Last month we wrote about how some primary care physicians are dealing with the growing costs of health care by charging fees to provide personalized, or concierge, care. These efforts involve reducing the number of patients and charging remaining patients about $2,000 a year for services that include annual physicals, 24/7 access by phone and e-mail, same-day/next-day appointments, and a CD containing personal medical information. The Kaiser Network rounds up links to news articles about the … [Read more...] about State Medicaid, Health Care Issues
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Rising Costs Affect Medicaid Expansion and Primary Care Physicians
The question in the health care reform debate is not whether Medicaid and providers will be affected by changes, but rather how they will be affected. The goal of Barack Obama's health care reform plan is to reduce the number of uninsured Americans. Doing so will cost money. The News-Leader reports that under the president's plan, uninsured people with low incomes would be covered by Medicaid. Lawmakers have grappled over expanding Medicaid for years, and the debate will only grow louder if … [Read more...] about Rising Costs Affect Medicaid Expansion and Primary Care Physicians
Whether you’re caring for the young or the old the State’s expectations don’t change
Interestingly, the categories of top 10 deficiencies cited against Child Placing Agencies parallel the categories of top 10 deficiencies cited against Nursing Facilities Physical environment/Sanitation— Youth: “safe for children, kept clean, and in good repair†(Rank #2) Seniors: “nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean, and comfortable†“give out food in a safe & clean way†and “housekeeping and maintenance†(Rank #7, 1, and, 10) Staff … [Read more...] about Whether you’re caring for the young or the old the State’s expectations don’t change
Child Health Program Bills Introduced
The Texas House and Senate introduced bills related to the child health plan program: Senate Bill 6 and House Bill 11. Among other things, the bills would change family income eligibility levels. Earlier this month, we reported that the Texas Senate had approved a bill to increase enrollment in the State Children's Health Insurance Program, raising the income eligibility limits from $44,000 to $66,000 for a family of four. An additional 80,000 uninsured children would be covered. … [Read more...] about Child Health Program Bills Introduced
Obama Proposes Medicaid and Medicare Cuts
Last week President Barack Obama proposed to cut $313 billion from Medicaid and Medicare over the next 10 years as part of so-called health reform, in addition to the $635 billion in cuts in his FY 2010 budget. (Source) The president proposes to expand coverage to "millions" who don't have it, while bringing down the cost of care. How does he intend to accomplish these seemingly opposing goals? Among other things, limiting growth of Medicare's fee-for-service payments and cutting subsidies to … [Read more...] about Obama Proposes Medicaid and Medicare Cuts
Texas Senate Approves SCHIP Boost
The Houston Chronicle reports that the Texas Senate approved a bill to increase enrollment in the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) last week. The bill would raise the income eligibility limits from $44,000 to $66,000 for a family of four. An additional 80,000 uninsured children would be covered if the House approves the bill and the governor signs it into law. "Critics" of the bill are worried that parents who can afford private insurance will sign up for SCHIP, crowding out … [Read more...] about Texas Senate Approves SCHIP Boost
Medicaid-Related Bills, Part 3
The following Medicaid-related bills may affect certain providers: HB 165 - Relating to a career ladder for interveners who provide services under the deaf-blind with multiple disabilities waiver program. HB 1138 - Relating to information required on pharmacy benefit cards. HB 1240 - Relating to information required to be provided to parents of an infant. HB 1574 - Relating to services for persons with autism and other pervasive developmental disorders and their families. HB 2329 … [Read more...] about Medicaid-Related Bills, Part 3
Reminder: Check Bill Status
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
Information and Provider Letters: CDS Options, Complaints Under HDM, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released five information letters and one provider letter: Respite and Adjunct Support Services provided by Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) through the Consumer Directed Services (CDS) Option in Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP) DADS informed providers that MDCP Respite and Adjunct Support Services provided by RNs and LVNs is available through the CDS option, effective February 10, … [Read more...] about Information and Provider Letters: CDS Options, Complaints Under HDM, Etc.
SCHIP Bill Would Bar New Physician-Owned Hospitals
Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill that would reauthorize and expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The measure, which passed by a vote of 289 to 139, would expand coverage for children from families with incomes of up to three times the federal poverty. Such an expansion would cover three million more children. The Kaiser Network reported yesterday that the House version of the SCHIP bill would prohibit the construction of new … [Read more...] about SCHIP Bill Would Bar New Physician-Owned Hospitals
