The following information was obtained from the August 29 issue of the Texas Register: Proposed Rules The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) proposes to amend §354.1231, Benefits and Limitations; §354.1233, Requirements for Hearing Aid Services; and §354.1235, Requirements for Provider Participation, in Title 1, Part 15, Chapter 354, Subchapter A, Division 15, related to Medicaid hearing aid services. The amended rules would better align Medicaid rules with current … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Hearing Aid Services, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Reimbursement Methodology for NFs, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the August 15 and August 22 issues of the Texas Register: Adopted Rules HHSC adopted amendments to §355.307, Reimbursement Setting Methodology, §355.308, Direct Care Staff Rate Component, and §355.311 Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for State Veterans Homes, which will establish the reimbursement methodology for the Nursing Facility program, including Medicaid reimbursement rates for state veteran's homes. See the relevant section of the Texas … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Reimbursement Methodology for NFs, Etc.
Are You Ready for the Latest Changes to the SOM? Tags 325 and 371
On September 1, 2008, changes within Appendix PP of the State Operations Manual become effective. The changes involve deleting F326 and incorporating that tag's guidance into F325 and deleting F370 and incorporating it into F371. However, the changes are voluminous compared to what exists now. You may find the changes here, comprising 58 pages. The old sections are here and here. The changes concern nutrition, therapeutic diets, approved food sources and food sanitation. Be ready. … [Read more...] about Are You Ready for the Latest Changes to the SOM? Tags 325 and 371
Medicare Raises Nursing Home Payments; Part D Costs Lower Than Expected
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that payment rates for nursing homes will increase by $780 million next year. (Source) The payment increase (3.4 percent) is the result of a recalibration of the annual market basket calculation. CMS acting administrator Kerry Weems said CMS was "committed to providing high quality care to those in skilled nursing facilities and to paying those facilities properly for that care" and assures that CMS will continue evaluating … [Read more...] about Medicare Raises Nursing Home Payments; Part D Costs Lower Than Expected
Information Letters: Claim Cutoff Dates, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued ten information letters between August 1st through the 14th: Home Delivered Meals Rate Setting Procedures for Federal Fiscal Year 2009 (two-page letter) Changes to the Quality Assurance Fee Program for ICF/MR Providers (three-page letter) Wheelchair Requests for Nursing Facility Residents (two-page letter) Cutoff Dates for Miscellaneous Claims and Year-end Closeout Processing (two-page letter) Cutoff Dates for … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Claim Cutoff Dates, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the August 1 of the Texas Register: Public Hearings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will conduct a public hearing on August 18, 2008, at 1:30 p.m. to receive public comment on the proposed increase in Medicaid payment rates for seven procedure codes, including Breast Brachytherapy and THSteps Therapeutic Dental Services. Follow this link and scroll down to read each entry. Proposed Rules On behalf of the Department of … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates, Etc.
Information Letters: Verification of Nurse Licensure, Etc.
On July 22, 30 and 31, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released six information letters: Verification of Nurse Licensure with the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) for Community Services Providers/Health Plan Organizations DADS informed Community Based Alternatives, Home and Community Support Services Agencies, Consolidated Waiver Programs, Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, State of Texas Access Reform Plus, and Integrated Care Management that … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Verification of Nurse Licensure, Etc.
U.S. Hospitals Deporting Illegal Aliens?
The New York Times (via Kaiser Network) featured an article last Sunday about how U.S. hospitals are deporting uninsured illegal aliens, sending them back to their home countries for continued medical care. U.S. nursing homes are unwilling to take uninsured illegal aliens as patients, and Medicaid does not cover long-term care for them. Medicaid does cover a small portion of emergency services, however. According to federal law, hospitals that receive Medicare funds must transfer or refer … [Read more...] about U.S. Hospitals Deporting Illegal Aliens?
Information Letters: DADS Community Programs Rate Increase, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released five information letters: Payment Rates for DADS Community Programs DADS informed Community Service Providers that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has approved a rate increase to recognize the impact of the increase in the federal minimum wage on certain provider types, effective August 1, 2008. The rates are posted on the HHSC Rate Analysis website. Download the letter and seven-page … [Read more...] about Information Letters: DADS Community Programs Rate Increase, Etc.
The Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act of 2008
Congress is considering the Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act of 2008, which make pre-admission arbitration agreements invalid and unenforceable. The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Commercial Law and Administrative Law just approved the bill and refused amendments which would prevent it from being applied retroactively, among other things. Specifically, the bill: ...requires that agreements to arbitrate nursing home disputes be made after the dispute has arisen and not at the time … [Read more...] about The Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act of 2008
