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DADS News Alerts: Training Sessions, Manual Updates

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Since our last update on DADS news alert, the agency has released many more. Beginning on page two, scroll down to see each alert, which includes links to survey web pages, then go forward to the first page for the most recent alerts. A sample of the latest updates: Providers still have time to submit the 2011 Home Health and Hospice Care Nurse Staffing Survey, extended to August 31, 2011. Providers will find materials for Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies at this web site. When … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: Training Sessions, Manual Updates

ILs & PLs: HHA Survey Process, PAS Reminder

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DADS released two provider and two information letters: HSCCAs that provide HHA and L&C Applicants: CMS revised the existing HHA survey process. Among the changes: more emphasis on data collection from staff interviews, clinical records, and home visits. (Letter) ADCs, ALFs, HSCCAs, ICFs/MR, and NFs: Effective September 1, 2011, new convictions for the offenses added by House Bill 2609 prohibit employment in facilities and agencies subject to Health and Safety Code Chapter 250. … [Read more...] about ILs & PLs: HHA Survey Process, PAS Reminder

TX Register Updates: Medicaid Fees

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The following was obtained from the August 19 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC intends to submit amendments to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, which would modify the reimbursement methodologies and reduce Medicaid fees as detailed below: Birthing Centers: 5 percent Case Management for Children and Pregnant Women: 5 percent Durable Medical Equipment Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS): various percentages averaging 10.5 percent Early and … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Medicaid Fees

Impact of Medicare Reductions on Texas

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Last month, CMS issued a final rule announcing the reduction of Medicare skill nursing facility Prospective Payment System rates for FY12 by $3.87 billion. (Source) According to Avalere Health, which represents long term care providers, the cuts not only would affect long term care facilities, but would reduce economic activity in the most populous states, which includes Texas ( economic activity loss: $497 million; Medicare revenue loss: $349 million). An excerpt of the press … [Read more...] about Impact of Medicare Reductions on Texas

ILs: Threats to DAHS Facility

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DADS released three information letters. DBMD: HHSC approved new payment rates for Employment Assistance and Supported Employment in the DBMD waiver program, effective September 1, 2011. Access the payment rates here and the two-page letter here. CDSAs: DADS provided CDSAs with information about what they must do to prepare for proposed rate reductions in the HCS program, effective September 1, 2011. An excerpt: Notification of CDS Employers in the HCS Program In conjunction … [Read more...] about ILs: Threats to DAHS Facility

TX Register Updates: Contract, TxHmL Changes

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The following information was obtained from the August 12 issue of the Texas Register: HHSC awarded contract 529-06-0425-00046 RFQ 39 to Health Management Associates, which will produce documents and reports. Total contact value is $41,000. HHSC will hold a public hearing on August 18, 2011, at 1 p.m. to receive comment on payment rate adjustments for the CBA waiver program. HHSC will hold a public hearing on Thursday, September 1, 2011, at 9:30 a.m. to receive public comment on the … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Contract, TxHmL Changes

New Medicaid Cards, Medicare Cuts

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HHSC now requires Medicaid recipients to have proof-of-coverage in the form a plastic card, which replaces proof-of-coverage letters in Texas. The change purportedly will save $30 million over four years. An excerpt: Until this month, the state spent nearly $1 million a month to print and mail paper forms that poor people on Medicaid could take to the doctor’s office as proof they’re enrolled and qualify for coverage. The majority of Texas Medicaid recipients are enrolled in managed-care … [Read more...] about New Medicaid Cards, Medicare Cuts

ILs and PL: Revised Monthly Medicaid Occupancy Report, Claims Cutoff

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DADS released one provider and four information letters. TxHmL, HCS, and MRAs: DADS reminded these providers about the required procedures for submitting a Medicaid application or redetermination packet to the Medicaid Eligibility for the Elderly and People with Disabilities section of HHSC on behalf of an individual. When submitting a Medicaid application or redetermination packet, cover Form H2067, Case Information or H1746-A, MEPD Referral Cover Sheet must be included as described in … [Read more...] about ILs and PL: Revised Monthly Medicaid Occupancy Report, Claims Cutoff

TX Register Updates: CHIP Changes, Nursing Courses

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The following was obtained from the August 5 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notice HHSC intends to submit Amendment 28 to the Texas State Plan for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to ensure that Texas CHIP dental coverage includes dental benefits from each of the required categories of care. See the Texas Register for details. Adopted Rules The Texas Board of Nursing adopted new §217.21, Remedial Education Course Providers and Remedial Education Courses, with … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: CHIP Changes, Nursing Courses