DADS released three information letters and one provider letter: Community Services, NF, Hospice, and ICF/MR providers: Effective June 27, 2011, the TMHP will no longer accept electronic claims from providers with post office box mailing addresses on file. The mailing address on file must be a physical address. (Letter) ICF/MR: DADS informed these providers that effective June 1, 2011, DADS will not cite an ICF/MR program provider for a rule violation if the word "trustee" is not … [Read more...] about ILs and PL: Physical Address, ‘Trustee’ Rule Violation
House/Senate Bills: Medicaid Program
The following bills (which may affect long term care providers) were recently introduced in the 82nd Legislative Session: HB 7: Relating to the administration, quality, and efficiency of health care, health and human services, and health benefits programs in this state. HB 13: Relating to the Medicaid program and alternate methods of providing health services to low-income persons in this state. SB 28: Relating to reducing state Medicaid and other health care costs by prohibiting … [Read more...] about House/Senate Bills: Medicaid Program
TX Register Updates: RFP, Board of Nursing Licensing Changes
The following information was obtained from the June 3 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notice DADS releases its RFP for External Evaluation and Advisory Services for State Supported Living Centers operation. Proposal closing date is June 24, 2011. Point of contact: Abel Martinez, Purchaser Health and Human Services Commission Enterprise and Procurement Services 4405 N. Lamar Blvd. Austin Texas 78756 (512) 206-5524 phone (512) 206-5552 fax For details, see the Texas … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: RFP, Board of Nursing Licensing Changes
IL/PL: Three Percent Withholding, FAQs
DADS released an information and a provider letter: All providers: DADS notified all providers that on May 9, 2011, final regulations relating to the mandatory three percent withholding by government agencies on vendor payments $10,000 or greater were published in the Federal Register. The implementation date has been changed by statute from January 1, 2012, to January 1, 2013. This letter replaces IL No. 11-44, released May 4, 2011. (Letter) ICFs/MR: Surveyors and providers are … [Read more...] about IL/PL: Three Percent Withholding, FAQs
CLASS Program Changes?
Kaiser reports report that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services seeks to amend the Community Living Assistance Services and Support (CLASS) program to keep it solvent for the next 75 years, as required by law. Changes may occur before next October. The voluntary long term care program helps beneficiaries receive care in their homes instead of in a nursing facility. An excerpt: Some of the possible changes still being weighed, Greenlee said, include whether to increase the minimum … [Read more...] about CLASS Program Changes?
TX Register Updates: Hearing, Nursing Board Rule Changes
The following information was obtained from the May 27 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices and Hearings HHSC will hold a public hearing to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for Early Childhood Intervention Specialized Rehabilitation Services and Targeted Case Management, Mental Illness and Mental Retardation Service Coordination, and Vitamins and Minerals and Special Review of Procedure Code S-96110. The meeting will be held on June 15, 2011, at 1:30 p.m., in … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Hearing, Nursing Board Rule Changes
ILs and News Alerts: TxHmL Expansion, Provider Meetings
DADS released two information letters: All NF Admins: This letter replaces IL 11-37 and PL 11-08 issued on March 17, 2011. MDS 3.0, a revision of MDS 2.0, adds more substance to Section Q, the relocation/referral section. An excerpt from the four-page letter: The “new Section Q” directly asks if an individual wants to relocate back to the community and if they want a referral to a third-party independent community organization (local contact agency) to provide them information and … [Read more...] about ILs and News Alerts: TxHmL Expansion, Provider Meetings
‘Dramatic’ Payment Cuts for Hospitals
Last week we blogged about Texas hospitals facing more Medicaid reimbursement cuts. A major source of concern is a proposed change in how hospitals are paid. Hospitals have their own unique payment rate system. Under a proposed change, hospitals would be reimbursed for Medicaid patients under a statewide average rate. According to the Texas Tribune, the proposed rate change would save millions over two years. Amanda Engle of the Texas Hospital Association (THA) commented on the proposed … [Read more...] about ‘Dramatic’ Payment Cuts for Hospitals
TX Register Update: Medical Board Fee Change
From the May 20 issue of the Texas Register: The Texas Medical Board proposes to amend §175.1, Application Fees, to raise initial registration fees to be a non-certified radiologic technician to $115.50, which is consistent with the renewal fee of certificates. See the Texas Register for more information. … [Read more...] about TX Register Update: Medical Board Fee Change
ILs: Claim Due Dates, Physician Rule Changes
DADS released four information letters: ALL LTC providers: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 expires on June 30, 2011, and providers are encouraged to bill as often as necessary to maximize the amount of funds Texas can claim (Letter): -- Claims processed through TMHP: received no later than noon Monday, June 27, 2011. -- Claims processed through CARE: submitted to be received later than noon Friday, June 24, 2011. Medicaid hospice: DADS informed these … [Read more...] about ILs: Claim Due Dates, Physician Rule Changes
