Proposed Rules The Texas Department of Health and Human Services (HHSC) proposed a new rule that would amend the Coordinated Planning And Delivery Of Health And Human Services section of the code to define regional and local health programs and provide for the competitive award of grants to support the initial establishment and operation of regional or local health care programs. See the relevant section of the September 21 issue of the Texas Register. HHSC also proposes to amend the … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Proposed Rules and Public Notices
New Law Revises Medicare ‘Behavioral Offset’ Provision
President George W. Bush signed into law a measure that prevents the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) from implementing a behavioral offset provision that would have reduced Medicare inpatient hospital reimbursements by $20.3 billion over five years. (Kaiser Network) When the House of Representatives passed the measure in July, Congressman Jerry Weller said CMS sought to preemptively punish hospitals "before they’ve done anything wrong." CMS attempted to reduce … [Read more...] about New Law Revises Medicare ‘Behavioral Offset’ Provision
Information and Provider Letters: Medicaid Emergency Dental Services and Provider Conference
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued an information letter to nursing facilities to clarify Medicaid-certified nursing facility emergency dental services. According to DADS, the current rule applies when an emergency dental procedure, which does not require prior authorization, is required. For more information, download the letter here. DADS issued a provider letter to Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation or a Related Condition and … [Read more...] about Information and Provider Letters: Medicaid Emergency Dental Services and Provider Conference
Information Letters: Rate Change and Cost Ceiling Adjustments
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) informed Medically Dependent Children Program Camp Providers that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has developed a camp provider rate change. The new payment ceiling rate, effective June 1, 2007, is $9.68/hour. Contact Lori Roberts at (512) 438-5391 or lori.roberts@dads.state.tx.us if you have questions. You may download the letter here. HHSC has adopted new rates for Home and Community-Based Services Program … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Rate Change and Cost Ceiling Adjustments
No Chemo Medicaid Coverage for Illegal Aliens
In what's sure to be a hotly debated decision, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) informed the New York Medicaid Program last month that it can't cover chemotherapy treatment for illegal aliens. (Kaiser Network) CMS allows Medicaid coverage for illegal aliens for emergency services, but chemotherapy is not considered an emergency procedure. Richard Daines, New York Health Commissioner, told the New York Times, "There are clearly situations that we consider emergencies … [Read more...] about No Chemo Medicaid Coverage for Illegal Aliens
Texas Register Updates: Proposed Rule and Open Meeting
Proposed Rule The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has proposed an amendment that will clarify that HHSC is responsible for setting the personal needs allowance for Medicaid recipients who live in long-term care facilities. For more information, see the relevant section of the September 14 Texas Register. Correction, Open Meeting, and Pre-Application Orientation Correction from HHSC: "Due to a Texas Register mistake, a typographical error appears in the first line of … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Proposed Rule and Open Meeting
Provider and Information Letters: New Payment Rates, Life Safety Code
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued a letter to Community Based Alternatives and Assisted Living/Residential Care Providers to inform them about Personal Care 3 Reimbursement Rates. These rates became effective on September 1, 2007. For more details, download the letter here. DADS informed the Medically Dependent Children Program and Home and Community Support Service Agencies about increases in provider rates. New rates and billing codes can be accessed here … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: New Payment Rates, Life Safety Code
Provider and Information Letters: CHOW Requirements and New Convictions Barring Employment
In a letter to Nursing Facilities, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) alerted these providers to changes in the code required by Senate Bill 344, passed by the 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007. Changes to Section 242.0336, Temporary Change of Ownership (CHOW) License, include: The Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) may not issue a temporary NF CHOW license prior to the 31st day after receiving (1) the application from the CHOW license … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: CHOW Requirements and New Convictions Barring Employment
Provider and Information Letters: Minimum Wage, Medicaid Reimbursement Rate Increases, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) notified Community Based Alternatives (CBA), Home and Community Support Services Agencies, CBA Assisted Living/Residential Care Providers, Consolidated Waiver Program Providers, Deaf-Blind with Multiple Disabilities Waiver Providers, Medically Dependent Children’s Program Providers, Primary Home Care Providers, and Day Activity and Health Services Providers that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission has raised the minimum … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: Minimum Wage, Medicaid Reimbursement Rate Increases, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Payment Rates Adoption and Notices
The Texas Department of Health and Human Services (HHSC) has notified providers about new per diem payment rates for the nursing facilities program operated by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services. The new payment rates were effective on September 1, 2007. For more information, see the relevant section of the August 31 Texas Register. HHSC issued several public notices of its intent to submit amendments to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, under Title XIX of the … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Payment Rates Adoption and Notices
