As expected, Medicaid enrollment grew by 5-10 percent in several states in the past year because of the recession. (Kaiser Network) Sixteen of the 40 states that responded to a New York Times survey reported at least a 5 percent increase in Medicaid enrollment in the past year. States also reported an increase in State Children's Insurance Program (SCHIP) enrollment. Consequently, states experienced a large number of people trying to enroll, swamping social services agencies. States may … [Read more...] about Medicaid Enrollment Climbs During Recession
Texas Register Updates: Repeal of Fair Hearing Rules, Texas Medical Board Rule Changes
The following information was obtained from the January 9 and January 16 issues of the Texas Register: Public Hearing The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public hearing on January 30, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. to receive public comment on the proposed interim per diem Medicaid reimbursement rate for small, state-operated Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation operated by DADS. The hearing will be held in the Piney Woods Conference Room of … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Repeal of Fair Hearing Rules, Texas Medical Board Rule Changes
Congress Reauthorizes and Expands SCHIP
Earlier this week, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill that would reauthorize and expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The Kaiser Network reports that the measure passed by a vote of 289 to 139. Children from families with incomes of up to three times the federal poverty level would qualify for SCHIP, a move that likely would cover three million more children. Under the bill, SCHIP would be extended for four-and-a-half years and cost $57.3 million, a … [Read more...] about Congress Reauthorizes and Expands SCHIP
Obama Seeks to Rein in “Entitlement” Medicaid
Texas Register Updates: Telemedicine Services Changes
The following information was obtained from the January 2 issue of the Texas Register: The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has proposed to repeal 1 TAC §354.1430, concerning Definitions; §354.1432, concerning Benefits and Limitations; and §354.1434, concerning Requirements for Telemedicine Providers, and to replace the repealed rules with proposed new 1 TAC §354.1430, concerning Definitions, and §354.1432, concerning Benefits and Limitations, under Chapter 354, … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Telemedicine Services Changes
Texas Register Updates: Board of Nursing Adopts Amendments
The following information was obtained from the December 26 issue of the Texas Register: Adopted Rules The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) adopted an amendment to 22 TAC §211.6, pertaining to Committees of the Board, which adds language to the rule reflecting the establishment of the Eligibility and Disciplinary Advisory Committee, which was known as the Eligibility and Disciplinary Committee Task Force. BON also adopted amendments to 22 TAC §217.16, relating to Minor Incidents, which … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Board of Nursing Adopts Amendments
Texas Register Updates: Outpatient Services Rule Alignment
The following information was obtained from the December 12 issue of the Texas Register: The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) intends to submit an amendment to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, which would comply with the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services final rule to further align the Medicaid definition of "outpatient services" to the Medicare definition. For information on obtaining a copy of the proposed … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Outpatient Services Rule Alignment
Information Letters: Ventilators and Tracheostomies Reimbursements, Etc.
The Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released seven information letters: DADS Supplemental Reimbursement for Ventilators and Tracheostomies In a letter to Nursing Facility (NF) providers, DADS reminded them about the reimbursement rules at Texas Administrative Code, Title 1, Part 15, Chapter 355, §355.307(b)(3)(F) and(G), which states that qualifying ventilator-dependent residents and qualifying children with tracheostomies requiring daily care may receive a … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Ventilators and Tracheostomies Reimbursements, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Hearing Aid Services Changes, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the November 28 issue of the Texas Register: Adopted Rules The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) adopted amendments to §354.1231, Benefits and Limitations; §354.1233, Requirements for Hearing Aid Services; and §354.1235, Requirements for Provider Participation, in Title 1, Part 15. The new rules better align Medicaid rules with current hearing aid technology and standards of care and clarify the rule content. See the relevant … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Hearing Aid Services Changes, Etc.
Higher Co-pays for Medicaid Beneficiaries; Doctors May Drop Vaccinations
President George W. Bush implemented a new Medicaid law in 2006 that will allow states to charge premiums and higher co-payments to Medicaid beneficiaries. (Kaiser Network) Close to 13 million beneficiaries will be faced with paying new or higher co-pays. Consequently, some of these beneficiaries will delay certain care or avoid care. Under the new law, Medicaid is expected to save $1.4 billion for the federal government and $1.1 billion for the states over five years. An excerpt: The … [Read more...] about Higher Co-pays for Medicaid Beneficiaries; Doctors May Drop Vaccinations
