DADS has issued three news alerts so far this month. 1. Last month, DADS announced to external stakeholders that the HCS Billing Guides would be opened for review and suggestion. Because of difficulty in accessing the document for revision, the Billing and Payment department has produced a Microsoft Word version of the current June 1, 2010, guidelines for editing. DADS asks stakeholders to submit requests no later than January 3, 2011. See the news alert section for contact … [Read more...] about News Alerts: HSC Billing Guidelines, EVV Pilot System
Texas Providers to See Medicaid Fee Cut
The Dallas Morning News reports that doctors, dentists, hospitals, nursing facilities, and home health providers will see cuts in Medicaid reimbursement fees, effective February 1, 2011. After state leaders directed agencies to reduce spending by 2.5 percent, state Medicaid program managers announced that long term care providers would see a two percent reduction. Leaders seek to reduce spending in the two-year budget before the next budget. An excerpt: Last May, the leaders culled lists of … [Read more...] about Texas Providers to See Medicaid Fee Cut
TX Register Update: Public Comment for TANF Changes
The following information was obtained from the December 3 issue of the Texas Register: HHSC seeks public comments on its estimate and methodology for determining the TANF Program caseload reduction credit for Federal Fiscal Year 2011. Methodology will be based on caseload reduction that occurs during FFY 2005 to FFY 2010. HHSC will submit the methodology and estimated caseload reduction credit to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families for … [Read more...] about TX Register Update: Public Comment for TANF Changes
ILs and News Alerts: Updated Forms, ICF/MRs Changes
CLASS, Case Management Agencies, and Direct Service Agencies: DADS notified these providers that updated versions of forms included n the Phase I review of CLASS forms are available. Updated forms are outlined in this three-page letter. An excerpt: Form 1351, Decline of Offer for CLASS Program Enrollment, and Instructions: This form is revised to update a field reference on the form from "city where CMA operates" to "CMA catchment area" to more accurately reflect contracting … [Read more...] about ILs and News Alerts: Updated Forms, ICF/MRs Changes
Congress Delays Physician Medicare Cuts
Earlier this month, we blogged about doctors urging Congress to delay Medicare cuts. Policymakers created a payment formula for Medicare designed to make small adjustments every year to cut costs. Since then, Congress has passed short-term fixes to delay the cuts. Physicians faced a 23 percent cut in Medicare reimbursement rates starting December 1, but sources report that yesterday, Congress delayed cuts for only one month. From the AP: "This bill is a stopgap measure to make sure that seniors … [Read more...] about Congress Delays Physician Medicare Cuts
TX Register Updates: Durable Medical Equipment Reimbursement
The following information was obtained from the November 26 issue of the Texas Register: HHSC announced its intent to submit amendments to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, which would modify the reimbursement methodologies in the plan for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies, and Family Planning Providers Physicians and Certain Other Practitioners. See the Texas Register for more information. … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Durable Medical Equipment Reimbursement
The New Star Chambers
And you thought they were abolished for good by the Long Parliment. Think again. (Caution, bad language) … [Read more...] about The New Star Chambers
Information Letter: Medicaid Hospice Rates
HHSC approved rate changes for the Medicaid Hospice Program for FY 2011. You may download the eight-page rate chart here (PDF). DADS encourages providers to bill electronically, and they should continue billing the Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership. (Letter) … [Read more...] about Information Letter: Medicaid Hospice Rates
TX Register Updates: Medicaid, Nurses, and Physicians
HHSC intends to submit Transmittal Number 10-068, Amendment Number 961, to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, which would update the service description to clarify the scope of service and provider qualifications for specialized rehabilitative services provided by Early Childhood Intervention providers. For more information, see the Texas Register. The Texas Board of Nursing approved revisions to the Differentiated Entry Level Competencies of Graduates of Texas Nursing Programs, … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Medicaid, Nurses, and Physicians
82nd Legislative Session: New House and Senate Bills
The following bills (which may affect long term care providers) were recently introduced in the 82nd Legislative Session: HB 329: Relating to a pilot project to establish a comprehensive access point for long-term services and supports provided to older persons and persons with physical disabilities. HB 335: Relating to implementation and requirements of certain health care reform laws. SB 219: Relating to health and mental health services for children in foster care and kinship … [Read more...] about 82nd Legislative Session: New House and Senate Bills
