The Texas Tribune reports that state lawmakers gave HHSC approval to raise Medicaid premiums. An excerpt of an earlier story: To contain growing Medicaid costs, Texas expanded Medicaid managed care statewide in March. HHSC estimates the premium rate increases would reduce the cost savings achieved by managed care over the previous fee-for-service model from 13.2 percent to 9.7 percent. In response to the premium hike proposal, Dr. Michael Speer, president of the Texas Medical Association, … [Read more...] about Medicaid Premiums and Disbursement
IL/News Alerts: 6/26 Staff Meeting, July-Aug Workshops
ADC, AL/RC, CBA HCSSA, CMPA, FMS, ERS, DAHS, HDM, MDCP, Out-of-Home Respite - NF, PHC, Special Services to Persons with Disabilities, and Transition Assistance Services: DADS notified contracted providers of changes to the contract and fiscal compliance monitoring protocol in relation to follow-up monitoring. (Letter) -- DADS has updated EVV reason codes (RC) to add RC 25: Respite Hours. -- HHSC proposed amendments to §§9.203, 9.207, 9.208, 9.221, 9.251, 9.252, 9.256, … [Read more...] about IL/News Alerts: 6/26 Staff Meeting, July-Aug Workshops
TX Register Updates: UPL, Medical Board Changes
The following information was obtained from the May 3 issue of the Texas Register. Proposed Rules HHSC proposed to amend §355.105, General Reporting and Documentation Requirements, Methods, and Procedures, which would clarify limitations on reporting related-party compensation on Medicaid cost reports; incorporate changes to reflect person-first respectful language; and clarify the references in subsection (a). See the Texas Register for more information. Adopted Rules HHSC adopted … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: UPL, Medical Board Changes
Medicaid Expansion News, LTC News
"Twenty states and the District of Columbia have agreed to expand their Medicaid programs, to cover everyone under 133 percent of the federal poverty line. That leaves 30 states that haven't... Some of these states have especially large uninsured populations. Texas, for example, has an estimated 1.8 million people who would be expected to enroll in Medicaid under the expansion. - Washington Post "Affordable Care Act requirements related to health insurance are leading some long-term care … [Read more...] about Medicaid Expansion News, LTC News
ILs and PL: Ashtrays, ERS Services
DADS released two information letters and one provider letter. ADC, ALF, Freestanding Hospice Inpatient, ICF/IID, and NF: DADS reminds providers that if smoking is permitted in a facility, the facility must provide an ashtray of noncombustible material and safe design Tower and chimney-type ashtrays don't meet the requirement. (Letter) DBMD: DADS informed these providers of new service backup plan requirements, effective May 1, 2013. (Letter) Emergency Response Services: DADS … [Read more...] about ILs and PL: Ashtrays, ERS Services
TX Register Updates: 5/15 Hearing, Administrative Penalties
The following information was obtained from the April 26 issue of the Texas Register. Public Hearing and Notice HHSC will hold a public hearing on proposed Medicaid payment rates for anesthesiologist assistants on Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at 1:30 p.m. in the HHSC Brown Heatly Building on 4900 North Lamar, Austin. HHSC intends to submit to CMS a request to renew the HCS waiver program. See the Texas Register for more information. Proposed Rules HHSC proposed to amend §354.1003, Time … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 5/15 Hearing, Administrative Penalties
LTC News: Convictions, Expansion, and Fraud
CMS recently released a report (PDF) on nursing homes, direct access employees, and criminal convictions. (McKnight's) Providers self-disclosing potential Medicare and Medicaid fraud. (McKnight's) Lawmaker proposes alternative to expanding Medicaid. (Texas Tribune) Hospitals and Medicaid expansion. (Pew) Providers push for whole-treatment payments. (USA Today) … [Read more...] about LTC News: Convictions, Expansion, and Fraud
TX Register Updates: 5/15 Hearing, Family Violence Program
The following information was obtained from the April 19 issue of the Texas Register. Public Hearings and Notices HHSC will hold a public hearing on proposed Medicaid payment rates for the following: physician-administered drug - Xolair, PASRR Level II Evaluation, Certified Respiratory Care Practitioners through the Comprehensive Care Program, Diabetic Equipment and Supplies, EPSDT - Dental Services, hearing aids, incontinence supplies, Medicaid Biennial Calendar Fee Review, Mobility Aids, … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 5/15 Hearing, Family Violence Program
IL and News Alerts: 4/24 & 5/6 Webinars, 6/27 Meeting
HSC and ICF/IID: DADS reminded program providers of the DADS requirements for evaluating the use of restraints. (Letter) -- DADS will hold a webinar on Wednesday, April 24, 2013, from 1:30-3 p.m. on implementation of HSC and TxHmL waivers. DADS notes that space is limited and encourages providers to register now. -- DADS informs providers about an art and writing workshop that brings caregivers and recipients together for six weeks in April and May: Caregivers, with the help of … [Read more...] about IL and News Alerts: 4/24 & 5/6 Webinars, 6/27 Meeting
IL/PL: Required Re-enrollment Process
DADS released an information and a provider letter. CBA HCSSA, CLASS, MDCP HCSSA, and PHC: DADS advises providers of a required contract re-enrollment process, which begins May 1, 2013, and to provide clarification about DADS' expectations for providers using the EVV system. (Letter) NF: DADS notified providers that the Nursing Facility Application, Form 3720-N, has been revised. (Letter) … [Read more...] about IL/PL: Required Re-enrollment Process
