Last month, I published a post with a list of bills introduced in the 81st Legislative Session that impact providers. Some of these bills have been scheduled for public hearings and referred to committees. Click on the links to find out the present status of the bills: HB 5 - Relating to the elimination of smoking in all workplaces and public places; providing penalties. HB 67 - Relating to a medical assistance buy-in program for children with certain developmental disabilities. HB 87 … [Read more...] about Legislative Bills Get Public Hearings, Sent to Committee
Texas Register Updates: STAR+PLUS Changes
The following information was obtained from the February 27 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) announced its intent to submit to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services a request to amend the State of Texas Access Reform + PLUS (STAR+PLUS) program, to integrate delivery of acute and long-term care services through a managed care system. HHSC also intends to submit an amendment to the Texas State Plan for Medical … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: STAR+PLUS Changes
Texas Register Updates: CLASS Renewal, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the February 13 and February 20 issues of the Texas Register: Public Notice The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) intends to submit a request to renew the Community Living and Support Services (CLASS) program, a Medicaid home and community-based services waiver program under the authority of Title XIX, Section 1915(c), of the Social Security Act. The current waiver will expire August 31, 2009, and the proposed effective date for … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: CLASS Renewal, Etc.
Funding Troubles for Texas Nursing Homes
The Houston Chronicle published a story last Sunday on funding problems in Texas nursing homes. It seems that Medicaid payments have not kept up with increasing health care costs. Reimbursements are too low for some providers to stay in business. Sixty nursing homes have shut their doors in the past three years. Texas Health and Human Services Commission spokesperson Stephanie Goodman said, "The nursing home rate that we have in Texas does not, and has not for a long time, fully cover the … [Read more...] about Funding Troubles for Texas Nursing Homes
Information Letters: ICF/MR Cost Reporting, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released three new information letters: Medicaid Cost Reporting for Behavioral Support Services Prior to Transition to Community-based Services DADS informed Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation (ICF/MR) providers about a recent clarification from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding allowable Medicaid cost reporting. From the letter: "CMS recently provided … [Read more...] about Information Letters: ICF/MR Cost Reporting, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: RFP in Compliance with Frew v. Hawkins
The following information was obtained from the February 6 issue of the Texas Register: The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) announced the release of a Request for Proposals for "Consulting Services to Provide a Study of Various Outreach and Informing Strategies" (RFP #529-09-0060). HHSC wants to find out why Medicaid enrollees 20 and under miss checkups and to determine what are the best outreach and informing strategies. The court-ordered study is in compliance with the … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: RFP in Compliance with Frew v. Hawkins
Legislative Updates: Bills Introduced
The following is a list of bills introduced in the 81st Legislative Session that impact providers: HB 5 - Relating to the elimination of smoking in all workplaces and public places; providing penalties. HB 67 - Relating to a medical assistance buy-in program for children with certain developmental disabilities. HB 87 - Relating to increasing the amount of the residence homestead exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district to $45,000, providing for a reduction of the … [Read more...] about Legislative Updates: Bills Introduced
Obama Reverses Bush’s SCHIP Policy
Last week, President Barack Obama issued a memorandum lifting President George Bush's directives on limiting expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), potentially adding up to four million children. (Source) Obama also signed a bill into law reflecting these changes. The new law reauthorizes and expands SCHIP, offers dental care to children who don't receive it under private insurance plans, and gives states the option to eliminate a five-year waiting period for … [Read more...] about Obama Reverses Bush’s SCHIP Policy
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rate Hearings, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the January 23 and January 30 issues of the Texas Register: Public Hearings and Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold public hearings on Medicaid payment rates for several programs on February 17, 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. Follow this link and scroll down to read each entry. HHSC announced its … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rate Hearings, Etc.
Information Letters: PACE and Hospice Provider Updates, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released three new information letters: Community Services Medical Necessity (MN) and Level of Care (LOC) Assessment for PACE Participants Residing in Nursing Facilities (NFs) DADS served notice to PACE providers about MN/LOC assessments and billing for participants whose permanent residence is a Medicaid NF. PACE submits assessments to the Texas Medicaid Healthcare Partnership every year, and the organization is responsible … [Read more...] about Information Letters: PACE and Hospice Provider Updates, Etc.
