The Kaiser Network has released a reported titled "Financing Medicare: An Issue Brief," which gives an overview of Medicare's future, including funding issues and challenges. In other Medicare news, lawmakers say they will resume the business of Medicare, State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), and Medicaid policy changes in 2008. One issue on the list is preventing a 10 percent cut in Medicare physician fees. Other issues include genetic non-discrimination and discussing the Bush … [Read more...] about Kaiser Releases Medicare Report
Bush Blocks Medicaid Expansion
A New York Times story elaborates on the idea that the Bush administration is trying to preserve Medicaid for families targeted by the program – low-income families – by preventing states from expanding it. An expansion may extend coverage to families who can afford to buy private health insurance. President Bush twice vetoed a measure that would have expanded and funded the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) to the tune of $35 billion over five years. The administration, … [Read more...] about Bush Blocks Medicaid Expansion
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Reimbursement Rates, Grant Program, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the December 21 and December 28 editions of the Texas Register: Open Meetings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public rate hearing on January 10, 2008, at 9:00 a.m. in the Palo Duro Canyon Conference Room of the Braker Center, to receive public comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Clinics. For more information, including where to send written comments, … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Reimbursement Rates, Grant Program, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Provider Payment Rates
The following information was obtained from the December 14 edition of the Texas Register: Open Meetings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has issued notice of adopted Medicaid provider payment rates for the Truman W. Smith Children's Care Center. The rates are as follows: $182.75, effective January 1, 2007 through August 31, 2007; and $189.04, effective September 1, 2007. HHSC will hold public hearings for proposed Medicaid payment rates for various programs … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Provider Payment Rates
Bush Vetoes SCHIP Again
For the second time, President George W. Bush has vetoed a bill that would have expanded the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). According to Newsday, lawmakers say they will no longer seek to expand the bill. Mike Leavitt, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said the president would have been willing to sign a bill that would increase SCHIP's funding by only $20 billion over five years instead of the proposed $35 billion over five years. Lawmakers … [Read more...] about Bush Vetoes SCHIP Again
Information Letters: Relocation Contract Budget Changes, Etc.
In an information letter to relocation contractors, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) explained changes that can be made to the relocation contract budget, effective immediately. For information about line items and transfers between line items, download the letter. DADS informed Community Living Assistance and Support Service Program Providers, Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities Program Providers, and Home and Community Services Program Providers that the … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Relocation Contract Budget Changes, Etc.
Information Letters: Hospice Cap, Specialized Respiratory Nursing Services
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission has approved rate changes for the Medicaid hospice program for Federal Fiscal Year 2008. The rate changes are the result of information provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The hospice cap amount for the cap year ending October 31, 2008, is $21,410.04. For information on where to mail paper vouchers, download the letter here. In an information … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Hospice Cap, Specialized Respiratory Nursing Services
Politicians Still Sparring Over SCHIP
In October, President George W. Bush vetoed a bill that would have expanded the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Concerned that reauthorization would add $35 billion over five years to the program and that it would expand coverage to adults, illegal aliens, and middle-income families who may be able to afford private insurance, Republicans have been trying to come up with a compromise bill. Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has given negotiators until the end of this … [Read more...] about Politicians Still Sparring Over SCHIP
Texas Register Updates: Minimum PNA Raised
The following information was obtained from the November 23 edition of the Texas Register: The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has adopted an amendment to Subchapter A, Chapter 32 of the Human Resources Code, to clarify that HHSC sets the Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) in accordance with Chapter 32 of the Human Resources Code. House Bill 52 raised the minimum PNA to $60 a month. For more information about what the amendment will change, see the relevant section of the Texas … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Minimum PNA Raised
Information Letter: NPI Contingency Period Ends March 1, 2008
In a three-page letter, the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) informed Nursing Facilities, Community Services, ICF/MR, and Therapy Providers that the National Provider Identifier (NPI) contingency period ends on March 1, 2008. NPI will replace legacy provider identifiers. Providers’ claims can’t be paid if they are submitted without NPI data. For more information, download the letter here. … [Read more...] about Information Letter: NPI Contingency Period Ends March 1, 2008
