meet quality of care thresholds. According to CQ HealthBeat, the plan would create a "Value-Based Purchasing Program." Under this program, a hospital's diagnosis-related group reimbursements would be based on quality … [Read more...] about CMS Set to Base Medicare Hospital Reimbursements on Quality of Care
Texas Register Updates: Board of Nursing License Renewal, Post-License Nursing Programs
The following information was obtained from the November 16 edition of the Texas Register: Proposed Rules The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) proposes to amend 22 TAC §§216.1 - 216.7, relating to Continuing Education, pursuant to Senate Bill 993 (SB 993), which deleted the portion of the Nursing Practice Act that required the Board to allow Type II CE. Currently, the BON has discretion to accept only Type I CE courses for license renewal. BON also proposes to amend Title 22, Texas … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Board of Nursing License Renewal, Post-License Nursing Programs
Texas Register Updates: Changes in Reimbursement Methodology, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the November 9 edition of the Texas Register: Open Meeting The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public hearing on November 28, 2007, at 9:00 a.m. to receive public comment on the proposed rate for Support Consultation Services. The hearing will be held in the Lone Star Conference Room of the Health and Human Services Commission, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Blvd, Austin, Texas. See the relevant … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Changes in Reimbursement Methodology, Etc.
