Last Friday, Congress voted to prevent a 27 percent cut in Medicare payments for physicians for 2012. The Kaiser Health Network's Jackie Judd interviewed colleague Mary Agnes Carey about the agreement. An excerpt: JACKIE JUDD: Good Day, this is Health on the Hill. I’m Jackie Judd. Breaking news from Capitol Hill where Senate and House negotiators have reached agreement on the "doc fix," so that physicians treating Medicare patients will not have payments slashed by 27 percent later this month. … [Read more...] about Physicians Avoid Medicare Payment Cuts
PL & News Alerts: Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Webinars
DADS released one provider letter: ALFs, ICFs/ID, and NFs: DADS notified these providers of the requirement to develop and implement a policy to protect individuals they serve from vaccine-preventable diseases and to provide information about CDC guidelines. Providers must implement the policy by September 1, 2012. This letter replaces last week's PL 12-02. (Letter) DADS released several news alerts since February 7. An excerpt: -- -- DADS hosted a webinar for HCS, TxHmL waiver … [Read more...] about PL & News Alerts: Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Webinars
TX Register Updates: CBA Waiver Changes
The following information was obtained from the February 17 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC intends to submit an amendment that would revise the date HHSC last submitted the model supplemental rebate agreement and model program benefit agreement to CMS for approval and clarify the circumstances under which drugs may be included on the preferred drug list. HHSC intends to submit to CMS a request to amend the CBA waiver program. An excerpt: The purpose of this amendment … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: CBA Waiver Changes
Obama’s 2013 Budget: Reduced Reimbursements
Once again providers will bear the brunt of budget cuts. The Obama administration's FY 2013 budget, released Monday, would cut spending on Medicare and Medicaid by close to $360 billion over the next 10 years, and most of the reduction is to providers and drug companies. Additionally, to compensate for ever-shrinking funds, the Obama administration proposed to raise Medicare premiums for retirees and higher-income seniors beginning in 2017. (Associated Press) The budget will become even … [Read more...] about Obama’s 2013 Budget: Reduced Reimbursements
PL: Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
ALFs, ICFs/ID, NFs: DADS notified providers of the requirement to develop and implement a policy to protect the individuals they serve from vaccine-preventable diseases. DADS included information about CDC guidelines. Providers must implement the policy by September 1, 2012. An excerpt: Vaccine-preventable diseases are defined as those diseases included in the most current recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the CDC. The link to ACIP Comprehensive … [Read more...] about PL: Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
TX Register Updates: 2/28 Hearing, Reimbursement Changes
The following information was obtained from the February 10 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearing and Notices HHSC will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at 1 p.m. to receive comment on proposed rates for Community Living Supports - Bachelor's Level, Community Living Supports - Master's Level, and Family Supports Services in the Youth Empowerment Services Waiver. The hearing will be held in the Lone Star Conference Room. See the Texas Register for details. HHSC … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 2/28 Hearing, Reimbursement Changes
DADS Alerts: Becoming DBMD Provider, DAHS Meeting
DADS released several news alerts. An excerpt: -- DADS issued an alert to providers and other qualified entities interested in becoming a DBMD provider in Regions 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, or 9. DBMD providers must have current HCSSA licensure with at least the Licensed Home Health Services category to be eligible. Please contact Paul Straka in Community Services Contracts at DADS by phone at 512-438-3460 or email at paul.straka@dads.state.tx.us. -- DADS is postponing the Culture Change webinar … [Read more...] about DADS Alerts: Becoming DBMD Provider, DAHS Meeting
PLs: Video Surveillance, Nursing Assessments
DADS released two provider letters. All ICFs/ID: DADS provided guidance and clarification on using video surveillance cameras to monitor common areas in ICFs/ID. An excerpt: There is no state rule or federal requirement that specifically addresses the use of video surveillance cameras in ICFs/ID; however, 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §483.420(a) (W122), §483.420(a)(5) (W127), §483.420(a)(7) (W129 and W130) and §483.420(a)(9) (W133) require an ICF/ID to protect the privacy and … [Read more...] about PLs: Video Surveillance, Nursing Assessments
Medicaid Around the Country
Texas Medicaid enrollment interactive. "Use this interactive to compare the number of Texans enrolled in Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program and the Women's Health Program. By clicking on the legend, you can remove or add a category from view in order to more clearly compare how enrollment has changed for different groups of people." – Texas Tribune Largest insurer in Kansas says no to governor's Medicaid plan. "In a letter addressed 'Dear provider,' Angie Strecker, director of … [Read more...] about Medicaid Around the Country
TX Register Updates: TANF Changes
The following information was obtained from the February 3 issue of the Texas Register: HHSC proposed amendments to §355.101, Introduction, and §355.107, Notification of Exclusions and Adjustments. The changes would create a formal definition for the term "line item" and eliminate a reference to auditors. HHSC also proposed to amend §372.107, persons excluded from TANF certified group, and §372.1402, changes a SNAP household must report. The proposed rules would correct outdated rule … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: TANF Changes
