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
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
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
IL and PLs: Adverse Licensing, Crime Reporting
DADS released one information and two provider letters. CLASS CSA, CLASS, DSA, HCS, TxHmL, CDA, and Local Authorities: DADS is expanding utilization management and review activities for its Medicaid community entitlement and waiver programs, effective January 1, 2012. (Letter) ADC, ALF, HCSSA, ICF/ID, and NF: Beginning March 1, 2012, if the name of an applicant or associated person is listed in a health and human services agency record of adverse licensing, DADS may deny the person's … [Read more...] about IL and PLs: Adverse Licensing, Crime Reporting
TX Register Update: Specialty Drugs
The following information was obtained from the January 27 issue of the Texas Register. HHSC proposed new §354.1853, Specialty Drugs, which provides a definition and criteria for specialty drugs. An excerpt: Section 1.02(d), Senate Bill 7, 82nd Legislature, First Called Session, 2011, amends Texas Government Code §533.005(a) by adding paragraph (23)(G) to require Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) and subcontracted pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to adopt policies and procedures for … [Read more...] about TX Register Update: Specialty Drugs
TX Register Updates: Feb. 15 Hearing, Emergency Rules
The following information was obtained from the January 20 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notices HHSC will hold a public hearing on February 15, 2012, at 1:30 p.m., to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies; payment rates for annual Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System; and Medicaid payment rates for the Medicaid Biennial Calendar Fee Review. The hearing will be held Lone Star Conference Room. For … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Feb. 15 Hearing, Emergency Rules
