The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has released a provider and an information letter: License Periods and License Renewal Requirements (HCSSAs) [replaces PL 08-06] DADS informed HCSSAs that beginning May 1, 2008, it will transmit license renewal notices, application forms, and license renewal instructions to current licensees at least 120 days prior to expiration of the current license. Contact the Professional and Technical Review Branch of the Licensing and … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: Licensing and Claims Processing
Medicare Physician Reimbursement Cut Delay?
A 10 percent reduction in reimbursements for Medicare physicians could be delayed for 18 months, if Democratic Congressman Max Baucus's plan is successful. (Kaiser Network) Medicare physicians will see their reimbursements cut by 10 percent beginning July 1, 2008. Under Baucus's plan, the cut would be delayed until 2010, and reimbursement rates would be raised by 1.1 percent. He also wants to increase and link reimbursements for primary care physicians (PCP) to quality of care. The … [Read more...] about Medicare Physician Reimbursement Cut Delay?
Information Letters: TILE Transition, Money Follows the Person
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has released two new information letters: TILEs to RUGs Training Information DADS informed Nursing Facility Providers, Hospice Providers, 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 Providers about the transition from Texas Index for Level of Effort … [Read more...] about Information Letters: TILE Transition, Money Follows the Person
Texas Register Updates: Notice Correction, New Per Diem Rates
The following information was obtained from the April 4 issue of the Texas Register: Notices and Public Hearing The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has issued a correction to a public notice about its intent to submit Transmittal Number 08-000, Amendment Number 804, to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act in the February 1, 2008, issue of the Texas Register (33 TexReg 1001). The correct notice reads: HHSC announced … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Notice Correction, New Per Diem Rates
Medicare Advantage Reimbursements to Increase by 3.6 %
Next year, average reimbursements for private Medicare Advantage plans will increase by 3.6 percent, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced on Monday. Last year's increase averaged 3.5 percent. (Associated Press) Approximately 22 percent of Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in the private Medicare program. In related Medicare news, the American Association for Homecare believes CMS should delay implementing a Medicare competitive bidding program for durable … [Read more...] about Medicare Advantage Reimbursements to Increase by 3.6 %
Provider and Information Letters: New Forms, License Periods and Renewals
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released four new provider letters and one information letter: New HCS and TxHmL Forms 3610 and 3611 for Involuntary Termination of the Consumer Directed Services (CDS) Option DADS notified Home and Community-Based Services Providers, Texas Home Living Providers, and Mental Retardation Authorities about the process for an involuntary termination of the CDS option for an individual enrolled in the HCS or TxHmL Waiver Programs … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: New Forms, License Periods and Renewals
CMS Changes Rules To Reduce Medicare Drug Plan Reassignments
On Monday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced new rules that will allow low-income Medicare Part D prescription drug program beneficiaries to remain enrolled in their current plans instead of facing reassignment at the end of the year. The new rules will be effective May 31, 2008. (Source) The new rules apply to beneficiaries eligible for the low-income subsidy under Part D. Under the existing rule, beneficiaries in plans that charge no premium are automatically … [Read more...] about CMS Changes Rules To Reduce Medicare Drug Plan Reassignments
California Medi-Cal Director Failed to Review Physician Reimbursement Rates
According to the Sacramento Bee (via Medical News Today), California has not been complying with a law that requires the Medi-Cal director to review physician reimbursement rates every year. According to Sandra Shewry, director of the California Department of Health Care Services, the 1976 law is obsolete, passed when health care spending "made up a smaller portion of the state budget and the health department made annual recommendations for adjustments in the rates." The review requirement … [Read more...] about California Medi-Cal Director Failed to Review Physician Reimbursement Rates
Texas Register Updates: HSC Waiver Renewal
The following information was obtained from the March 21 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has announced its intent to submit the state's application for a renewal of the Texas Waiver for Home and Community-Based Services (HCS waiver) and Amendment 808, Transmittal Number TX 08-004, to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act. See the relevant section of the Texas Register for details. … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: HSC Waiver Renewal
California Coalition Will File Suit to Stop Medicaid Cuts
As you may recall, the Bush administration has proposed to cut spending on programs like Medicaid, including reducing physician reimbursements. A coalition of local governments and providers in California plans to file a lawsuit to stop these cuts. (Kaiser Network) San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom said that a proposed 10 percent reimbursement reduction could serve as a disincentive to doctors treating patients in Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program. He fears patients will seek treatment … [Read more...] about California Coalition Will File Suit to Stop Medicaid Cuts
