Senator Herb Kohl, chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, writes about how the aging of baby boomers will affect society in the Senior Journal. In about 25 years, people over 65 will account for 20 percent of the American population, as opposed to 12 percent at present. The focus of insurers, health care providers, manufacturers, retailers, marketing companies, politicians, etc., will shift more heavily toward this segment of society. Kohl writes: Nearly every issue dealt … [Read more...] about Senator Herb Kohl on the Aging of America
LTC Facilites: Prepare to Update FIVES Daily June 4-7!
In a provider letter dated June 1, 2007, DADS is notifying Texas long-term care facilities that it will be conducting a hurricane preparedness exercise "involving local, state, federal, and private sector partners." DADS is requesting that you update your number of vacancies in the Facility Inventory, Vacancy and Evacuation Status application (FIVES) on a daily basis. FIVES can be accessed here.. The provider letter can be accessed here. … [Read more...] about LTC Facilites: Prepare to Update FIVES Daily June 4-7!
Texas Register Updates: Reimbursement Rate Hearing Notices
The May 25 Texas Register has published a series of public notices for various reimbursement rate hearings, including one on proposed Medicaid reimbursement rates applicable for providers of Medical Dependant Children Program Camp Services, on June 11, 2007, at 10:30 a.m., at Permian Basin Conference Room of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Blvd, Austin, Texas. Send written comments to: Kimbra Rawlings Health and Human … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Reimbursement Rate Hearing Notices
Congress Investigates Long Term Care Insurers
The New York Times (free registration) reports that Congress is putting the long term care insurance industry “under scrutiny.†The House Committee on Energy and Commerce is investigating long term care insurers Conseco and the Penn Treaty American Corporation. It seems that certain long term care insurers are making policyholders jump through hoops to have their claims paid. Congressman John Dingell of Michigan told the paper that “We have two companies that seem to be engaging in … [Read more...] about Congress Investigates Long Term Care Insurers
Provider Letter: Clarifications on National Provider Identifiers
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued a letter dated May 25 to home and community-based services (HCS) and Texas Home Living providers (TxHmL) clarifying issues about National Provider Identifiers (NPI) that apply only to them. By June 1, 2007, DADS must have NPI numbers for all HCS and TxHmL providers, which means these providers must apply for and obtain NPI numbers. Beginning July 1, claims that contain no NPI numbers will not be processed. Additionally, … [Read more...] about Provider Letter: Clarifications on National Provider Identifiers
Bush Proposes Medicare Reimbursement Cuts to Fund Proposals
The Bush administration seeks to cut Medicare reimbursements to hospitals, home health agencies, and skilled nursing facilities in an effort to save as much as $100 billion to fund health care proposals. (Kaiser Network) Last week, the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, chaired by Democrat Pete Stark, held a hearing to consider a proposal from the Bush administration “to freeze Medicare reimbursements for home health agencies and skilled nursing facilities." A health care … [Read more...] about Bush Proposes Medicare Reimbursement Cuts to Fund Proposals
Texas Register Update: NorthSTAR Program Waiver
The Texas Register published a notice about the Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s intent to submit the state’s application for renewal of the NorthSTAR Program §1915(b) waiver to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance under Title XIX of the Social Security Act. The current waiver expires on September 30, 2007. If you have questions or would like a copy of the waiver renewal, contact Carmen Capetillo by phone at (512) 491-1128 or facsimile at (512) 491-1953 or e-mail … [Read more...] about Texas Register Update: NorthSTAR Program Waiver
Provider Letters: R&S Report, Foster Care/Adoption Subsidy Medicaid
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) informed DADS Long Term Care Services and Supports Providers of the “importance and usefulness†of the Remittance and Status (R&S) Report Information in a letter dated May 18. To avoid incorrect and inaccurate billing, providers must make sure information is accurate. DADS reminded providers that a new fiscal year is approaching, so they need to review R&S reports carefully. For more information, download the letter here. In … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: R&S Report, Foster Care/Adoption Subsidy Medicaid
Provider Letters: ‘Clarifying the Myths in Assisted Living Facilities,’ Cost of Living Adjustments
In a letter dated May 14, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) notified assisted living providers, provider organizations, and surveyors about a conference called, “Clarifying the Myths in Assisted Living Facilities.†The conference will be held on July 19, 24, and 31. Topics to be presented include aging in place, emergency preparedness, and medication management. For locations and times, you may download the letter here. DADS reminded nursing facilities (in a … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: ‘Clarifying the Myths in Assisted Living Facilities,’ Cost of Living Adjustments
Texas Register Updates: Ambulance Services and Reimbursement Rates
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) proposed a series of rule changes that would align Medicaid rules with the requirement to acquire prior authorization for non-emergency ambulance transport. The rule changes would include terminology updates. A public hearing will be held on May 24, 2007, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the HHSC Lone Star Conference Room, 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78758. Send written comments to Garry Walsh, Senior Policy Analyst, Medicaid/CHIP … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Ambulance Services and Reimbursement Rates
