Governor Rick Perry is straddling the fence on President Barack Obama's health care reform plan. On the one hand, he criticized it, calling the so-called opt out provision for states "classic Washington bait and switch," because citizens would still have to pay for it. On the other hand, Perry said he's unsure whether Texas will reject the plan. "Until we see more clearly what Washington's plan is relative to this," he told the Houston Chronicle, "our options are open." Under Obama's … [Read more...] about Texas Governor Ambivalent About Health Care Plan
Information Letter and Alerts: ICF/MR, HCS, NFs
DADS release one information letter and several news alerts: ICF/MR: DADS informed these providers about process changes for how allowable related-party hours for Medicaid cost reporting are determined; and new fully-funded model wage rates that apply to direct services providers, effective September 1. (Letter) Recent news alerts: DADS posted an invitation to a webinar about the employment of Texans with developmental disabilities. The target audience is any "staff involved with … [Read more...] about Information Letter and Alerts: ICF/MR, HCS, NFs
Are Doctors Dropping Medicare Patients?
In the past month, we've blogged about the travails of doctors, especially primary care physicians. As doctors reduce patient loads and medical students opt to specialize to earn more money, the primary care physicians shortage will only grow. The American Academy of Family Physicians said there will be 40,000 fewer such doctors in 10 years. The group predicts 160,000 fewer primary care doctors by 2025. One solution to the impending shortage is to increase residency positions at teaching … [Read more...] about Are Doctors Dropping Medicare Patients?
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates
The following information was obtained from the October 23 issue of the Texas Register: HHSC will hold a public hearing on November 3, 2009, at 1:30 p.m., in the Lone Star Conference Room of HHSC, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin, Texas, to discuss Medicaid payment rates for: Sleep Studies HHSC will hold a public hearing on November 17, 2009, at 1:30 p.m., in the Lone Star Conference Room of HHSC, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates
Provider and Information Letters: HCS, TxHmL, CDSAs
DADS released one provider and three information letters: HCSSAs: All Medicare-approved home health agencies or those seeking approval under Medicare must comply with Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS)-C requirements. Download the patient classification table here and the letter here. HCS, TxHmL, and CDSAs: HHSC approved new payment rates for these programs, effective September 1, available at the HHSC Rate Analysis web page and TxHmL web page. Download the letter for … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: HCS, TxHmL, CDSAs
Texas Register Updates: ICF/MR, DBMD, CLASS, Etc.
The following public notices were obtained from the October 16 issue of the Texas Register: HHSC adopted the following per diem reimbursement rates: Per Diem Rates for Large, State-Operated ICF/MR Services Large State-Operated ICF/MR Facilities-Medicaid Only clients Adopted interim daily rate: $469.88 Large State-Operated ICF/MR Facilities - Dual-eligible Medicaid/Medicare clients Adopted interim daily rate: $450.30 Per Diem Rate for Small, State-Operated ICF/MR Services … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: ICF/MR, DBMD, CLASS, Etc.
SCHIP Expansion in Health Care Reform
President George Bush twice vetoed versions of a bill that would have expanded the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) amid concerns that parents who could afford private insurance would seek coverage under the program, depriving low-income children of coverage. Republicans who voted against the bill also were concerned the bill would expand coverage to adults and illegal aliens. Last February, President Barack Obama issued a memorandum lifting SCHIP restrictions. Among the … [Read more...] about SCHIP Expansion in Health Care Reform
Texas Register Updates: Automatic Medicaid Enrollment for Newborns
HHSC intends to submit an amendment to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, which would allow automatic one-year enrollment in Medicaid for babies born to women covered by Medicaid, whether the newborn lives with the mother or whether the mother remains eligible for Medicaid. For more information or to request a copy of the amendment, you may contact Stephanie Stephens in the Acute Care Policy Development unit of the Medicaid and CHIP Division at (512) 491-1482 or … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Automatic Medicaid Enrollment for Newborns
Recession and Nursing Facilities
How is the recession affecting nursing facilities? According to the Associated Press, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services cut Medicare rates to nursing facilities (NFs) by $16 billion over 10 years. These facilities can expect more cuts if President Barack Obama's health care reform bill becomes law. American Health Care Association (AHCA) president and CEO Bruce Yarwood said, "As health reform deliberations continue, we respectfully urge lawmakers to keep in mind that any … [Read more...] about Recession and Nursing Facilities
Texas Register Updates: Rates for Nursing, Medical Board Rules
The following information was obtained from the October 2 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC has adopted new Medicaid per diem payment rates for the nursing facility program operated DADS, effective September 1, 2009: Base Rates by RUG Add-on Rates by Enhancement Level Liability Insurance See the relevant section of the Texas Register for more information. HHSC will hold a public hearing on October 20, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. to receive public comment on proposed … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Rates for Nursing, Medical Board Rules
