Beneficiaries of Medicaid can continue buying prescription drugs at a low cost once they become eligible for Medicare, according to a class action lawsuit settlement. (Kaiser Network) The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the settlement last week. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of 6.2 million "dual eligible" Medicaid beneficiaries. Under the 2003 Medicare law, dual eligibles are supposed to receive assistance for buying prescription drugs, but beneficiaries were … [Read more...] about Dual Eligible Lawsuit Settled
Texas Register Updates: RFPs for MITA State-Self Assessment
The following information was obtained from the June 6 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has announced its intent to release Request for Proposals (RFP No. 529-08-0180) to secure the services of a qualified vendor to assist the state in completing the Medicaid Information Technology Architecture (MITA) State-Self Assessment, the gap analysis and the to-be MITA roadmap. HHSC seeks to contract with a single qualified consultant to … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: RFPs for MITA State-Self Assessment
Congress Battles Over Medicare/Medicaid Funding
Although President Bush has proposed to reduce funding to programs like Medicare and Medicaid, both houses of Congress have other plans. Last week, the House of Representatives voted to approve a $3.1 trillion FY 2009 budget that excludes President Bush's proposed Medicare and Medicaid program cuts. (Kaiser Network) Kaiser reports (via the Washington Post) that Democrats may wait until the new administration to pass spending bills to avoid the current president's veto. Meanwhile, Democrats … [Read more...] about Congress Battles Over Medicare/Medicaid Funding
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the May 30 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold public hearings June 13 and June 17 to receive public comment on proposed rates for various programs, services, pay rates, and procedure codes. Beginning at this link, scroll down to read all 12 entries. Proposed Rules HHSC proposes to amend §354.1863, Prescription Requirements, under Title 1, Part 15, Chapter 354, … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: CLASS Waiver Services, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the May 16 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) issued two public notices: 1) an intent to submit an amendment to the Texas Home Living waiver, which would revise the methodology for establishing the rates for reimbursing the Consumer Directed Services Agencies; and 2) an intent to submit to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services an amendment to the Community Living Assistance … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: CLASS Waiver Services, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates, Texas Medical Board Amendments, Etc.
The following information was found in the May 9 issue of the Texas Register: Open Meetings and Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has issued correction notices about proposed Medicaid payment rates for certain procedures associated with the 2008 Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System. The notices contained an incorrect phone number, procedure code description, and HCPCS description. Click on the link for more information. The Texas Board of Nursing … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates, Texas Medical Board Amendments, Etc.
Resolution Eliminates Medicaid and Medicare Reductions
In the on-going battle to eliminate Medicaid and Medicare program reductions, Democrats in Congress have come to an agreement on a fiscal year 2009 budget resolution. (Kaiser Network) The $3.3 trillion budget resolution rejects President Bush's proposed spending cuts for Medicaid and Medicare. Bush seeks to reduce spending on these programs by $195 billion. While both houses may pass the resolution, it may not survive a presidential veto. From the report: Senate Budget Committee ranking … [Read more...] about Resolution Eliminates Medicaid and Medicare Reductions
Provider and Information Letters: DADS-Approved Provider of HCSSA Training, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has released four information letters and one provider letter: Initial HCSSA Administrator Training Approval In a seven-page letter to Home and Community Support Services Agencies (HCSSAs), DADS described the initial process for becoming a DADS-approved provider of HCSSA training for administrators and alternative administrators, and to get listed as a provider. For details about administrator requirements, download the … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: DADS-Approved Provider of HCSSA Training, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Reimbursement Rates, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the May 2 issue of the Texas Register: Open Meetings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a series public hearings on May 19, 20, and 23 concerning Medicaid reimbursement rates for various providers. For times and locations, please follow this link and scroll down for more information about each hearing. Proposed Rules HHSC has proposed to repeal §352.10, Quality Assurance Fee for the Home and Community-based … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Reimbursement Rates, Etc.
Information Letters: TILE to RUG Transitions, Living Options
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released three new information letters: Helpful Nursing Facility Provider Information for the TILEs to RUGs Transition DADS informed Nursing Facility and Hospice Providers about the September 1, 2008, transition from the Texas Index for Level of Effort (TILE) to the federal Resource Utilization Group (RUG). DADS says it is essential for providers to monitor future updates on the Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership … [Read more...] about Information Letters: TILE to RUG Transitions, Living Options
