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
ILs and S&CC Memos: Respite, ICD-10-CM
DADS issued two information letters, and several Federal Survey and Certification letters of interest to nursing facilities. MDCP: DADS clarified that respite can occur in places other than the individual's residence. An excerpt: Respite provided in these settings should not be confused with out-of-home respite which is provided in the following licensed and/or contracted settings: • special care facilities • licensed day care facilities • hospitals • nursing facilities • camps … [Read more...] about ILs and S&CC Memos: Respite, ICD-10-CM
TX Register Updates: 9/18 Hearing, Nursing Changes
The following information was obtained from the August 24 issue of Texas Register. Public Notices and Hearing HHSC intends to submit an amendment to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, which would delete obsolete and outdated information in the reimbursement methodology for case management for blind and visually impaired children. HHSC intends to submit an amendment to comply with Chapter 536 of Texas Government Code, which requires the agency to convert hospital reimbursement … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 9/18 Hearing, Nursing Changes
IL/PL and News Alerts: West Nile Virus, Upcoming Sessions
DADS released an information letter and a provider letter: Most providers, including ADC, AL, CMPAS, DBMD, Hospice, NF, and TxHmL: DADS alerted these providers to increased incident rates of the West Nile virus in Texas, its symptoms, and how to avoid it. (Letter) ICF/IID: DADS attached the answers to frequently asked questions from providers and stakeholders. An excerpt: Criminal History Checks Q: I conduct searches and review the criminal history reports of all job applicants. … [Read more...] about IL/PL and News Alerts: West Nile Virus, Upcoming Sessions
TX Register Updates: 8/28 Hearings, ICF/ID Supp. Payments
The following information was obtained in the August 17 issue of the Texas Register. Public Hearings HHSC will hold a public hearing on August 28, 2012, to receive comments on the proposed amendments to §354.1252 and new §354.1253 under Texas Administrative Code, Title 1, Chapter 354, Subchapter A, Division 16 concerning Certified Nurse Midwife Services: Conditions for Participation; and Licensed Midwife: Conditions for Participation. The hearing will take place from 10-11 a.m. On the … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 8/28 Hearings, ICF/ID Supp. Payments
Skilled NF Pay-for-Performance, Home Care Growth
In 2009, we blogged about CMS's cash incentive program to improve quality of care in nursing homes. CMS asked Arizona, Mississippi, New York, and Wisconsin to participate. Facilities with the highest scores as well as the greatest performance would receive performance payment. McKnight's reports that after four years, results are mixed (apparently Mississippi chose not to participate). CMS released a report about the program's first-year results. An excerpt: Although the demonstration is … [Read more...] about Skilled NF Pay-for-Performance, Home Care Growth
