The Bush administration has agreed to a moratorium on two of seven proposed Medicaid rules, which include limiting Medicaid reimbursements to hospitals and nursing homes run by state and local governments, so lawmakers can discuss and agree to changes. (Medical News Today) As you may recall, the administration proposed to limit physician reimbursement rates and stopped the expansion of Medicaid programs like the State Children's Health Insurance Program. According to U.S. Department of … [Read more...] about Bush Agrees to Medicaid Rules Moratorium
Texas Register Updates: Nursing Facilities and Nurses Aides
The following information was obtained from the April 25 issue of the Texas Register: Adopted Rules The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) adopted amendments to §§19.208, 19.214, and 19.2112, in Chapter 19, Nursing Facility Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid Certification, which will update terminology and state agency names and correct rule cross-references to reflect changes from health and human services agencies consolidations in 2004 and to make sections … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Nursing Facilities and Nurses Aides
Provider and Information Letters: Reporting Incidents Guidelines, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has released two provider and two information letters: Guidelines for Reporting Incidents (replaces PL 1999-34) In a provider letter, DADS notified ICFs/MR about changes in the guidelines for reporting incidents to DADS, effective immediately. The revised guidelines supersede guidelines dated October 1, 1999, for licensed ICFs/MR. Download the five-page letter for more information. Expired Licenses (replaces PL … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: Reporting Incidents Guidelines, Etc.
$20 Million Funding Reduction for Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a new rule that would reduce funding for inpatient rehabilitation facilities in fiscal year 2009. According to CQ Health Beat (via Kaiser Network), the $20 million reduction, required by Congress, would prevent a cut to Medicare physicians payments. The same legislation reauthorizes the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). In other SCHIP news, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) contends that the Bush … [Read more...] about $20 Million Funding Reduction for Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Hospital Reimbursement Rates, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the April 18 issue of the Texas Register: Proposed Rules The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has proposed to amend §355.8061, concerning payment for hospital services and §355.8069, concerning supplemental payments to certain rural public hospitals, in Title 1 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Part 15, Chapter 355, Subchapter J, Division 4, Medicaid Hospital Services. The amendment would make changes to the … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Hospital Reimbursement Rates, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Veterans Nursing Facility Payment Rates, etc.
The following information was obtained from the April 11 issue of the Texas Register: Open Meetings and Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has announced a hearing on proposed state-owned veterans nursing facility payment rates. The hearing is scheduled for May 6, 2008, at 9 a.m., in the Permian Basin Room of the HHSC, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin, Texas. HHSC will conduct a public rate hearing to receive comment on … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Veterans Nursing Facility Payment Rates, etc.
Texas Register Updates: Notice Correction, New Per Diem Rates
The following information was obtained from the April 4 issue of the Texas Register: Notices and Public Hearing The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has issued a correction to a public notice about its intent to submit Transmittal Number 08-000, Amendment Number 804, to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act in the February 1, 2008, issue of the Texas Register (33 TexReg 1001). The correct notice reads: HHSC announced … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Notice Correction, New Per Diem Rates
California Medi-Cal Director Failed to Review Physician Reimbursement Rates
According to the Sacramento Bee (via Medical News Today), California has not been complying with a law that requires the Medi-Cal director to review physician reimbursement rates every year. According to Sandra Shewry, director of the California Department of Health Care Services, the 1976 law is obsolete, passed when health care spending "made up a smaller portion of the state budget and the health department made annual recommendations for adjustments in the rates." The review requirement … [Read more...] about California Medi-Cal Director Failed to Review Physician Reimbursement Rates
California Coalition Will File Suit to Stop Medicaid Cuts
As you may recall, the Bush administration has proposed to cut spending on programs like Medicaid, including reducing physician reimbursements. A coalition of local governments and providers in California plans to file a lawsuit to stop these cuts. (Kaiser Network) San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom said that a proposed 10 percent reimbursement reduction could serve as a disincentive to doctors treating patients in Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program. He fears patients will seek treatment … [Read more...] about California Coalition Will File Suit to Stop Medicaid Cuts
Information Letters: Vocational Rehab, Medicaid Hospice, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released three new information letters: Revised Coordination and Notification Process for Vocational Rehabilitation and Supported Employment Services DADS informed Home and Community-based Services Program Providers, Texas Home Living Program Providers, Community Living and Support Services Program Providers, Deaf Blind and Multiple Disabilities Program Providers, Executive Directors of Mental Retardation Authorities, … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Vocational Rehab, Medicaid Hospice, Etc.
