The following information was obtained from the June 26 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices and Hearings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) adopted the following per day payment rates for the state-owned veterans nursing facilities for fiscal year (FY) 2009, effective September 1, 2008: Big Spring, $133.00; Bonham, $133.00; Floresville, $133.00; Temple, $133.00; McAllen, $133.00; El Paso, $133.00 and Amarillo, $133.00. Effective March 1, 2009 the rates adopted … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: State-owned Veterans Nursing Facility Payment Rates, Etc.
Rulings Favor California Providers
California is attempted to solve a budget deficit by cutting programs, and in-home care workers would have received a $2 hourly wage cut beginning July 1. A federal judge blocked the wage cut. In-home care workers in California will maintain their present wage level. (Source) The salary cut would have saved the state $98 million in 2009 and 2010. In other provider news, the Supreme Court ruled that California's Medicaid providers may challenge the state's proposed cuts to provider fees, … [Read more...] about Rulings Favor California Providers
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Rates, Texas Medical Board Changes
The following information was obtained from the June 19 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings and Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public hearing on July 15, 2009, at 1:30 p.m., to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment Personal Care Services for Type of Service (TOS) 1, Ambulance Services, and Certified Nurse Midwife services in a birthing center for types of service … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Rates, Texas Medical Board Changes
Information Letters: R&S Report Updates, Form 2032, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued six information letters: TMHP Remittance and Status (R&S) Report Information In a letter to DADS Long Term Care Services and Supports providers, DADS emphasized the importance and usefulness of the TMHP (R&S) Report: "Providers that do not reconcile their R&S Reports may be billing incorrectly, which can result in audits and penalties. Providers should ensure not only that all billing is accurate, but also that any … [Read more...] about Information Letters: R&S Report Updates, Form 2032, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Changes to Physicians Assistants Section, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the June 12 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public hearing on July 1, 2009, at 9 a.m. to receive public comment on rate increases for the Community Based Alternatives waiver program, the Community Living Assistance and Support Services waiver program, the Deaf-Blind with Multiple Disabilities waiver program, and others. The hearing will be held in the Lone Star … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Changes to Physicians Assistants Section, Etc.
Obama Proposes Medicaid and Medicare Cuts
Last week President Barack Obama proposed to cut $313 billion from Medicaid and Medicare over the next 10 years as part of so-called health reform, in addition to the $635 billion in cuts in his FY 2010 budget. (Source) The president proposes to expand coverage to "millions" who don't have it, while bringing down the cost of care. How does he intend to accomplish these seemingly opposing goals? Among other things, limiting growth of Medicare's fee-for-service payments and cutting subsidies to … [Read more...] about Obama Proposes Medicaid and Medicare Cuts
Texas Register Updates: Rates for Tuberculosis Clinic Services
The following information was obtained from the June 5 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public hearing on June 24, 2009, at 1:30 p.m. to receive public comment on the proposed Medicaid payment rates for Tuberculosis Clinic 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. HHSC announced its intent to submit … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Rates for Tuberculosis Clinic Services
Provider and Information Letters: Emergency Preparedness, Hospice Rates
The Texas Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued a provider and information letter: Emergency Preparedness Reminder DADS reminded all Adult Day Care Facilities, Assisted Living Facilities, Home and Community Support Service Agencies, Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation or Related Conditions, and Nursing Facilities to review their emergency preparedness and response plans and available resources in the event of an emergency. Hurricane season is June 1 … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: Emergency Preparedness, Hospice Rates
Texas Senate Approves SCHIP Boost
The Houston Chronicle reports that the Texas Senate approved a bill to increase enrollment in the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) last week. The bill would raise the income eligibility limits from $44,000 to $66,000 for a family of four. An additional 80,000 uninsured children would be covered if the House approves the bill and the governor signs it into law. "Critics" of the bill are worried that parents who can afford private insurance will sign up for SCHIP, crowding out … [Read more...] about Texas Senate Approves SCHIP Boost
Nursing-Related Bills
The following nursing-related bills may affect certain providers: HB 392 - Relating to the availability and use of automated external defibrillators in nursing homes and related institutions. HB 703 - Relating to fall prevention awareness. HB 1081 - Relating to requiring posting of certain information regarding nursing homes and related institutions on the Department of Aging and Disability Services website. HB 2248 - Relating to an emergency management plan for certain health care … [Read more...] about Nursing-Related Bills
