DADS released one provider and eight information letters. CLASS program and CDSAs for CLASS: DADS changed a policy for these providers. Individuals under the age of 21 may receive Personal Care Services from Medicaid Children's Services administered through the Department of State Health Services while receiving services through the CLASS program. (Letter) ICFs/MR: These providers must submit DADS discharges within 3 days after the effective date of discharge. Discharges are … [Read more...] about Information and Provider Letters: Under-21 Individuals, Etc.
Information Letters: New Hospice Rates, Employment Svcs Training
DADS released two information letters. Medicaid Hospice Providers: HHSC recently approved rate changes for the Medicaid Hospice Program for Federal Fiscal Year 2010, effective October 1, 2009. See new rates on this web page. The adjustment will be retroactive, so providers don't have to do anything, unless repayment fails. In that case, they'll need to re-bill the denied claims. (Letter) ICF/MR: DADS announced the Employment Services Training and Technical Assistance Initiative. The … [Read more...] about Information Letters: New Hospice Rates, Employment Svcs Training
Texas Register Updates: Board of Nursing Penalties, Sanctions, and Fines
The following information was obtained from the December 4 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC intends to submit amendments, effective January 1, 2010, that will modify the reimbursement methodologies in the Texas Medicaid State Plan as a result of Medicaid fee changes for Physicians and Certain Other Practitioners and Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies. HHSC also will submit amendments, effective February 1, 2010, that will modify the … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Board of Nursing Penalties, Sanctions, and Fines
Information Letters: SPW Consumer Transfers, Allowable Hours
DADS issued two information letters. CBA, ICMW, HCSSAs, and STAR+PLUS Waiver (SPW) Consumers Transferring into the CBA and ICMW Programs: Some providers are concerned about documentation requirements for SPW consumers transferring into the CBA or ICMW programs. After consulting with HHSC, DADS confirmed that a STAR+PLUS HMO transfer packet for SPW consumers contains the necessary supporting documentation to justify the services authorized on the SPW ISP, even if the documentation isn't … [Read more...] about Information Letters: SPW Consumer Transfers, Allowable Hours
Texas Register Updates: Texas Medical Board Changes
The following information was obtained from the November 20 issue of the Texas Register: Emergency Rules The Texas Medical Board adopted a new §180.4, concerning Operation of Program, which establishes the requirements for eligibility, referrals, drug-testing, and fees for the Physician Health Program. The board contemporaneously proposes a permanent new §180.4. See the relevant section of the Texas Register for more information. Proposed Rules HHSC proposes to adopt and repeal … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Texas Medical Board Changes
Information Letter and Alert: No Auto Increase for COLA, Q&A
DADS released an information letter and a news alert. Medicaid NFs and ICFs/MR: For 2010, there will be no automatic increase for COLA for Medicaid consumers with SSI, because there was no increase in the CPI-W from the third quarter of 2008 to the third quarter of 2009. (Letter) News alert: During its stakeholder meeting for Case Management and Service Coordination, Residential Reviews, Rate Analysis, and Nurse Reviews for HCS and TxHmL external stakeholders on July 23, 2009, … [Read more...] about Information Letter and Alert: No Auto Increase for COLA, Q&A
Information Letter and Alert: No Auto Increase for COLA, Q&A
DADS released an information letter and a news alert. Medicaid NFs and ICFs/MR: For 2010, there will be no automatic increase for COLA for Medicaid consumers with SSI, because there was no increase in the CPI-W from the third quarter of 2008 to the third quarter of 2009. (Letter) News alert: During its stakeholder meeting for Case Management and Service Coordination, Residential Reviews, Rate Analysis, and Nurse Reviews for HCS and TxHmL external stakeholders on July 23, 2009, DADS gathered … [Read more...] about Information Letter and Alert: No Auto Increase for COLA, Q&A
CMS: Health Care Reform Will Cost $289 Billion
According to a new report by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the health care reform bill would cost $289 billion over the next 10 years. Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives asked CMS to prepare the report. To pay for the health care system overhaul, Medicare would be reduced by over $500 billion, which in turn would reduce benefits for seniors enrolled in Medicare and impact access for millions of Americans. The report also concluded that hospitals and … [Read more...] about CMS: Health Care Reform Will Cost $289 Billion
Information Letters: CBA, ICM, PC 3, CWP, NFs, and Others
DADS released four information letters: CBA, ICM, and PC 3 providers: The new payment rate for these providers is $69.82, effective September 1, 2009. See other rates at this link. (Letter) CWP providers: Rates for all CWP services except 24-Hour Residential Habilitation are effective September 1, 2009. Rates for CWP 24-Hour Residential Habilitation are effective October 1, 2009. You can find more rates at this link. (Letter) NF providers: DADS attached to the letter an updated Texas … [Read more...] about Information Letters: CBA, ICM, PC 3, CWP, NFs, and Others
Texas Register Updates: Hearing, Effective Date Change, Etc.
The following information was obtained in the November 6 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings and Notices HHSC will hold a public hearing November 17, 2009, at 1:30 p.m., to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for Anesthesia. The hearing's location is the Lone Star Conference Room of HHSC, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin, Texas. See the relevant section of the Texas Register for details. HHSC intends to submit to CMS an … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Hearing, Effective Date Change, Etc.
