In the past few weeks, we've posted links to bills introduced in the Texas House and Senate that may affect long term care providers. Bill status may change from week to week, so we encourage you to check at least once a week. The following posts contain links to some of these bills: New Legislative Bills Legislative Updates: Bills Introduced … [Read more...] about Reminder: Check Bill Status
Search Results for: house bills
Congress Reauthorizes and Expands SCHIP
Earlier this week, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill that would reauthorize and expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The Kaiser Network reports that the measure passed by a vote of 289 to 139. Children from families with incomes of up to three times the federal poverty level would qualify for SCHIP, a move that likely would cover three million more children. Under the bill, SCHIP would be extended for four-and-a-half years and cost $57.3 million, a … [Read more...] about Congress Reauthorizes and Expands SCHIP
Congress Battles Over Medicare/Medicaid Funding
Although President Bush has proposed to reduce funding to programs like Medicare and Medicaid, both houses of Congress have other plans. Last week, the House of Representatives voted to approve a $3.1 trillion FY 2009 budget that excludes President Bush's proposed Medicare and Medicaid program cuts. (Kaiser Network) Kaiser reports (via the Washington Post) that Democrats may wait until the new administration to pass spending bills to avoid the current president's veto. Meanwhile, Democrats … [Read more...] about Congress Battles Over Medicare/Medicaid Funding
Bush Administration To Shift More Medicaid Costs to States
The Bush administration plans more Medicaid rule changes. Earlier this week, CQ Weekly reported that the administration plans to shift more Medicaid costs to the states, prompted by Government Accountability Office studies that show states have used "questionable" practices to gain more federal dollars. (Kaiser Network) From the report (emphases added): The first regulation, to be issued March 3, would end payments for ancillary services provided under case-management plans. The … [Read more...] about Bush Administration To Shift More Medicaid Costs to States
DADS Letters: Individual Cost Limits, New Convictions
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) informed Community Services Waiver Providers about the increase in individual cost limits for six Medicaid waiver programs operated by DADS. The three-page August 20 letter includes of a breakdown of cost limits for such programs as the Consolidated Waiver Program and the Deaf-Blind with Multiple Disabilities Program. You may download the letter here. In an August 24 provider letter to Assisted Living Facilities, Adult Day Care … [Read more...] about DADS Letters: Individual Cost Limits, New Convictions
National Provider Identifier
A National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a 10-digit number used to identify providers under the 1996 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, there are only 151 days left to comply with the NPI requirement. From the site: If you are a health care provider who bills for services, you probably need an NPI. If you bill Medicare for services, you definitely need an NPI! Getting an NPI is easy. Getting an NPI is … [Read more...] about National Provider Identifier
Publications Archive
News Flashes ArchiveArticles ArchiveSue Bob's Diary ArchiveNews Flashes Archive Understanding the Anatomy of a Level of Need Appeal Posted September 29, 2004 Recent Efforts to Block the New FLSA Rules Posted September 27, 2004 Barbarians At Your Door: Your Business Records and the New Medicaid Fraud RulesPosted June 29, 2004 WORKFORCE LEGAL WATCH - May I PLEASE Peer Into Your Files?Posted March 11, 2004 Congress Withdraws Its Opposition to Proposed DOL Wage and Hour Exemption Posted December 2, … [Read more...] about Publications Archive
From the WAGE AND HOUR Desk
New Ruling on Companionship Exemption Possible, HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS CONTINUE TO BE TARGETED BY DOL, PRIVATE SETTLEMENTS OF WAGE AND HOUR DISPUTES PERMITTED, AND NEW RIGHT OF APPEAL AVAILABLE IN WAGE CLAIMS By Dana Stripling, JD, Of Counsel Garlo Ward, P.C. www.garloward.com Posted Monday, August 16, 2005 Wage & Hour Alert: U.S. Supreme Court Considering Review of FLSA "Companionship Exemption" The U.S. Supreme Court has recently requested the U.S. Solicitor General's opinion in a … [Read more...] about From the WAGE AND HOUR Desk
Residents get more money and facilities get more forms
Currently working their way through the Texas legislature are two bills, House Bill 212 by Guillen and Senate Bill 199 by Gallegos.Senate Bill 199, if passed, would increase the personal needs allowance from $45 to $75 a month for residents in nursing homes, assisted living and ICF-MR facilities.House Bill 212 would require that health care facilities obtain a release from new employees within 72 hours of hiring. This release will allow access to certain information about the practitioner's … [Read more...] about Residents get more money and facilities get more forms
