Because of budget shortfalls, states are reducing coverage and cutting reimbursement rates for programs like Medicaid. But Arizona became the first state to drop the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) altogether. (Source) Arizona will also reduce Medicaid coverage for childless adults. The state simply doesn't have enough money to operate SCHIP or continue to cover so many adults without children. Arizona's budget shortfall for 2011 is $2.6 billion. "Arizona is navigating … [Read more...] about Arizona Eliminates SCHIP
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
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Rate Hearings, Amendments
The following information was obtained from the March 19 issue of the Texas Register: HHSC will hold a public hearing on March 30, 2010, at 1:30 p.m., to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rate for Mental Illness and Mental Retardation Service Coordination. The hearing will take place in the Lone Star Conference, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin, Texas. HHSC will also hold a public hearing on April 20, 2010, at 2:00 p.m., to receive comment on … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Rate Hearings, Amendments
Texas Register Updates: Hearing and Amendment Notices
The following information was obtained from the March 12 Texas Register: HHSC will hold a public hearing on March 30, 2010, at 1:30 p.m., to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rate for Early Childhood Intervention Developmental Rehabilitation Services and Targeted Case Management. The hearing will take place in the Lone Star Conference Room of HHSC, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin, Texas. For information on how to order a briefing package or … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Hearing and Amendment Notices
Texas Register Updates: HCS, Texas Medical Board
The following information was obtained from the March 5 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC announced a contract award valued at $163,915 to Health Management Associates, to provide consulting services to HHSC regarding a pilot to serve people with intellectual and development disabilities. HHSC intends to submit to CMS an amendment to the HCS, which would increase the number of people to be served in the HCS waiver program and the reimbursement rates for some of the … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: HCS, Texas Medical Board
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: CBA, HSC, DBMD, Etc.
DADS released three information letters: CBA, CBA Assisted Living/Residential Care, CLASS, DAHS, ICF/MR, ICM, HCS, NFs, PHC, RC, and TxHmL providers: The HHSC Rate Analysis Department has posted mandatory cost reporting and cost report training for 2009 information on its web site. The final session of the 2009 cost report training is scheduled for March 9-10, 2010. Providers must make sure the preparer has completed cost report training. HHSC RAD must receive all 2009 cost reports no … [Read more...] about Information Letters: CBA, HSC, DBMD, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: NFs, DBMD, Texas Medical Board
The following information was obtained from the February 26 issue of the Texas Register: Proposed Rules HHSC proposes to amend several sections of the code, including Nursing Facility Administrators, Nursing Facility Requirements For Licensure And Medicaid Certification, Medicaid Waiver Program For People Who Are Deaf Blind With Multiple Disabilities, DBMD Program, Enrollment Process, and Transfer Between Program Providers. See the relevant section of the Texas Register and scroll down … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: NFs, DBMD, Texas Medical Board
Texas Register Updates: Life Safety Code Inspection, March 15 Hearing
The following information was obtained from the February 19 issue of the Texas Register: Proposed Rules HHSC proposes to amend Subchapter B, Definitions, §19.101, concerning definitions; Subchapter D, Facility Construction, §19.330, concerning construction and initial survey of completed construction; and new §19.220, concerning expedited life safety code and physical plant inspection fees, in Chapter 19, Nursing Facility Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid Certification. The … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Life Safety Code Inspection, March 15 Hearing
Medicaid Payment Rates for Clinical Laboratory Services
Apologies for the late notice. HHSC will hold a Medicaid payment hearing tomorrow at 1:30 p.m., to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for Clinical Laboratory Services. The hearing will be held in the Lone Star Conference Room of HHSC, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin, Texas. This information appeared in the February 19 issue of the Texas Register. … [Read more...] about Medicaid Payment Rates for Clinical Laboratory Services
