CBA, CLASS, MDCP, PHC, CAS, FC, and CDSA: Providers in Regions 3 and 7 required to use the EVV system: From August 16, 2012 through October 15, 2012, DADS will accept paper timesheets as backup to EVV to document attendant time worked. (Letter) -- DBMD Stakeholder Quarterly Scan Call will be held on Tuesday, October 23, 2012 from 1-2 p.m. Contact Jennifer Brannan, Lead DBMD Specialist in the IDD Waivers Program Enrollment and Utilization Review: Jennifer.Brannan@dads.state.tx.us -- … [Read more...] about IL & News Alerts: EVV Update, 10/23 Scan Call
TX Register Updates: 10/23 Hearing, Advisory Committees
The following information was obtained from the October 5 issue of the Texas Register. Public Hearing and Notice HHSC will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, October 23, 2012, at 9 a.m. to receive public comment on proposed rates for hospice routine home, continuous home, inpatient respite, and general inpatient care. The hearing will take place in the Lone Start Conference Room. HHSC intends to submit to CMS a request to renew the Non-emergency Medical Transportation waiver program. For … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 10/23 Hearing, Advisory Committees
Feds to States: Expand Medicaid Now, Reverse Later
Texas is one of several states whose governors say they will not expand Medicaid to implement the new health care reform law. Although the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the law, the court gave states the option to expand Medicaid. Naturally, the federal government seeks to give reluctant states an incentive to expand. From the New York Times: Citing [the U.S. Supreme Court] decision, Cindy Mann, the federal official in charge of Medicaid, said, "A state may choose whether and when to expand, and if … [Read more...] about Feds to States: Expand Medicaid Now, Reverse Later
DADS News Alerts: 10/1 Agenda, 11/1 Meeting
-- Available: Agenda for ALF Stakeholder Meeting to be held on October 1, 2012 in Austin. -- Available: Revised Form 5035 - Request for Exception to Service Limit for the HCS Program -- To HCS and TxHmL: SSAS workshops for these providers previously scheduled for November 2012, have been postponed to February 2013. -- Laura Buckner of the University of Texas Center for Disability Studies will conduct an "Overview & Philosophy of Person Centered Thinking" training. See the news … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: 10/1 Agenda, 11/1 Meeting
TX Register Updates: Family Planning Changes
The following information was obtained from the September 28 issue of the Texas Register. HHSC adopted amendments to §355.8581, Reimbursement Methodology for Family Planning Services; and the repeal of §355.8582, Medical Services; §355.8583, Elective Sterilization; and §355.8584, Maximum Rates and Specific Codes. The changes eliminate policy language and outdated cross references and add reimbursement languages. See the Texas Register for details. … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Family Planning Changes
ILs and News Alert: CBA Changes
DADS released two information letters. CBA HCSSA: The letter updates the DADS policy regarding the approval of vehicle modifications as adaptive aids for the CBA program and helps ensure vehicle modifications are cost effective. (Letter) CBA: An excerpt: As part of a broader ongoing effort to provide more flexibility in structuring contracts this Information Letter (IL) addresses a specific concern raised by providers of Community Based Alternatives (CBA) waiver services. CBA … [Read more...] about ILs and News Alert: CBA Changes
TX Register Updates: Texas Medical Board Changes
***Providers and others can search issues of the Texas Register going back to 1976.*** The following information was obtained from the September 21 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notices HHSC adopted new per diem reimbursement rates for FY 2013, effective September 1, 2012: Pediatric Care Facility Special Reimbursement: $226.66 Large State-Operated ICF/IID Services, Large State-Operated ICF/IID Facilities - Medicaid Only clients: Adopted interim daily rate: $656.00 Large … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Texas Medical Board Changes
Partial Medicaid Expansion?
The Wall Street Journal published a story on how some states might partially expand Medicaid under the new health care reform law, rather than implementing a complete overhaul. Will Texas join these states? Governor Rick Perry said Texas won't expand the Medicaid program or set up state insurance exchanges. Indiana, New Mexico and Wisconsin are among the states asking the federal government to let them omit from the Medicaid expansion residents whose incomes put them just above the poverty … [Read more...] about Partial Medicaid Expansion?
PL/News Alerts: Form 2021 Update, 10/4 Webinar
HCSSAs: The letter serves as notice that DADS Form 2021 - License Application has been revised to include "Change of Information" on page 20. (Letter) -- DADS will provide joint training for HCSSAs and DADS staff to address the 10 most common deficiencies and violations of federal and state law. Go to this link to submit feedback by September 26, 2012. -- DADS will hold a webinar on October 4, 2012, from 1-2 p.m. on "Decreasing Inappropriate Use of Anti-psychotic Medications in the … [Read more...] about PL/News Alerts: Form 2021 Update, 10/4 Webinar
TX Register: Agencies on Aging, HSL Changes
The following information was obtained from the September 14 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notice The 28 area agencies on aging (7-page PDF) seek qualified entities to provide Congregate Meals, Home Delivered Meals, Transportation, Personal Assistance, and other services. See the Texas Register for details. Proposed Rules HHSC proposed to amend §354.1001, Claim Information Requirements, and §354.1121, Definitions, which would require the claim to include the name and associated … [Read more...] about TX Register: Agencies on Aging, HSL Changes
