The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued one provider and three information letters: Community Services Medical Necessity (MN) and Level of Care Assessment (LOC) -- Resource Utilization Group Value "BC1" DADS notified Home and Community Support Services Agencies for Community-Based Alternatives, Consolidated Waiver Program, Integrated Care Management, and Program for the All Inclusive Care for the Elderly that it implemented a recent change in look-back … [Read more...] about Information and Provider Letters: Change in Look-Back Periods, Etc.
Medicaid Pays for Unapproved Drugs; Errors in Eligibility System
From 2004 to 2007, Medicaid paid almost $198 million for over 100 unapproved prescription drugs. (Source) Although the drugs have been on the market for decades, they haven't been assessed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or effectiveness. About two percent of drugs sold in the United States have not been approved by the FDA. The agency developed tighter restrictions on drugs in the 1960s. Critics say the FDA must compile a complete list of unapproved drugs, so that … [Read more...] about Medicaid Pays for Unapproved Drugs; Errors in Eligibility System
California May Freeze SCHIP Enrollment
The state of California is considering temporarily stopping enrollment in the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) to avoid a $17.2 million deficit that will be caused by a glut of "new clients." The state in general faces an $11.2 billion deficit. (Source) Over 900,000 children in California receive health care through the program. The enrollment freeze would protect benefits for current enrollees and manage costs of the program. Lesley Cummings, executive director for the … [Read more...] about California May Freeze SCHIP Enrollment
Provider and Information Letters: Workflow, Surveys, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released eight information letters: New Provider Workflow Process for Nursing Facilities (NF) and Hospices In a letter to NFs and hospice providers, DADS informed them about the "Provider Action Required" status displayed for a form in the LTC Online Portal. The form history will include a detailed descriptive message that informs the provider of the error and will indicate what actions are required to correct or update the … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: Workflow, Surveys, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Rate and Amendment Hearings
The following information was obtained from the November 7 issue of the Texas Register: The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public hearing on November 25, 2008, at 1:30 p.m., to receive public comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for electric patient lifts related to Home Health Mobility Aids medical policy changes, in the Lone Star Conference Room of HHSC, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Blvd, Austin, Texas. Proposed rates under … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Rate and Amendment Hearings
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates, Texas Medical Board Rules
The following information was obtained from the October 31 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public hearing on November 17, 2008, at 1:30 p.m., to receive public comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for maternity service clinics, in the Lone Star Conference Room of HHSC, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin, Texas. HHSC will hold a public rate hearing on November 21, 2008, … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates, Texas Medical Board Rules
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the October 24 Texas Register: Public Hearings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold public hearings on November 17, 2008, at 1:30 p.m. to receive public comment on the proposed Medicaid payment rates for several procedures and services, including Hysteroscopy with Endometrial Ablation surgery, Texas Health Steps, and Vision Devices. Beginning with this link, scroll down to read about all nine procedures and services and … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates, Etc.
Medicaid to Grow from $339 Billion to $674 Billion
According to a report released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) last week, state and federal Medicaid spending will total $339 billion in 2008 and reach $674 billion by 2017. (Kaiser Network) Why will Medicaid costs rise at a rate of 7.9 percent annually? Factors like the increased number of insured people and medical services, better and more complex care, and wage increases and inflation in the medical sector account for the rising rate. Additionally, the number … [Read more...] about Medicaid to Grow from $339 Billion to $674 Billion
Information Letters: Hurricane Ike Services, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued three information letters: Hurricane Ike Services: Family Care (FC) and Home Delivered Meals (HDM) Services Available to Limited Number of Individuals Temporarily Residing in Shelters, Hotels, or Home Settings DADS informed FC and HDM providers that it has allotted funds to provide FC and HDM services to a limited number of Hurricane Ike evacuees temporarily residing in shelters hotels, or homes. For details, download the … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Hurricane Ike Services, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Board of Nursing Changes, New Medicaid Rates
The following information was obtained from the October 10 issue of the Texas Register: Adopted Rules The Texas Board of Nursing has adopted amendments under the following sections: General Provisions, Vocational Nursing Education, Professional Nursing Education, Licensure, Peer Assistance And Practice, and Fees. Among the amendments' purposes: To outline the Board's current policies that delegate authority to the Executive Director; To clarify section language; To authorize the Board … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Board of Nursing Changes, New Medicaid Rates
