The following information was obtained from the September 24 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearing and Notices HHSC will hold a public hearing on October 12, 2010, at 9 a.m. to receive public comment on proposed rates for Hospice routine home, continuous home, inpatient respite, and general inpatient care. The hearing will take place in the Lone Star Conference Room of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Boulevard, … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Hearings, Medical Board Changes
Information Letters: NFs, ICFs/MR, CLASS, and DBMD
DADS released three new information letters: Per diem payment rates NFs and hospice directors, effective September 1, 2010, can be found here. Per diem payment rates for ICFs/MR, effective September 1, 2010, can be found here. CLASS and DBMD providers: DADS informed these providers that effective September 1, 2010, it will not allow providers to be paid for more than 24 hours of service in a 24-hour day. Claims submitted for more than 24-hour units in a … [Read more...] about Information Letters: NFs, ICFs/MR, CLASS, and DBMD
Information Letters: Hospice and Nursing Facilities
DADS released three information letters: Hospice: Hospice providers are responsible for know the Medicare and Medicaid eligibility for a hospice client. An excerpt: The DADS rule for Medicaid Hospice Payments and Limitations at 40 TAC §30.60(h) states: (h) Third-party resources. Medicaid pays only after all third-party resources have been used. In accordance with 40 TAC §30.60(h), it is the responsibility of the hospice provider to be aware of a client’s eligibility for Medicare … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Hospice and Nursing Facilities
NFs and Hospice providers:
DADS released two information letters: NFs and Hospice providers: DADS offered guidelines and instructions to manage the most common errors that result in NF and Hospice claim rejections and denials. An excerpt: "Providers are encouraged to review and share this information with their billing staff to reduce errors and maximize efficiency. "During the first three quarters of the state Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 (September 2009 through May 2010), the Claims Management System (CMS) … [Read more...] about NFs and Hospice providers:
Proposed Budget Cuts: Time to Contact Your Legislator
State leaders are currently proposing budget cuts across all state agencies, which could result in a significant loss of Medicaid funding for long-term care providers. Governor Rick Perry, Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst, and Speaker of the House Joe Straus requested that all state agencies make 5 percent budget cuts given the fact that revenues have fallen substantially in the face of the 2009 national recession. In response, HHSC submitted its proposal of budget reduction options, which … [Read more...] about Proposed Budget Cuts: Time to Contact Your Legislator
Provider and Information Letters: NFs, Hospice, STAR+PLUS
DADS released one provider and two information letters: NFs: DADS informed NFs about updated procedures related to joint investigations with law enforcement of abuse, and neglect complaints and incidents. DADS Regulatory Services must notify and cooperate with local law enforcement agencies in joint investigations of abuse and neglect allegations described in HSC §242.126(c)(1). (Letter) CBA, HCSSAs, CWP, ICMW, MDCP, PACE, and STAR+PLUS providers: DADS informed Community Services … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: NFs, Hospice, STAR+PLUS
Provider and Information Letters: Type E ALFs, HCSSAs, Hospice
DADS released one provider and two information letters: Licensed Type E Assisted Living Facilities: Effective September 1, 2010, the Texas legislature repeals Section 247.030, Health and Safety Code, which means Type E will no longer be a licensing option for ALFs. DADS will continue to mail licensing renewal packets to Type E facilities until May 1, 2010 (Letter) CBAs, Consolidated Waiver Program, and ICM Waiver HCSSAs: DADS clarified to these providers that HCSSAs are not required … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: Type E ALFs, HCSSAs, Hospice
Medicaid Cuts for Texas Providers
The Texas Tribune, a non-profit public media organization, published a story about nursing facilities in Texas facing Medicaid rate cuts. The article mentions a story we blogged about last month. To deal with a potential budget shortfall, Governor Rick Perry, Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst, and House Speaker Joe Straus asked HHSC to reduce Medicaid spending by five percent. HHSC Commissioner Tom Suehs offered a list of reductions worth $304 million. The Texas Tribune notes that last … [Read more...] about Medicaid Cuts for Texas Providers
Information Letters for Hospice and CLASS Providers
DADS released two information letters: Hospice providers - billing instructions update: DADS informed hospice providers that they will use modifier U4 in the Modifier 4 location, along with Modifier U3 (Level of Care 1) in the Modifier 2 location, on the Medicaid Institutional Claim when billing hospice services for residents of State Supported Living Centers who are Medicare eligible, effective February 1. (Letter) All CLASS providers: DADS clarified information in IL 08-123, … [Read more...] about Information Letters for Hospice and CLASS Providers
Information Letters and News Alerts: Hospice, CDSA Providers
DADS released two information letters and news alerts. Medicaid Hospice Providers: DADS clarified its Continuous Home Care (CHC) requirements at 40 TAC, Chapter 30 Medicaid Hospice Program, §30.54 Special Coverage Requirements and informed hospice providers of problems identified during annual CHC reviews that result in recoupment of CHC payments. An excerpt: "Recoupment Process…Based on the review, a determination is made to…approve an extension of CHC beyond the five days; deny an … [Read more...] about Information Letters and News Alerts: Hospice, CDSA Providers