How will President Barack Obama's massive health care reform proposal affect long term care providers? With a bill of over 1,000 pages and a budget in the trillions, the shift is bound to have a big impact. According to a story in Kaiser Health News, despite worries to the contrary, providers would benefit over the long term under the proposed plan. Nancy Chockley, president of the National Institute for Health Care Management, said, "Everyone has been nicked a little bit, but they are all … [Read more...] about Long Term Care Providers and Health Care Form
Texas Register Updates: ICF/MRs and Nursing Facilities
The following information was obtained from the August 7 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings and Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public hearing on August 27, 2009, at 1 p.m. to receive public comment on the proposed interim per diem Medicaid reimbursement rates for small and large state-operated ICF/MRs. The hearing will be held in the Lone Star Conference Room of the Health and Human Services Commission, Braker Center, Building H, … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: ICF/MRs and Nursing Facilities
2010 Payment Rate Changes
CMS announced that acute care hospitals will see a 2.1 percent payment rate increase as part of an inflation update. Skilled nursing facilities face a Medicare payment reduction of $360 million as part of a $1.050-billion case-mix adjustment decrease and a $690 million market-basket increase. Alan Rosenbloom of the Alliance for Quality Nursing Home Care said, "The nursing home community rightly fears the $12-$16 billion in cuts are just the tip of the iceberg. As Congress continues to … [Read more...] about 2010 Payment Rate Changes
Texas Register Updates: Payment Rate Changes, Claims, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the July 31 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) intends to submit the following amendments to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act: An amendment to adjust payment rates for the Day Activity and Health Services program to comply with the new federal minimum wage that will increase by $0.70 from the current $6.55 per hour to $7.25 … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Payment Rate Changes, Claims, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Amended Notice, Contract Award, Etc.
The following was obtained from the July 24 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices and Hearings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) intends to submit an amendment to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, which amends the original notice published in the July 3, 2009, issue of the Texas Register (34 TexReg 4566) by changing the effective date from September 1, 2009 to August 1, 2009. The proposed amendment would adjust payment rates for the Primary Home Care … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Amended Notice, Contract Award, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: ICF/MR Medicaid Rates, ACD Devices
The following information was obtained from the July 17 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings and Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public hearing to receive comment on proposed Medicaid rates for the Nursing Facility program on August 3, 2009, at 9 a.m. At 1:30 p.m. the same day, HHSC will hold a public hearing to receive comment on proposed rate adjustments for the non-state operated Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: ICF/MR Medicaid Rates, ACD Devices
New Interpretive Guidance on Quality of Life and Environment
On June 12, 2009, Appendix PP, pertaining to nursing facilities, was revised with regard to F-tags 172, 175, 241, 242, 246, 247, 252, 255, 256, 371, 461 and 463. Here is a copy of the CMS Transmittal detailing the changes: Transmittal 48 James M. Berklan, editor of McKnight's Long-Term Care News says the following about the changes: Uncle Sam has put in his order for a heaping dose of resident choice and flexibility. Here's hoping you have your order pad and pencil at the ready, … [Read more...] about New Interpretive Guidance on Quality of Life and Environment
Information and Provider Letters: Critical Incident Reporting
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released three information letters and one provider letter: Resident Choice of Health Professionals DADS reminded Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) and Home and Community Support Services Agencies of a resident's right to choose and contract with his or her own health care professionals. According to DADS, ALFs must specify in the facility resident admission agreement any requirements the facility imposes on non-facility … [Read more...] about Information and Provider Letters: Critical Incident Reporting
Texas Register Updates: State-owned Veterans Nursing Facility Payment Rates, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the June 26 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices and Hearings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) adopted the following per day payment rates for the state-owned veterans nursing facilities for fiscal year (FY) 2009, effective September 1, 2008: Big Spring, $133.00; Bonham, $133.00; Floresville, $133.00; Temple, $133.00; McAllen, $133.00; El Paso, $133.00 and Amarillo, $133.00. Effective March 1, 2009 the rates adopted … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: State-owned Veterans Nursing Facility Payment Rates, Etc.
Information Letters: R&S Report Updates, Form 2032, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued six information letters: TMHP Remittance and Status (R&S) Report Information In a letter to DADS Long Term Care Services and Supports providers, DADS emphasized the importance and usefulness of the TMHP (R&S) Report: "Providers that do not reconcile their R&S Reports may be billing incorrectly, which can result in audits and penalties. Providers should ensure not only that all billing is accurate, but also that any … [Read more...] about Information Letters: R&S Report Updates, Form 2032, Etc.
