The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has proposed a rule that will impose an age requirement for Community Care for Aged and Disabled (CCAD) services. Currently, there is no age requirement. In response to the settlement agreement in a case titled, Alberto N., et al, vs. Albert Hawkins and James Hine (PDF), HHSC will make available personal care services for people under 21. After this program goes into effect, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services will offer … [Read more...] about Texas Register: CCAD Age Requirement, ICM Program
DADS Updates: Amendments, Waivers, and Newsletter
On behalf of the Texas Depart of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), the Texas Health and Human Services Commission adopted amendments to the Adult Day Care and Day Activity and Health Services section of the code that allows updates to terminology and agency names and to correct rule cross references. For more information about the amendments, see the relevant section of the March 23 Texas Register. DADS has posted the Community Needs Waivers Requests on its web site. The form contains … [Read more...] about DADS Updates: Amendments, Waivers, and Newsletter
Provider Letters: Medicare Certification Surveys, Personal Needs Allowance, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has released four new letters addressed to the following providers: Home Health Agencies (HHAs): DADS notified HHAs seeking Medicare certification that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has asked DADS to stop scheduling Medicare certification surveys of HHAs. For more information, download the seven-page letter here. Medicaid-certified HHAs: DADS reminded Medicaid-certified HHAs that effective May 23, 2007, they must … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: Medicare Certification Surveys, Personal Needs Allowance, Etc.
Long Term Care Financing
The Kaiser Foundation has updated its issue module on financing long term care. According to Kaiser, about 9.5 million Americans need long term care, and with the first of the baby boomers ready to retire, the number will increase. By 2030, the number of long term care recipients will double. Kaiser estimates that over $158 billion was spent on long term care in 2004, and the average yearly cost of nursing home care is $74,000. Medicaid pays for most long term care, but recipients pay … [Read more...] about Long Term Care Financing
Texas Register Updates for March 9 and 16
March 9 The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) announced on behalf of the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) that it has adopted the repeal of §§7.301 - 7.311 and §§7.313 - 7.316 in Chapter 7. The repeal is intended to facilitate the consolidation of rules dealing with volunteer programs and donations to DADS by striking obsolete rules. For more information, see the relevant section in the March 9 Texas Register. Additionally, HHSC will submit an … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates for March 9 and 16
Texas Register: Medicaid Waiver Program Orientation Notice
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) announced in the March 2 issue of the Texas Register that it will hold a pre-application orientation (PAO) for providers who wish to participate in Medicaid waiver programs. Additionally, DADS will begin charging a $25 fee for providers registering to attend a PAO, effective June 4, 2007. To register for the PAO to be held at 8:45 a.m. on Monday, June 4 in Austin, Texas, at the J.J. Pickle Center, you may request a registration … [Read more...] about Texas Register: Medicaid Waiver Program Orientation Notice
State Bill Would Reform Medicaid, ‘Stretch’ Coverage
In the wake of Medicaid budget cuts, state lawmakers are looking for ways to make sure low-income Texans are covered. The Dallas Morning News is reporting that Texas lawmakers have introduced a bill that would “overhaul Medicaid†by reducing the program’s cost while covering more people. Jane Nelson, state senator and chief sponsor of the bill, told the paper that the measure would appropriate funds to pay for preventive care and to discourage Medicaid recipients from going to … [Read more...] about State Bill Would Reform Medicaid, ‘Stretch’ Coverage
Pharmaceutical Companies Overcharge Feds
Lawmakers and advocacy groups claim that prescription drug makers have been overcharging the Medicaid program. (Newhouse News Service) Testifying before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Ron Tenpas, a U.S. associate deputy attorney general, said drug companies are required by law to give Medicaid programs the same discount as managed care plans and hospitals, but they have not. The government contends drug companies have concealed this practice. So far, about $3.9 … [Read more...] about Pharmaceutical Companies Overcharge Feds
Texas Register Update: Consulting Procurement Notice
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has released its Request for Proposals (RFP) for Consulting Services to Assist in the Procurement of the Texas Medicaid/Children with Special Healthcare Needs Claims and Medicaid Primary Care Case Management Administrator Contract and the Pharmacy Claims and Rebate Administration Contract. HHSC is looking for a consultant with expertise in that area. Interested parties can find more information about the RFP here. The contact person … [Read more...] about Texas Register Update: Consulting Procurement Notice
Texas Register: Medicaid Coverage for Customized Power Wheelchairs
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission announced in the February 16 Texas Register its intent to submit an amendment that would add customized power wheelchairs for Medicaid-eligible recipients living in nursing facilities to Medicaid coverage under the state plan. The estimated cost for the coverage is about $2.5 million for fiscal year 2007. For more information, see the relevant section in the Texas Register. … [Read more...] about Texas Register: Medicaid Coverage for Customized Power Wheelchairs