The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released two information letters and two provider letters: Service Provision Requirements for all HCS Program Providers In a two-page letter to Home and Community-based Services (HCS) and Mental Retardation Authorities (MRA), DADS clarified existing HCS Program rules concerning service provision requirements for HCS Program providers. Download the letter for more information. Clarification of Provider Role when … [Read more...] about Information and Provider Letters: Unlicensed Locations Operated by a Licensed Assisted Living Facility Owner, Etc.
Information Letters: TILE Transition, Money Follows the Person
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has released two new information letters: TILEs to RUGs Training Information DADS informed Nursing Facility Providers, Hospice Providers, Community Based Alternatives Home and Community Support Services Agencies, Consolidated Waiver Programs, Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, State of Texas Access Reform Plus, and Integrated Care Management Providers about the transition from Texas Index for Level of Effort … [Read more...] about Information Letters: TILE Transition, Money Follows the Person
GAO Says Medicare Advantage Plans Can Cost More Than Traditional Medicare
According to a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans can cost more than traditional Medicare for certain services like home health care, nursing homes, and certain hospital stays. (Kaiser Network) Under MA plans, the government pays a subsidy to private insurance companies to offer such plans, whose purpose is to keep premiums very low. In light of the GAO's findings, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that it will collect … [Read more...] about GAO Says Medicare Advantage Plans Can Cost More Than Traditional Medicare
Provider and Information Letters: Health Care Decisions, Treatment Consent, Etc.
Since December 11, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has issued provider and information letters to the following: Nursing Facilities Authority to Make Health Care Decisions (letter) Rules and Regulations Concerning Provider Continuing In-service Education for Certified Nurse Aides (letter) Home and Community Support Services Agencies Medicare Treatment Consent Requirements (letter) Primary Home Care and Community Attendant Services Providers … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: Health Care Decisions, Treatment Consent, Etc.
Changes in Health & Safety Code Regarding Transport
As of September 1, 2007, a change has been effected in the Texas Health & Safety Code regarding transport of patients by stretcher: SECTION 14. (a) Subsection (a), Section 773.004, Health and Safety Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) This chapter does not apply to: (1) [a ground transfer vehicle and staff used to transport a patient who is under a physician's care between medical facilities or between a medical facility and a private … [Read more...] about Changes in Health & Safety Code Regarding Transport
Provider and Information Letters: CLASS Enrollment, IRoD Process
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) informed Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS), Case Management Agencies, and Direct Services Agencies that before CLASS enrollment can be finalized, an applicant’s enrollment in other community service programs, including Personal Care Services, must end. For more information, download the letter here. In a provider letter to Home and Community Support Services Agencies (HCSSA), DADS clarified the Informal … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: CLASS Enrollment, IRoD Process
Provider Letters: Workload Prioritization of Initial Certification Surveys, OASIS-B1
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued a provider letter to Nursing Facilities and Hospitals Seeking Medicare Certification for a Skilled Nursing Care Unit to inform them about new policy documents issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding workload prioritization on initial certification surveys. Attached to the two-page letter is a two-page Q&A memo. Download the letter and attachment here for more information. CMS published … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: Workload Prioritization of Initial Certification Surveys, OASIS-B1
Information Letters: Payment System Downtime, CDS Training
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) notified all Long Term Services and Supports Providers about tentative plans for late-January Health and Human Services Commission system changes that will affect all claim payments. Because of a system upgrade, claims will not be paid between January 24 and February 6, 2008. For more information, download the letter here. DADS notified Home and Community-based Services (HCS), Texas Home Living (TxHmL) Service Providers, and Mental … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Payment System Downtime, CDS Training
Information Letter: Contractor Compliance
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) informed all Home and Community-based Services (HSC) and Texas Home Living Program (TxHmL) Contractors about a new policy that seeks to ensure these contractors comply with Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (Section 6032) requirements to educate employees, contractors, and agents about federal and state fraud and false claims laws, and whistleblower protections laws, effective January 1, 2007. The policy applies to HSC and TxHmL … [Read more...] about Information Letter: Contractor Compliance
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
