The following information was obtained from the April 17 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public hearing on May 5, 2009, at 3:00 p.m. to receive public comment regarding the proposed Medicaid payment rate for case management services for the Blind Children's Vocational Discovery and Development Program. The location is the Padre Island Conference Room of HHSC, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Blind Program Medicaid Payment Rates, Etc.
More Medicaid-Related Bills
The following Medicaid-related bills may affect providers: HB 1876 - Relating to creating the health care access fund to recruit health care providers in health professional shortage areas and to support federally-qualified health centers and to using for those purposes revenue from a tax imposed on certain tobacco products. HB 1878 - Relating to monitoring physicians' compliance with continuing medical education requirements. HB 1888 - Relating to standards required for certain … [Read more...] about More Medicaid-Related Bills
California Court Stops Medi-Cal Cuts
Last week, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals blocked California's five percent cut to Medi-Cal payments for hospitals. (Source) In July 2008, federal law authorized that Medi-Cal payments be reduced by 10 percent. The courts blocked the cuts for doctors, dentists, pharmacies, and other providers, with the exception of hospitals. The law recently expired, and a five percent cut went in effect. The purpose of the cut was to save California taxpayers about $80 million annually. The San … [Read more...] about California Court Stops Medi-Cal Cuts
Medicaid-Related Legislative Bills
Below is a list of Medicaid-related bills introduced in the Texas Legislature last month: HB 582 - Relating to informing the parents and guardians of certain children about the availability of the child health plan and medical assistance programs. HB 748 - Relating to the provision of services to certain individuals with developmental disabilities by a state school or state center. HB 802 - Relating to the creation of the lifespan respite services program. HB 1453 - Relating to … [Read more...] about Medicaid-Related Legislative Bills
Texas Register Updates: Contract for Flew v. Hawkins Study, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the April 3 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) announced the award of contract 529-08-0187-00001 to the Altarum Institute to provide a court-ordered study in compliance with Frew v. Hawkins to determine whether there are barriers causing Class Members to receive no care or receive only emergency department or inpatient hospital care. The contract is valued at $562,698.50. HHSC … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Contract for Flew v. Hawkins Study, Etc.
Information and Provider Letters: NF Quality Review, TAS Authorization, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued six information and two provider letters: Nursing Facility (NF) Quality Review Process for 2009 In a letter to NF providers, DADS informed them that it's conducting annual Nursing Qualify Facility Quality Review evaluations of resident care in nursing facilities, the same process conducted for the past seven years as mandated by the Texas Legislature. Download the letter for details. Authorization of … [Read more...] about Information and Provider Letters: NF Quality Review, TAS Authorization, Etc.
More Legislative Bills
The following recently introduced bills may affect providers: HB 1897 - Relating to transportation services provided to aged or disabled clients of certain programs and facilities. HB 1905 - Relating to studying the costs and benefits of a pilot program for services for adults with autism. HB 2558 - Relating to registration for evacuation and disaster preparedness for clients of home and community support services agencies. HB 3142 - Relating to reimbursement rates for nursing home … [Read more...] about More Legislative Bills
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Per Diem, Reimbursement Methodologies
The following information was obtained from the March 6, 13, and 20 issues of the Texas Register: Public Meetings and Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public meeting on March 30, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. to receive public comment on the proposed interim per diem Medicaid reimbursement rate for large, state-operated Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation, operated by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services. The … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Per Diem, Reimbursement Methodologies
Information Letters: ICM Waiver Rules, TV Converter Box Updates, etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released four information letters: Integrated Care Management (ICM) 1915(c) Waiver Rules, Adaptive Aids, Minor Home Modification and Medical Supplies Processes (Replaces IL 2008-47) DADS sent a letter to ICM Waiver providers informing them about operational processes for accessing adaptive aids, medical supplies and minor home modifications. The five-page letter and attachment summarizes the revised steps for purchasing … [Read more...] about Information Letters: ICM Waiver Rules, TV Converter Box Updates, etc.
New Legislative Bills
The following bills were introduced this month and may affect providers: HB 166 - Relating to providing home- and community-based support services under the Medicaid program to persons who are deaf-blind with multiple disabilities. HB 510 - Relating to the registration of certain assisted living facilities; providing penalties. HB 1186 - Relating to the transfer or discharge of certain residents in certain assisted living facilities. HB 1398 - Relating to a pilot project to establish … [Read more...] about New Legislative Bills
