The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released three new information letters: Revised Coordination and Notification Process for Vocational Rehabilitation and Supported Employment Services DADS informed Home and Community-based Services Program Providers, Texas Home Living Program Providers, Community Living and Support Services Program Providers, Deaf Blind and Multiple Disabilities Program Providers, Executive Directors of Mental Retardation Authorities, … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Vocational Rehab, Medicaid Hospice, Etc.
More Fraud Found in Private Sector Managed Care Plans?
The Kaiser Network recently highlighted a story from the Wall Street Journal about fraud in private sector Medicare and Medicaid managed care plans. (Kaiser Network) In the 1990s, the federal government moved more Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries to managed care plans in the private sector to reduce costs. Although some believed the private sector would have incentives to conduct business ethically and prevent fraud, others believe a new kind of fraud has cropped up. An excerpt: The … [Read more...] about More Fraud Found in Private Sector Managed Care Plans?
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates
The following information was obtained from the March 14 issue of the Texas Register: Open Meetings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a hearing on Medicaid payment rates for various procedure codes, including Lung Volume Reduction and eye surgery. The hearing will be held on March 31, 2008, at 1:30 p.m. in the Lone Star Conference Room of the Health and Human Services Commission, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Blvd, Austin, Texas. Visit the … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates
Information Letters: Relocation Contractors, COLA Rate Changes
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued three new information letters: Clarification of Roles and Responsibilities for Relocation Contractors in the ICM Program Service Areas – DADS issued a three-page letter to Integrated Care Management Providers and DADS Relocation Contractors in the ICM Program Service Areas about these contractors' roles and responsibilities in the program. Download the letter for more information. Consumer Directed Services Town Hall … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Relocation Contractors, COLA Rate Changes
Texas Register Updates: Hearing on External/Internal Assessment, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the March 7 issue of the Texas Register: Open Meetings The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) will hold a public hearing to receive comments about the External/Internal Assessment, which will be included in the Texas Health and Human Service System Strategic Plan for Fiscal Year (FY) 2009-2013. The hearing will take place on Tuesday, March 18, 2008, at 4:00 p.m., in the Winters Building Public Hearing Room at 701 W. 51st … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Hearing on External/Internal Assessment, Etc.
Republicans Propose ‘Significant’ Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid
In an effort to retain tax cuts and tax breaks proposed by President George W. Bush, congressional Republicans have proposed a fiscal year 2009 budget that would cut Medicare and Medicaid spending. (Kaiser Network) In anticipation of the Bush administration's tax cuts expiring at the end of 2010, Democrats have proposed a budget of $3 trillion to fund domestic programs. Yesterday, both sides of the aisle began debating competing budget proposals. In other Medicaid news, a hospital … [Read more...] about Republicans Propose ‘Significant’ Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid
Information and Provider Letters: Nursing Services, Facilities
In response to stakeholder concerns about the implementation of Family Council Provisions in SB 131, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued a provider letter to Nursing Facilities with an attached list of questions and answers. You may download the five-page letter and attachment here. DADS also released three information letters: Nursing Services Billing – DADS informed Community Living Assistance and Support Services Providers that it has implemented an … [Read more...] about Information and Provider Letters: Nursing Services, Facilities
Texas Register Updates: Rescheduled Hearing, Correction Notice
The following information was obtained from the February 22 and February 29 editions of the Texas Register: Open Meetings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) issued a correction to a public hearing notice on proposed Medicaid payment rates. The previous notice of a hearing on Stereotactic Radiosurgery procedure codes listed an incorrect effective date. The correct effective date is April 1, 2008. The hearing has been rescheduled from February 29, 2008, to March 18, 2008, … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Rescheduled Hearing, Correction Notice
House Seeks to Expand SCHIP Through Budget Reconciliation Bill
Although President George W. Bush twice vetoed bills that would have expanded the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), Democrats in the House of Representatives are still trying to find ways to expand the program. (Kaiser Network) Last week, Charles Rangel, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, said the House budget reconciliation bill would include provisions to expand SCHIP and stop a 10 percent Medicare physician payment reduction. The measure would increase SCHIP … [Read more...] about House Seeks to Expand SCHIP Through Budget Reconciliation Bill
GAO Says Medicare Advantage Plans Can Cost More Than Traditional Medicare
According to a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans can cost more than traditional Medicare for certain services like home health care, nursing homes, and certain hospital stays. (Kaiser Network) Under MA plans, the government pays a subsidy to private insurance companies to offer such plans, whose purpose is to keep premiums very low. In light of the GAO's findings, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that it will collect … [Read more...] about GAO Says Medicare Advantage Plans Can Cost More Than Traditional Medicare
