The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued two information letters: Specialized Services and Rehabilitative Services in the Medicaid Nursing Facility Program The Texas Department of Health and Human Services and DADS informed Nursing Facility and Therapy Providers contracted with DADS that the Texas Medicaid Program can reimburse only nursing facilities - not outside therapy providers - for specialized and rehabilitative services delivered to Medicaid clients … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Texas Medicaid Reimbursements, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Board of Nursing Amendments, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the August 8 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will conduct a public hearing on August 25, 2008, at 1:30 p.m., to receive public comment on 440 proposed Medicaid payment rates for physician-administered drugs and biologicals and 10 proposed Medicaid payment rates for durable medical equipment covering the Augmentive Communication Devices. See the relevant section of the Texas … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Board of Nursing Amendments, Etc.
Replace Medicare Part D?
Medicare Part D isn't even three years old, and a lawmaker already wants to replace it. Congressman Dennis Kucinich, a Democrat from Ohio, introduced a measure that would replace Medicare Part D with a new program ostensibly to lower costs. According to the bill, Medicare would negotiate directly with drug companies for prescription drug discounts and do away with co-payments, premiums, and deductibles. (CQ Politics) In a statement, Kucinich said, "The privatized drug plan has been given a … [Read more...] about Replace Medicare Part D?
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the August 1 of the Texas Register: Public Hearings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will conduct a public hearing on August 18, 2008, at 1:30 p.m. to receive public comment on the proposed increase in Medicaid payment rates for seven procedure codes, including Breast Brachytherapy and THSteps Therapeutic Dental Services. Follow this link and scroll down to read each entry. Proposed Rules On behalf of the Department of … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates, Etc.
U.S. Hospitals Deporting Illegal Aliens?
The New York Times (via Kaiser Network) featured an article last Sunday about how U.S. hospitals are deporting uninsured illegal aliens, sending them back to their home countries for continued medical care. U.S. nursing homes are unwilling to take uninsured illegal aliens as patients, and Medicaid does not cover long-term care for them. Medicaid does cover a small portion of emergency services, however. According to federal law, hospitals that receive Medicare funds must transfer or refer … [Read more...] about U.S. Hospitals Deporting Illegal Aliens?
Information Letters: DADS Community Programs Rate Increase, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released five information letters: Payment Rates for DADS Community Programs DADS informed Community Service Providers that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has approved a rate increase to recognize the impact of the increase in the federal minimum wage on certain provider types, effective August 1, 2008. The rates are posted on the HHSC Rate Analysis website. Download the letter and seven-page … [Read more...] about Information Letters: DADS Community Programs Rate Increase, Etc.
Medicare Pays Up to 30 Percent More for Medications Under Part D Plans
According to a report released by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Medicare Part D paid about 30 percent more for prescription drugs in the program's first two years than Medicaid would have paid for the same drugs. This has cost the program about $3.7 billion. (Kaiser Network) Drug company Johnson & Johnson received a whopping $615 million more from Part D than it would have received from Medicaid. Lawmakers already are trying to fix the problem. Congressman Henry … [Read more...] about Medicare Pays Up to 30 Percent More for Medications Under Part D Plans
Texas Register Updates: Medicare Reimbursement Methodologies, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the July 25 issue of the Texas Register: Adopted Rules The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has adopted a new §355.8054, concerning Children's Hospital Reimbursement Methodology, which will separate the Medicaid reimbursement methodologies for children's hospitals into a stand-alone rule to clarify definitions, processes, and timing related to children's hospital reimbursement. See the relevant section of the Texas Register for … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicare Reimbursement Methodologies, Etc.
Information Letters: Duplicate Payments, Billing Training
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has released two information letters: Office of Inspector General Review of Medical and Therapeutic Supplies DADS informed Community Based Alternatives, Home and Community Support Services Agencies, Primary Home Care Program Providers, Consolidated Waiver Program Providers, Medically Dependent Children Program Providers, Community Living Assistance and Support Services Providers, and Integrated Care Management 1915(c) Waiver … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Duplicate Payments, Billing Training
Information Letters: Transaction Notice Forms, Waiver Claims, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has issued five information letters: Submission of the Resident Transaction Notice Form 3618 and Medicare/SNF Patient Transaction Notice Form 3619 In a letter to Medicare Nursing Facility Providers, DADS reminded these providers about the requirement and the steps to complete the process when submitting Form 3618 and Form 3619 for Medicaid or Medicare eligible recipients, applicants for medical assistance or Medicaid … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Transaction Notice Forms, Waiver Claims, Etc.
