The Wall Street Journal published a story on how some states might partially expand Medicaid under the new health care reform law, rather than implementing a complete overhaul. Will Texas join these states? Governor Rick Perry said Texas won't expand the Medicaid program or set up state insurance exchanges. Indiana, New Mexico and Wisconsin are among the states asking the federal government to let them omit from the Medicaid expansion residents whose incomes put them just above the poverty … [Read more...] about Partial Medicaid Expansion?
PL/News Alerts: Form 2021 Update, 10/4 Webinar
HCSSAs: The letter serves as notice that DADS Form 2021 - License Application has been revised to include "Change of Information" on page 20. (Letter) -- DADS will provide joint training for HCSSAs and DADS staff to address the 10 most common deficiencies and violations of federal and state law. Go to this link to submit feedback by September 26, 2012. -- DADS will hold a webinar on October 4, 2012, from 1-2 p.m. on "Decreasing Inappropriate Use of Anti-psychotic Medications in the … [Read more...] about PL/News Alerts: Form 2021 Update, 10/4 Webinar
TX Register: Agencies on Aging, HSL Changes
The following information was obtained from the September 14 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notice The 28 area agencies on aging (7-page PDF) seek qualified entities to provide Congregate Meals, Home Delivered Meals, Transportation, Personal Assistance, and other services. See the Texas Register for details. Proposed Rules HHSC proposed to amend §354.1001, Claim Information Requirements, and §354.1121, Definitions, which would require the claim to include the name and associated … [Read more...] about TX Register: Agencies on Aging, HSL Changes
SSLC IL & Med School Incentives
HSC, State-Supported Living Centers (SSLC), and Local Authorities: DADS implemented a new process to assign level of need 6 for leaving an SSLC and enrolling in the HSC program, effective August 1, 2012. An excerpt: 1) A SSLC must continue to follow requirements set forth in DADS rules at Title 40, Chapter 2, Subchapter F, Division 4 (relating to Moving From a State Facility to an Alternative Living Arrangement) in identifying individuals who will enroll in the HCS Program, including: • … [Read more...] about SSLC IL & Med School Incentives
PL/News Alerts: Nursing Rules, 9/12 Session
All ICFs/ID: DADS informed providers that some of the Board of Nursing's rules may be viewed as more restrictive than the federal regulations. An excerpt: The BON standards are more restrictive than the ICF/IID federal regulations and/or state licensure rules regarding: • RN assessments for initial or annual staffings; • RN participation in interdisciplinary team (IDT) meetings that discuss RN assessments or nursing service plans (NSPs); • quarterly nursing physical examinations; • LVN … [Read more...] about PL/News Alerts: Nursing Rules, 9/12 Session
TX Register Updates: 9/13 Hearing Canceled
The following information was obtained from the September 7 issue of the Texas Register. HHSC canceled a public hearing previously scheduled for September 13, 2012, to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for primary care services and vaccine administration services and Licensed Midwife Services in a Birthing Center, as published in the August 10 issue. HHSC intends to submit to CMS a request for a renewal to the Texas Medicaid Wellness Program waiver program for the period … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 9/13 Hearing Canceled
Long Term Care Providers and the Election
To say that long term care providers will be impacted by the presidential election two months away is an understatement. The political parties have different philosophies and approaches to Medicaid and Medicare, and whoever ends up in the White House will seek to push through his priorities. The New York Times reports on the health care law and the election. An excerpt: To fulfill the law's goal of near-universal coverage, the president envisions adding as many as 17 million people to the … [Read more...] about Long Term Care Providers and the Election
IL/PL & News Alerts: Resident Death Reports, 10/1 Meeting
CBA HCSSAs, DBMD, PHC, and CDS: DADS reminded these providers that claims submitted for Personal Assistance Services should be based on the actual days and hours that services were provided and documented on the consumer's timesheet, not on the period of time when he/she was in the hospital. (Letter) All licensed ICF/ID and NFs: DADS has changed the process for submitting resident death reports: The Texas Health and Safety Code, §260A.016 (formerly §242.134) and §252.134, requires a … [Read more...] about IL/PL & News Alerts: Resident Death Reports, 10/1 Meeting
TX Register Updates: 9/13 Hearing, Medicare Equalization
The following information was obtained from the August 31 issue of the Texas Register: DADS will hold a public hearing on Thursday, September 13, 2012, at 10 a.m. on the Long-Term Care Plan for ICFs/MR. The hearing will be held in the Public Hearing Room, 701 W. 51st, Austin. See the Texas Register for contact information. HHSC intends to submit Transmittal Number 12-035 to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, which would exempt emergency ambulance transports and … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 9/13 Hearing, Medicare Equalization
Texas Counties Want Medicaid Expansion
Although Governor Rick Perry said Texas would not expand Medicaid to implement the health care reform law nor set up a state insurance exchange, some counties in Texas want to expand the program. The counties are considering defying the governor. An excerpt: For years, Texas's six most populous counties, as well as some smaller localities, have offered free or low-cost health care for uninsured residents with incomes as much as three times the federal poverty level, or about $57,000 for a … [Read more...] about Texas Counties Want Medicaid Expansion
