The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has adopted an amendment to §355.8063, which revises the Medicaid reimbursement methodology for freestanding psychiatric inpatient hospitals. According to HHSC, it didn’t receive comments about the proposed rule during the comment period. Additionally, HHSC adopted the repeal of §§357.481 - 357.490, Formal Appeals. The agency anticipates that the repealed rules will be replaced by a new Subchapter I, §§357.481 - 357.498, Hearings … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Reimbursement Rates; Repeal
DADS Alert: Personal Care Services
The Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) is asking providers to spread the word about changes in the delivery of personal care services (PCS). Effective September 1, 2007, Medicaid clients under 21 who need assistance with daily living or other activities because of physical, cognitive, or behavioral limitations related to their disability may be eligible for PCS through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Medicaid clients over 21 will still receive personal … [Read more...] about DADS Alert: Personal Care Services
Medicaid Spending Would Increase Under Immigration Bill
According to the Congressional Budget Office, Medicaid spending would increase by $10 billion from 2008 to 2012 and by $23 billion from 2008 to 2017, under the current immigration bill. (Kaiser Network) The bill would open the door to allowing millions of illegal aliens to become U.S. citizens. Lawmakers would need to raise taxes to compensate for Medicaid benefits paid out to these new citizens. The so-called immigration reform bill was a compromise between national Republicans and … [Read more...] about Medicaid Spending Would Increase Under Immigration Bill
Provider Letters: Complex Needs Waiver Programs, Medicare Certification
In a letter to Home and Community Support Services Agencies, Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) Staff, and All Other Stakeholders dated June 1, DADS announced that it is hosting half-day training sessions on “Meeting Complex Needs in Waiver Programs Registration Information.†The sessions will answer questions about licensing rules and contract requirements for accepting complex needs patients in the following 1915(c) Medicaid waiver programs: Consolidated Waiver Program, … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: Complex Needs Waiver Programs, Medicare Certification
Texas Register Updates: Reimbursement Rate Hearing Notices
The May 25 Texas Register has published a series of public notices for various reimbursement rate hearings, including one on proposed Medicaid reimbursement rates applicable for providers of Medical Dependant Children Program Camp Services, on June 11, 2007, at 10:30 a.m., at Permian Basin Conference Room of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Blvd, Austin, Texas. Send written comments to: Kimbra Rawlings Health and Human … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Reimbursement Rate Hearing Notices
Provider Letters: R&S Report, Foster Care/Adoption Subsidy Medicaid
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) informed DADS Long Term Care Services and Supports Providers of the “importance and usefulness†of the Remittance and Status (R&S) Report Information in a letter dated May 18. To avoid incorrect and inaccurate billing, providers must make sure information is accurate. DADS reminded providers that a new fiscal year is approaching, so they need to review R&S reports carefully. For more information, download the letter here. In … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: R&S Report, Foster Care/Adoption Subsidy Medicaid
Provider Letters: ‘Clarifying the Myths in Assisted Living Facilities,’ Cost of Living Adjustments
In a letter dated May 14, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) notified assisted living providers, provider organizations, and surveyors about a conference called, “Clarifying the Myths in Assisted Living Facilities.†The conference will be held on July 19, 24, and 31. Topics to be presented include aging in place, emergency preparedness, and medication management. For locations and times, you may download the letter here. DADS reminded nursing facilities (in a … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: ‘Clarifying the Myths in Assisted Living Facilities,’ Cost of Living Adjustments
Texas Register Updates: Ambulance Services and Reimbursement Rates
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) proposed a series of rule changes that would align Medicaid rules with the requirement to acquire prior authorization for non-emergency ambulance transport. The rule changes would include terminology updates. A public hearing will be held on May 24, 2007, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the HHSC Lone Star Conference Room, 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78758. Send written comments to Garry Walsh, Senior Policy Analyst, Medicaid/CHIP … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Ambulance Services and Reimbursement Rates
Texas Register: MCOs, SHARS, Reimbursement, and PCS
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) proposed a new rule that would require Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCO) disease management care programs to have performance measures that are comparable to the Medicaid fee-for-service/Primary Care Case Management disease management program. Additionally, MCOs must demonstrate an ability to manage complex diseases among Medicaid recipients. A public hearing will be held on May 17, 2007, from 9-10 a.m. in the HHSC Lone Star … [Read more...] about Texas Register: MCOs, SHARS, Reimbursement, and PCS
Texas Register Upate: Internet Posting of Sanctions Imposed for Contractual Violations
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) adopted a rule regarding Internet Posting of Sanctions Imposed for Contractual Violations. HHSC is authorized to impose sanctions against a Medicaid managed care organization for failing to comply with contract terms. During the 30-day comment period, HHSC received one comment: Comment: HHSC received a comment from DSHS, in which the commenter suggested adding language to §353.5(a), General Provisions, indicating the rule only … [Read more...] about Texas Register Upate: Internet Posting of Sanctions Imposed for Contractual Violations