It's no surprise that the home health care industry is growing, as seniors choose to "age in place" at home instead of in nursing homes. Home health care is a long term health care option with huge growth potential, as the Baby Boom generation enters retirement. Demand for home health care will increase, but right now, the wages don't match the demand. That likely will change in the coming years. These days, home health care workers do more than provide basic services. An excerpt … [Read more...] about Long Term Care in Home Health
Long Term Care Providers and the Election
To say that long term care providers will be impacted by the presidential election two months away is an understatement. The political parties have different philosophies and approaches to Medicaid and Medicare, and whoever ends up in the White House will seek to push through his priorities. The New York Times reports on the health care law and the election. An excerpt: To fulfill the law's goal of near-universal coverage, the president envisions adding as many as 17 million people to the … [Read more...] about Long Term Care Providers and the Election
TX Register Updates: 9/13 Hearing, Medicare Equalization
The following information was obtained from the August 31 issue of the Texas Register: DADS will hold a public hearing on Thursday, September 13, 2012, at 10 a.m. on the Long-Term Care Plan for ICFs/MR. The hearing will be held in the Public Hearing Room, 701 W. 51st, Austin. See the Texas Register for contact information. HHSC intends to submit Transmittal Number 12-035 to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, which would exempt emergency ambulance transports and … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 9/13 Hearing, Medicare Equalization
Certification and Recertification by Physicians for Extended Care Services
In skilled nursing facilities, in accordance with CMS manual guidance, CMS will only make payment for covered post-hospital extended care services if a physician makes the required certification and, where applicable, the required re-certification regarding the services furnished. Skilled nursing facilities are responsible for obtaining the required physician certification and recertification statements. Such certification must clearly note that that post-hospital inpatient extended … [Read more...] about Certification and Recertification by Physicians for Extended Care Services
IL/PL and News Alerts: West Nile Virus, Upcoming Sessions
DADS released an information letter and a provider letter: Most providers, including ADC, AL, CMPAS, DBMD, Hospice, NF, and TxHmL: DADS alerted these providers to increased incident rates of the West Nile virus in Texas, its symptoms, and how to avoid it. (Letter) ICF/IID: DADS attached the answers to frequently asked questions from providers and stakeholders. An excerpt: Criminal History Checks Q: I conduct searches and review the criminal history reports of all job applicants. … [Read more...] about IL/PL and News Alerts: West Nile Virus, Upcoming Sessions
Skilled NF Pay-for-Performance, Home Care Growth
In 2009, we blogged about CMS's cash incentive program to improve quality of care in nursing homes. CMS asked Arizona, Mississippi, New York, and Wisconsin to participate. Facilities with the highest scores as well as the greatest performance would receive performance payment. McKnight's reports that after four years, results are mixed (apparently Mississippi chose not to participate). CMS released a report about the program's first-year results. An excerpt: Although the demonstration is … [Read more...] about Skilled NF Pay-for-Performance, Home Care Growth
Texas Medicaid Chief on Supreme Court Decision
As we blogged last week, Government Rick Perry went on record to say Texas will not expand Medicaid to accommodate the Affordable Care Act. He also said the state won't set up insurance exchanges. Bill Millwee, the director of the Texas Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance programs, agreed that the new law will be financially difficult for the state, as uninsured individuals not enrolled in Medicaid are required enroll in some kind of coverage by 2014. Millwee, who is retiring in August, … [Read more...] about Texas Medicaid Chief on Supreme Court Decision
TX Register Updates: July 18 Hearings, DAHS Changes
The following information was obtained from the July 29 issue of the Texas Register. Public Hearings HHSC will hold a public hearing on July 18, 2012, at 1 p.m. to receive comment on proposed payment rates DAHS in the CBA and MDCP waiver programs. At 2 p.m., HHSC will hear public comment on proposed rates under foster care redesign for Single Source Continuum Contractors that provide services in the 24-Hour Residential Child Care program. The hearings will be held in the Lone Star … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: July 18 Hearings, DAHS Changes
Kaiser Webcast, Supreme Court Aftermath
Kaiser News Network posted a video webcast about the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to uphold the health care reform law. What does the court decision mean for Texas? From the Texas Tribune: In the wake of Thursday's U.S. Supreme Court ruling upholding federal health reform, Texas has two big choices to make: whether to accept federal funds to expand Medicaid, and whether to roll out a consumer marketplace for comparing and purchasing insurance coverage. While the Supreme Court found the … [Read more...] about Kaiser Webcast, Supreme Court Aftermath
TX Register Updates: NorthSTAR Correction, Dual Eligibles
The following information was obtained from the June 22 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notice Correction A notice in the June 8, 2012, issue incorrectly stated that an amendment changed the NorthSTAR behavioral health program enrollment period from 30 days to 15 days. The correct period is from 45 days to 15 days. See the Texas Register for details. Withdrawn Rules HHSC withdraws the emergency new §355.8201 and §355.8202, which appeared in the January 20, 2012, issue, effective … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: NorthSTAR Correction, Dual Eligibles
