The following information was obtained from the April 17 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public hearing on May 5, 2009, at 3:00 p.m. to receive public comment regarding the proposed Medicaid payment rate for case management services for the Blind Children's Vocational Discovery and Development Program. The location is the Padre Island Conference Room of HHSC, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Blind Program Medicaid Payment Rates, Etc.
Medicaid-Related Legislative Bills
Below is a list of Medicaid-related bills introduced in the Texas Legislature last month: HB 582 - Relating to informing the parents and guardians of certain children about the availability of the child health plan and medical assistance programs. HB 748 - Relating to the provision of services to certain individuals with developmental disabilities by a state school or state center. HB 802 - Relating to the creation of the lifespan respite services program. HB 1453 - Relating to … [Read more...] about Medicaid-Related Legislative Bills
CMS to Offer Nursing Home Quality of Care Incentive
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced last week that it will offer cash incentives to improve quality of care in nursing homes. CMS will ask Arizona, Mississippi, New York, and Wisconsin to participate. (Source) Quality of care areas include nurse staffing and the scope and severity of deficiency citations the home has received during inspections. Those with the highest scores/greatest performance will receive performance payment. Acting administrator Charlene … [Read more...] about CMS to Offer Nursing Home Quality of Care Incentive
Information and Provider Letters: NF Quality Review, TAS Authorization, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued six information and two provider letters: Nursing Facility (NF) Quality Review Process for 2009 In a letter to NF providers, DADS informed them that it's conducting annual Nursing Qualify Facility Quality Review evaluations of resident care in nursing facilities, the same process conducted for the past seven years as mandated by the Texas Legislature. Download the letter for details. Authorization of … [Read more...] about Information and Provider Letters: NF Quality Review, TAS Authorization, Etc.
More Legislative Bills
The following recently introduced bills may affect providers: HB 1897 - Relating to transportation services provided to aged or disabled clients of certain programs and facilities. HB 1905 - Relating to studying the costs and benefits of a pilot program for services for adults with autism. HB 2558 - Relating to registration for evacuation and disaster preparedness for clients of home and community support services agencies. HB 3142 - Relating to reimbursement rates for nursing home … [Read more...] about More Legislative Bills
Information Letters: ICM Waiver Rules, TV Converter Box Updates, etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released four information letters: Integrated Care Management (ICM) 1915(c) Waiver Rules, Adaptive Aids, Minor Home Modification and Medical Supplies Processes (Replaces IL 2008-47) DADS sent a letter to ICM Waiver providers informing them about operational processes for accessing adaptive aids, medical supplies and minor home modifications. The five-page letter and attachment summarizes the revised steps for purchasing … [Read more...] about Information Letters: ICM Waiver Rules, TV Converter Box Updates, etc.
Legislative Bills Get Public Hearings, Sent to Committee
Last month, I published a post with a list of bills introduced in the 81st Legislative Session that impact providers. Some of these bills have been scheduled for public hearings and referred to committees. Click on the links to find out the present status of the bills: HB 5 - Relating to the elimination of smoking in all workplaces and public places; providing penalties. HB 67 - Relating to a medical assistance buy-in program for children with certain developmental disabilities. HB 87 … [Read more...] about Legislative Bills Get Public Hearings, Sent to Committee
Information and Provider Letters: CDS Options, Complaints Under HDM, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released five information letters and one provider letter: Respite and Adjunct Support Services provided by Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) through the Consumer Directed Services (CDS) Option in Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP) DADS informed providers that MDCP Respite and Adjunct Support Services provided by RNs and LVNs is available through the CDS option, effective February 10, … [Read more...] about Information and Provider Letters: CDS Options, Complaints Under HDM, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: CLASS Renewal, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the February 13 and February 20 issues of the Texas Register: Public Notice The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) intends to submit a request to renew the Community Living and Support Services (CLASS) program, a Medicaid home and community-based services waiver program under the authority of Title XIX, Section 1915(c), of the Social Security Act. The current waiver will expire August 31, 2009, and the proposed effective date for … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: CLASS Renewal, Etc.
Funding Troubles for Texas Nursing Homes
The Houston Chronicle published a story last Sunday on funding problems in Texas nursing homes. It seems that Medicaid payments have not kept up with increasing health care costs. Reimbursements are too low for some providers to stay in business. Sixty nursing homes have shut their doors in the past three years. Texas Health and Human Services Commission spokesperson Stephanie Goodman said, "The nursing home rate that we have in Texas does not, and has not for a long time, fully cover the … [Read more...] about Funding Troubles for Texas Nursing Homes
