According to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services secretary Mike Leavitt, President George W. Bush, who vetoed a bill to expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), would accept a bill that increases SCHIP funding by only $20 billion over five years, as opposed to $35 billion over five years. (Kaiser Network) Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on a modified SCHIP bill, but the measure still would increase spending by $35 billion over five … [Read more...] about More SCHIP Votes
HHS Appeals Ruling Requiring Release of Medicare Physicians Claims Data
Last August, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must release Medicare physicians claims information for Illinois, Maryland, Virginia, Washington state, and the District of Columbia. (Kaiser Network) An organization called Consumers' CHECKBOOK/Center for the Study of Services sued for access to this information apparently "to help the public evaluate the performance of the program and the physicians," and HHS … [Read more...] about HHS Appeals Ruling Requiring Release of Medicare Physicians Claims Data
Information Letters: Training Class, Requisition Fee
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) informed Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL ) Program Providers that it will offer a Data Entry Training Class for HCS and TxHml Waiver Program Providers. To see the full list of scheduled classes, download the letter here. DADS informed Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) Case Management Agencies and Direct Services Agencies that beginning November 1, 2007, CLASS case managers … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Training Class, Requisition Fee
Texas Register Updates: Community-Based Services Amendments, Etc.
Adopted Rules The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) adopted amendments to §48.2901 and §48.6003 in Chapter 48, Community Care for Aged and Disabled, to clarify eligibility criteria for certain community-based services provided by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS). An excerpt: Under the new Integrated Care Management (ICM) Program, implemented in accordance with Texas Government Code, Chapter 533, Subchapter D, persons eligible for managed … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Community-Based Services Amendments, Etc.
Will the House Override President Bush’s SCHIP Veto?
Last week, President George W. Bush vetoed a bill that would have expanded the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). His veto caused quite a backlash in the mainstream media and among Democrats. The House of Representatives will vote tomorrow whether to override the veto. The expansion would add $35 billion over five years to the SCHIP program. Republicans who voted against the bill are concerned it will expand coverage to adults, illegal aliens, and middle-income families who … [Read more...] about Will the House Override President Bush’s SCHIP Veto?
Provider Letter: Incomplete Licensure Applications
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued a letter to Nursing Facilities, Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation or Related Conditions, Assisted Living Facilities, and Adult Day Care Facilities, about incomplete licensure applications. Specifically, DADS reminded these providers that a letter of explanation must accompany incomplete license applications, effective October 11. DADS will return incomplete applications that don’t include a … [Read more...] about Provider Letter: Incomplete Licensure Applications
Texas Register Updates: HHSC Advisory Committees, Reimbursement Rates, Etc.
Proposed Rules The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has proposed to repeal §351.3(a) - (j) of the Purpose, Task, and Duration of Advisory Committees section, and replace it with new §351.3(1) - (13), to provide required information about the current HHSC advisory committees. See this link for more information. HHSC also seeks to amend §355.7101, Cost Reporting for 24-Hour Residential Child Care Reimbursements, in its Reimbursement Rates Chapter, to clarify that … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: HHSC Advisory Committees, Reimbursement Rates, Etc.
Michigan Ends Home Exemption for Nursing Home Patients
Michigan governor Jennifer Granholm is set to sign a bill that will require the state to recoup the cost of Medicaid services from the estates of deceased recipients who lived in nursing homes or received in-home care, as required by federal law. (Source) Under the old law, the estates of such recipients were exempt from recoupment. Lawmakers threatened to cut off funding if the state didn’t comply with the law. According to The Detroit News, Community Health Department Director Janet … [Read more...] about Michigan Ends Home Exemption for Nursing Home Patients
Information Letter: Contractor Compliance
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) informed all Home and Community-based Services (HSC) and Texas Home Living Program (TxHmL) Contractors about a new policy that seeks to ensure these contractors comply with Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (Section 6032) requirements to educate employees, contractors, and agents about federal and state fraud and false claims laws, and whistleblower protections laws, effective January 1, 2007. The policy applies to HSC and TxHmL … [Read more...] about Information Letter: Contractor Compliance
Information Letter: PACE Promotional Materials
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued a letter to Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Providers to remind them about procedures for marketing materials and sentinel events. DADS is required to approve all promotional, marketing, enrollment, and disenrollment materials before publication and distribution. For more information, download the letter here. … [Read more...] about Information Letter: PACE Promotional Materials
