-- DADS has cancelled the CLASS Basic Job Skills Training scheduled for September 6 - 7, 2011, in Austin. The next CLASS BJST is scheduled to take place April 10-11, 2012. Please call Laura Trevino, DADS Program Consultant, with questions at (512) 438-4385. -- DADS has posted new information to clarify current policies and procedures and to announce new procedures related to NF Medicaid bed allocation requirements outlined in 40 TAC §§19.2322 and 19.2324. -- A recording of the HCS … [Read more...] about DADS Alerts: Cancelled CLASS, NF Bed Allocation
ILs & PL: New Rates, Employee Screening
DADS released one provider and six information letters. Hospice Agencies with a Freestanding Inpatient Unit: DADS reminds these providers to ensure patient safety during an external or internal disaster. They must comply with TAC, Title 40, Part 1, Chapter 97, section §97.256 and have a written emergency preparedness and response plan based on a risk assessment of potential disasters most likely to occur in their service area. (Letter) CWP: HHSC approved new payment rates, effective … [Read more...] about ILs & PL: New Rates, Employee Screening
TX Register Updates: Amended Notice, Abolished SKIP
The following was obtained from the August 26 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notice HHSC issued an amended public notice of intent to seek a waiver from CMS to expand the STAR+PLUS program. An excerpt: The waiver request, in its final form, is now available to the public, as described below. HHSC is publishing this amended notice to alert interested parties that the comment period will remain open to take comments on the waiver request until 5:00 p.m., August 31, 2011. The waivers … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Amended Notice, Abolished SKIP
ILs & PLs: HHA Survey Process, PAS Reminder
DADS released two provider and two information letters: HSCCAs that provide HHA and L&C Applicants: CMS revised the existing HHA survey process. Among the changes: more emphasis on data collection from staff interviews, clinical records, and home visits. (Letter) ADCs, ALFs, HSCCAs, ICFs/MR, and NFs: Effective September 1, 2011, new convictions for the offenses added by House Bill 2609 prohibit employment in facilities and agencies subject to Health and Safety Code Chapter 250. … [Read more...] about ILs & PLs: HHA Survey Process, PAS Reminder
TX Register Updates: Medicaid Fees
The following was obtained from the August 19 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC intends to submit amendments to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, which would modify the reimbursement methodologies and reduce Medicaid fees as detailed below: Birthing Centers: 5 percent Case Management for Children and Pregnant Women: 5 percent Durable Medical Equipment Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS): various percentages averaging 10.5 percent Early and … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Medicaid Fees
ILs: Threats to DAHS Facility
DADS released three information letters. DBMD: HHSC approved new payment rates for Employment Assistance and Supported Employment in the DBMD waiver program, effective September 1, 2011. Access the payment rates here and the two-page letter here. CDSAs: DADS provided CDSAs with information about what they must do to prepare for proposed rate reductions in the HCS program, effective September 1, 2011. An excerpt: Notification of CDS Employers in the HCS Program In conjunction … [Read more...] about ILs: Threats to DAHS Facility
TX Register Updates: Contract, TxHmL Changes
The following information was obtained from the August 12 issue of the Texas Register: HHSC awarded contract 529-06-0425-00046 RFQ 39 to Health Management Associates, which will produce documents and reports. Total contact value is $41,000. HHSC will hold a public hearing on August 18, 2011, at 1 p.m. to receive comment on payment rate adjustments for the CBA waiver program. HHSC will hold a public hearing on Thursday, September 1, 2011, at 9:30 a.m. to receive public comment on the … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Contract, TxHmL Changes
New Medicaid Cards, Medicare Cuts
HHSC now requires Medicaid recipients to have proof-of-coverage in the form a plastic card, which replaces proof-of-coverage letters in Texas. The change purportedly will save $30 million over four years. An excerpt: Until this month, the state spent nearly $1 million a month to print and mail paper forms that poor people on Medicaid could take to the doctor’s office as proof they’re enrolled and qualify for coverage. The majority of Texas Medicaid recipients are enrolled in managed-care … [Read more...] about New Medicaid Cards, Medicare Cuts
ILs and PL: Revised Monthly Medicaid Occupancy Report, Claims Cutoff
DADS released one provider and four information letters. TxHmL, HCS, and MRAs: DADS reminded these providers about the required procedures for submitting a Medicaid application or redetermination packet to the Medicaid Eligibility for the Elderly and People with Disabilities section of HHSC on behalf of an individual. When submitting a Medicaid application or redetermination packet, cover Form H2067, Case Information or H1746-A, MEPD Referral Cover Sheet must be included as described in … [Read more...] about ILs and PL: Revised Monthly Medicaid Occupancy Report, Claims Cutoff
TX Register Updates: CHIP Changes, Nursing Courses
The following was obtained from the August 5 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notice HHSC intends to submit Amendment 28 to the Texas State Plan for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to ensure that Texas CHIP dental coverage includes dental benefits from each of the required categories of care. See the Texas Register for details. Adopted Rules The Texas Board of Nursing adopted new §217.21, Remedial Education Course Providers and Remedial Education Courses, with … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: CHIP Changes, Nursing Courses
