The following information was obtained from the June 25 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC has proposed and adopted Medicaid payment rates for contracts not participating in the Attendant Compensation Rate Enhancement (the Enhancement) and the attendant compensation base rate for contracts participating in the Enhancement for non-state operated ICF/MR residential services and day habilitation services. HHSC also proposed new per diem reimbursement rates for the non-state … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: June 25 Issue
Number of Doctors Refusing Medicare Patients Growing
We wanted to point you to another news story about the growing number of doctors who no longer accept Medicare patients. An excerpt from USA Today: Recent surveys by national and state medical societies have found more doctors limiting Medicare patients, partly because Congress has failed to stop an automatic 21% cut in payments that doctors already regard as too low. The cut went into effect Friday, even as the Senate approved a six-month reprieve. The House has approved a different bill. • … [Read more...] about Number of Doctors Refusing Medicare Patients Growing
Texas Register Update and DADS News Alerts:
The following item appeared in the June 18 issue of the Texas Register: HHSC intends to submit to CMS a request for an amendment to the CBA waiver program, which would add more slots to the waiver program, document the use of Individual Responsibility Agreements, and update terminology throughout the waiver application. For copies and questions, contact Christine Longoria by mail at Texas Health and Human Services Commission, P.O. Box 85200, mail code H-620, Austin, Texas 78708-5200, phone … [Read more...] about Texas Register Update and DADS News Alerts:
Provider and Information Letters: NFs, HCS, ICF/MR, Etc.
DADS released one provider and three information letters: NFs: DADS will begin using Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 for all MDS assessments with an Assessment Reference Date, Entry Date, or Discharge Date of October 1, 2010 or later, in accordance with CMS requirements, effective October 1, 2010. (Letter) HCS and ICF/MR: HHSC adopted amendments to Title 1 of the TAC §355.457 and §355.722 to limit the ICF/MR and HCS fiscal accountability system to services delivered on or before August … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: NFs, HCS, ICF/MR, Etc.
Healthcare Providers and the “Red Flags” Rule: A Reprieve?
McKnights Long-Term Care News is reporting that a "stipulation in principle" has been reached with the FTC to temporarily exempt healthcare providers from the rule. In an earlier article, McKnights noted that the FTC has moved the compliance date of the rule to January 2, 2010. The stipulation may arise from the fact that medical groups have sued the FTC seeking the exemption on the basis that the rule "exceeds the powers delegated to it by Congress and that its application to physicians is … [Read more...] about Healthcare Providers and the “Red Flags” Rule: A Reprieve?
Texas Tries to Block Health Care Reform Law
"The health care vote had more to do with expanding socialism on American soil than it does fixing our health care finance and delivery systems," Governor Rick Perry said about the health care reform law. "Texas leaders will continue to do everything in our power to fight this federal excess and find ways to protect our families, taxpayers and medical providers from this gross federal overreach." (Source) Texas is one of 21 states suing to block the new health care reform law from taking … [Read more...] about Texas Tries to Block Health Care Reform Law
Texas Register: STAR+PLUS, DBMD Program Changes3143,
The following was obtained from the June 11 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC intends to submit Transmittal Number 10-025, Amendment Number 918, to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, which would clarify the methodology for renal dialysis reimbursement, effective July 1, 2010. HHSC also published a correction to a STAR+PLUS program notice published in the May 28, 2010, issue of the Texas Register. The correct … [Read more...] about Texas Register: STAR+PLUS, DBMD Program Changes3143,
Information Letters: Direct Service Provider Choice, R&S Reports
DADS released two information letters: HCS: DADS notified these providers of the language included in the adoption proposal of HSC's rule about an individual's freedom of choice of direct service providers. An excerpt: §9.177. Certification Principles: Staff Member and Service Provider Requirements. (b) The program provider must employ or contract with a person or entity of the individual's or Legally Authorized Representative's (LARs) choice in accordance with this subsection. (1) … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Direct Service Provider Choice, R&S Reports
Physicians Seek Injunction Against Health Care Reform Law
Under the new health care reform law, physician-owned hospitals face limitations. According to Investors.com, a physician-owned hospital that seeks to expand must, among other things, apply to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services only once every two years, and it must wait for a period of time for community input. Additionally, the hospital's bed occupancy rate can't exceed the state average. Opponents of physician-owned hospitals say that doctors may base medical decisions on how … [Read more...] about Physicians Seek Injunction Against Health Care Reform Law
Information Letters: HCS and NFs
DADS released two information letters: Home and Community-based Services providers: DADS notified these providers that HCS Billing Guidelines have been revised to incorporate changes necessary, because of the transition of case management functions to the local authorities, effective date June 1, 2010. (Letter) Nursing Facilities: The letter provides the procedures and examples as an alternative to inactivation for Forms 3618/3619, which are in a "Processed/Complete" status or which … [Read more...] about Information Letters: HCS and NFs
