According to the Kaiser Network, MedPAC has recommended reducing Medicare reimbursements to home health agencies by 5.5 percent from FY 2009 levels and increasing payments to long term care hospitals and dialysis centers. MedPAC, which advises Congress on Medicare issues, will send a report to the legislative body in March. The report will also contain a recommendation to change home health agency reimbursement rates in 2011 "to account for the average cost of care, develop studies to … [Read more...] about Smaller Reimbursements for Home Health Agencies
Information Letters: Special Purpose License Correction, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued two information letters and two memos from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC): Change in the DAHS and CBA Provider Manuals Relating to Physicians with a Special Purpose License In a letter to Day Activity and Health Services (DAHS), Community Based Alternatives (CBA), and Integrated Care Management (ICM) Waiver Services providers, DADS notified them of a correction to the DAHS provider manual under … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Special Purpose License Correction, Etc.
Medicare Advantage and Part D Under Obama
Last summer, President George W. Bush vetoed a bill that would have halted a 10.6 percent Medicare physicians pay cut. Democrats proposed to reduce payments to Medicare Advantage (MA) plans to fund the physicians pay cut. President Bush reportedly vetoed the bill because it would "harm beneficiaries by taking private health plan options away from them" and urged Congress to send him a bill "that reduces the growth in Medicare spending, increases competition and efficiency, implements … [Read more...] about Medicare Advantage and Part D Under Obama
Texas Register Updates: Hearing Aid Services Changes, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the November 28 issue of the Texas Register: Adopted Rules The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) adopted amendments to §354.1231, Benefits and Limitations; §354.1233, Requirements for Hearing Aid Services; and §354.1235, Requirements for Provider Participation, in Title 1, Part 15. The new rules better align Medicaid rules with current hearing aid technology and standards of care and clarify the rule content. See the relevant … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Hearing Aid Services Changes, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates, Texas Medical Board Rules
The following information was obtained from the October 31 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public hearing on November 17, 2008, at 1:30 p.m., to receive public comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for maternity service clinics, in the Lone Star Conference Room of HHSC, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin, Texas. HHSC will hold a public rate hearing on November 21, 2008, … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates, Texas Medical Board Rules
CMS Announces Electronic Prescribing System
As the stereotype goes, physicians' handwriting is notoriously illegible. Last week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a new electronic prescribing system designed to eliminate medication errors caused by people misreading handwritten prescriptions. (Source) Kerry Weems, CMS acting administrator said "more than 1.5 million Americans are injured every year by drug errors. E-prescribing lets providers know—up front—their patients’ medication history and the … [Read more...] about CMS Announces Electronic Prescribing System
Providers and Insurers Battle Over Payments
The Los Angeles Times concludes a three-part series on the health insurance system with an article that highlights the friction between providers and insurance companies. Collecting what's owed can get expensive, as any business owner can attest. But when insurance companies delay and/or deny payments, it can effect patient care. The Times found that consolidation of insurance companies has "created de facto monopolies," which makes collection even more difficult. The top 10 insurance … [Read more...] about Providers and Insurers Battle Over Payments
Texas Register Updates: TANF Changes, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the September 19 issue of the Texas Register: Proposed Rules The Texas Medical Board has proposed amendments to nine sections of the rules, including Medical Records, Authority of Physicians to Buy Drugs, Complaints, and Investigations. Follow this link and scroll down to read each entry. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) proposed to amend §97.3, concerning license fees; §97.17, concerning application procedures for a … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: TANF Changes, Etc.
CMS Reports Pay-for-Performance Pilot Success
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced last week that a pilot pay-for-performance program, which pays doctors based on quality of care, has lowered costs "in some cases" and improved quality of care for patients with congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and diabetes. According to CMS, four of the 10 groups participating in the program reduced costs to patients and CMS spending by $17.4 million. Kerry Weems, acting administrator for CMS, said, "We are … [Read more...] about CMS Reports Pay-for-Performance Pilot Success
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the August 1 of the Texas Register: Public Hearings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will conduct a public hearing on August 18, 2008, at 1:30 p.m. to receive public comment on the proposed increase in Medicaid payment rates for seven procedure codes, including Breast Brachytherapy and THSteps Therapeutic Dental Services. Follow this link and scroll down to read each entry. Proposed Rules On behalf of the Department of … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates, Etc.