Will Texas withdraw from the Medicaid program? If you believe the news reports, it's a possibility. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is preparing a report on how ending the program would effect the state, due to be released between now and January. (Source) According to the Dallas Morning News, around three million currently uninsured Texans would be eligible for Medicaid under the health care reform law. Republicans said they will try to weaken the law to render it basically … [Read more...] about Texas May Withdraw from Medicaid
Midterm Elections and Health Care Reform
Yesterday, the Republicans regained control of the U.S. House of Representatives, capturing 60+ seats and gaining at least six seats in the U.S. Senate. Republicans also won key governor races across the country. How do these state and national results affect providers? Republican victors have vowed to repeal President Barack Obama's health care reform law, an almost impossible task given the Democratic Senate and White House. From Kaiser Health News: While unable to overturn the federal … [Read more...] about Midterm Elections and Health Care Reform
IRS Defers Requirement on Reporting Health Plan Coverage Costs
On October 12, 2010, the IRS released a draft Form W-2 for employers for 2011. Employers use Form W-2 to report wages and employee tax withholding. The IRS also announced that it will defer the requirement that employers report the cost of coverage under an employer-sponsored group health plan. Therefore, employer reporting of coverage costs is optional for 2011. The deferral allows employers additional time to make changes to their payroll systems or procedures in preparation for compliance … [Read more...] about IRS Defers Requirement on Reporting Health Plan Coverage Costs
New CMS Survey Memo Addresses Point of Care Devices and Infection Control in Nursing Homes
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently released a survey memorandum regarding point of care testing in nursing homes. Specifically, the memorandum addresses the practice of using a blood glucose meter or other point of care device for more than one resident. Such devices must be properly cleaned and disinfected after use with each resident. Finger stick devices may not be used for more than one resident. Improper or non-cleaning of point of care devices such as blood glucose … [Read more...] about New CMS Survey Memo Addresses Point of Care Devices and Infection Control in Nursing Homes
IRS Posts FAQ on Medical Resident FICA Program
In March 2010, the Internal Revenue Service announced that it would accept the position that medical residents are excepted from FICA taxes based on the student exception for tax periods ending before April 1, 2005. At that time, the IRS began contacting hospitals and universities, as well as medical residents, who filed FICA (social security and Medicare tax) refund claims for these periods with more information and procedures. The IRS announcement came after several cases litigating the … [Read more...] about IRS Posts FAQ on Medical Resident FICA Program
TX Register Updates: Nov. 4 STAR+PLUS Hearing
The following information was obtained from the October 29 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC intends to submit amendments to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, which would amend the payment methodology for inpatient hospital services to rebase the payment division standard dollar amounts and diagnosis related group factors with more recent cost data. HHSC will hold a public hearing on November 4, 2010 from 10-11 a.m. to receive comments on the proposed amendment … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Nov. 4 STAR+PLUS Hearing
This Should Concern You
Although this story regards TYC, it should concern those of you who are subjected to hearings through DADS. A jury in Travis County has found that an ALJ whistleblower was unlawfully terminated after he participated in investigations uncovering wrongdoing by other ALJ's in his department. It appears that ALJ's employed by TYC were pressured to render particular decisions. Moreover, in one case an ALJ COACHED a police officer in how to "manipulate testimony to insure a youth would have his … [Read more...] about This Should Concern You
HCSSA Information Letter and MDS News Alert
In a letter to CBA HCSSA and ICM 1915(c) Waiver HCSSA agencies, DADS informed these providers they must follow the procedures outlined in IL 2008-80, Implementation of Dental Services as a CBA Service Category, when submitting dental requests to the DADS case manager. HCSSAs must submit the following required documentation to the DADS case manager: Form 3671-J, Dental Services - Proposed Treatment Plan; Form 3671-H, Dental Services; Form 3672, Medicare/Medicaid/Third-Party … [Read more...] about HCSSA Information Letter and MDS News Alert
TX Register Updates: November 8-9 Hearings
The following information was obtained from the October 22 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC will hold a public hearing will conduct a public hearing on November 8, 2010, at 9 a.m. to receive public comment on proposed Youth Empowerment Services Waiver program rates for Out-of-Home Respite provided in a Texas Department of Family and Protective Services General Residential Operation licensed to provide emergency care services. HHSC will hold a pubic hearing on November 9, … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: November 8-9 Hearings
TX Council on Children and Families Hearing
The Texas Council on Children and Families will hold a public hearing tomorrow, October 21, to receive comment on on the Draft Recommendations by Council Regarding Child Welfare. Though no time is listed in the notice, the hearing will take place at 1100 W. 49th Street, Moreton Building, Boardroom Conference Room M739, Austin, Texas. Contact Sherri Hammack, Lead Program Staff, at (512) 420-2858 or sherri.hammack@hhsc.state.tx.us. … [Read more...] about TX Council on Children and Families Hearing
