Senator Bob Dole has gone high-tech. Every Monday, he hosts a podcast called Success: The Benefits of the New Medicare Drug Plan, with interviews from Medicare beneficiaries signed up for the new prescription drug program. (Medical News Today) According to the site, there are 70+ days remaining until the enrollment period starts for Medicare Part D. Dole’s podcast is apparently designed to encourage beneficiaries to enroll. He said, “Now is the time for seniors to learn about their … [Read more...] about Bob Dole Hosts Weekly Medicare Podcast
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Limits; Patients Rights
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will submit Amendment Number 747 to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance. From the September 8 Texas Register: Amendment 747 revises the methodology used by the State to estimate the Medicaid Upper Payment Limit (UPL) for hospital inpatient services. The UPL is the federal limit on Medicaid payments to a group of hospitals and is determined under Federal regulations as a reasonable estimate of the amount that would be paid for the … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Limits; Patients Rights
CMS Chief to Resign
Mark McClellan, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), is resigning. McClellen had been CMS chief since March 2004. According to Medical News Today, McClellan is headed to the conservative think tank, American Enterprise Institute. McClellan, born right here in Austin, Texas, oversaw the launch of Medicare's new prescription drug program, Medicare Part D. He is a medical doctor who's served in the federal government since the late 1990s. He is the brother … [Read more...] about CMS Chief to Resign
Pharmaceutical Association Accused of Medicare Conflict of Interest
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) has been accused of unethical behavior by "political officials." (Medical News Today) PhRMA is alleged to have given money to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for an advertising campaign praising politicians who voted for Medicare Part D, the new prescription drug program. Quoting the AP, Medical News Today reports that Eric Wohlschlegel, spokesman for the Chamber of Commerce, said his agency paid for the ads but didn't say whether … [Read more...] about Pharmaceutical Association Accused of Medicare Conflict of Interest
Provider Medicare Payments To Be Withheld
In order to move $5.2 billion from the closing fiscal year to the new one, beginning October 1, the federal government will not send providers Medicare reimbursements until after that date. Providers will be paid in full but won't receive interest on the delayed payments. According to Herb Kuhn, director of the Center for Medicare Management at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), providers have not complained to his agency about the so-called Medicare holiday. Providers may … [Read more...] about Provider Medicare Payments To Be Withheld
Disaster Preparation At TexasOnline
Hopefully this hurricane season won't be as devastating as the last, but it's good to be prepared. Texas providers (and all residents) should visit the disaster preparation resource page at TexasOnline to stay up-to-date on current news and tips. You'll find links to organizations and agencies that specialize in preparing for disasters, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency and American Red Cross. There are links to state and local government agencies and organizations, and … [Read more...] about Disaster Preparation At TexasOnline
Provider Letters: Permanency Planning and Non-Emergency Ambulance Transportation
Effective September 1, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability (DADS) must delegate "the development of a permanency plan to a mental retardation authority (MRA), to a private entity other than an entity providing long-term institutional care, or to DADS personnel" for an individual under 22 receiving services or seeking admission to an institution. DADS will delegate the responsibilities to the local mental retardation authority where the individual or his legally authorized … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: Permanency Planning and Non-Emergency Ambulance Transportation
Texas Register Publishes Changes to Medicaid Managed Care and Other Services
Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has adopted new rules that affect various provisions of Chapter 353 Medicaid Managed Care. The following rules are amended (from the August 25 Texas Register): §353.2, Definitions; §353.3, Experience Rebate in the Managed Care Program; §353.403, Enrollment; §353.405, Marketing; §353.407, Requirements of Health Maintenance Organizations; §353.409, Scope of Services; §353.411, Accessibility of Services; §353.413, Managed Care Benefits and … [Read more...] about Texas Register Publishes Changes to Medicaid Managed Care and Other Services
OIG Releases Report on Nursing Homes’ Response to Hurricanes
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the U.S. Department Health and Human Services has released a report titled, "Nursing Home Emergency Preparedness and Response During Recent Hurricanes." OIG reviewed 20 nursing homes for the study. According to the report, 94 percent of nursing homes met government guidelines for emergency plans, and 80 percent met guidelines for sufficient emergency training in 2004-2005. However, nursing homes didn't always follow the plans. For example, 5 of the … [Read more...] about OIG Releases Report on Nursing Homes’ Response to Hurricanes
Georgia’s $100,000 Medicaid Estate Exemption Fails
Citing the figure as "somewhat excessive," the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services rejected Georgia's attempt to raise the state's Medicaid estate recovery exemption from $25,000 to $100,000. (Medical News Today) To offset the costs of nursing home care, states are required by federal law to recover money from a beneficiary's estate. Current Georgia law exempts the first $25,000. For more information, visit on Medicaid estate recovery in Texas, visit the estate recovery program … [Read more...] about Georgia’s $100,000 Medicaid Estate Exemption Fails