Democrats on Capitol Hill are continuing their efforts to increase prescription drug regulation by introducing measures to expand the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) authority “by requiring drug approvals to be paired with programs to manage risk once they reach the market.†(Source) One issue of contention is whether to use the user-fee agreement between the FDA and drug companies to implement these changes. The user-fee agreement will expire this year. Wall Street Journal … [Read more...] about Democratic Seek to Increase Prescription Drug Regulation
Provider Letter: Joint Training Survey Announcement
In a new provider letter, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has asked assisted living facilities to complete a survey about their needs and preferences for future joint training courses. DADS offers courses to assisted living providers “related to common deficiencies and violations†and other topics of interest. To participate in the survey, follow this link. You may view the course offerings here and download the provider letter here. … [Read more...] about Provider Letter: Joint Training Survey Announcement
Increased Medicare Reimbursements for Long Term Care Hospitals?
Last week, the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed a 0.71 percent increase in standard Medicare reimbursement rates for long-term care hospitals for 2008. According to CMS, the rule would “assure appropriate payment for services by long-term acute care hospitals…to severely ill or medically complex patients, while providing incentives for more efficient care for Medicare beneficiaries.†Interested parties may comment on the proposed rule over the next 60 days, … [Read more...] about Increased Medicare Reimbursements for Long Term Care Hospitals?
Cost of Medicare Part D Lower Than Expected
According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the cost of Medicare Part D over 10 years will be $265 billion less than estimated last August. (Source) The Medicare prescription drug benefit will cost $38 billion this year and $675 billion from 2007 through 2016. CBO director Peter Orszag (pictured) said the lowered cost estimate is attributed to the "lower-than-expected bids" of prescription drug plans. "The bids are coming in, and the pricing is coming in better than anticipated, … [Read more...] about Cost of Medicare Part D Lower Than Expected
Texas Register: Adopted and Proposed Reimbursement Rates
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) announced newly adopted interim per diem reimbursement rates for large, state-operated Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation (ICF/MR), including state schools operated by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services: $345.87 for Medicaid-only clients and $338.59 for dual eligibles. The public hearing was held on November 6, 2006. Mark your calendars for upcoming public hearings for proposed provider … [Read more...] about Texas Register: Adopted and Proposed Reimbursement Rates
Texas Register Updates: Reimbursement Rates for Medicaid Hospital Services
Last year, the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) proposed two amendments to implement a supplemental payment program to private hospitals. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved the proposed amendments. For more information about the amendments, visit the relevant section in the January 19, 2007, Texas Register. Submit written comments within 30 days of publication in the Texas Register to Kevin Niemeyer by telephone at (512) 491-1366, by fax at (512) 491-1998, … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Reimbursement Rates for Medicaid Hospital Services
MedPAC Seeks Medicare Reimbursement Increase
Although President George Bush reversed a proposed cut to physicians’ Medicare reimbursements late last year, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) will lobby Congress to increase reimbursements by about 1.7 percent in 2008. (Source) Reimbursement will be decreased by 10 percent under the present payment system, according to MedPAC, and it will urge Congress to act now. MedPAC will also recommend that Congress freeze 2008 reimbursement increases for long term care facilities … [Read more...] about MedPAC Seeks Medicare Reimbursement Increase
House Approves Medicare Drug Negotiation Bill
Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill that would allow the government to negotiate Medicare prescription drug prices. (Source) If passed by the Senate and signed into law by the president, the Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act of 2007 would nullify the part of Medicare Part D law that prohibits the government from negotiating drug prices. As expected, it was a party line vote, with mostly Democrats voting in favor of the bill. According to the Washington … [Read more...] about House Approves Medicare Drug Negotiation Bill
Four New Provider Letters
Submission of the Hospice Election Form 3071 and Physician Certification of Terminal Illness Form 3074 The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) informed Medicaid hospice providers that it has updated its list of regional contacts for hospice election and certification forms to Community Services, Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership, and Health and Human Services Commission Medicaid Eligibility staff. For more information, download the letter and attached list of … [Read more...] about Four New Provider Letters
Texas Register Updates: Sanctions, Health Passport, and SSI Gap
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has proposed a new rule titled, “Internet Posting of Sanctions Imposed For Contractual Violations.†Among other things, the rule would outline HHSC’s authority to impose sanctions on Medicaid Managed Care Organization’s that do not comply with contractual terms. This information would be posted on HHSC’s web site. Submit written comments to the following: Gilbert Estrada, Policy Analyst Medicaid/CHIP Division Texas … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Sanctions, Health Passport, and SSI Gap
