The following information was obtained from the August 13 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC intends to submit to CMS a waiver amendment for the State of Texas Access Reform Program, a Managed Care waiver program under the authority of §1915(b) of the Social Security Act. The amendment would add new benefits for the proposed substance use disorder treatment services, including those provided in residential settings. HHSC is anticipating expanding the STAR+PLUS 1915(b) and … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: RFP, Nursing, Reimbursement Changes
DADS Alerts: MDS Training Materials, LTSS, HSC
The Minimum Data Set 3.0 training materials is posted online here. HHSC and DADS will host LTSS provider meetings in the Dallas and Tarrant service areas, which will allow HHSC, DADS, and five selected STAR+PLUS health maintenance organizations to present information for successful implementation of the STAR+PLUS program expansion. See the alert page for dates and times. News alert for HCS providers: Concerns have been raised by stakeholders over issues surrounding IPCs in the CARE system … [Read more...] about DADS Alerts: MDS Training Materials, LTSS, HSC
Information Letters: Hospice and Nursing Facilities
DADS released three information letters: Hospice: Hospice providers are responsible for know the Medicare and Medicaid eligibility for a hospice client. An excerpt: The DADS rule for Medicaid Hospice Payments and Limitations at 40 TAC §30.60(h) states: (h) Third-party resources. Medicaid pays only after all third-party resources have been used. In accordance with 40 TAC §30.60(h), it is the responsibility of the hospice provider to be aware of a client’s eligibility for Medicare … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Hospice and Nursing Facilities
Texas Register Updates: Board of Nursing, ICF/MR, HSC
The following information was obtained from the August 6 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices and Hearings The Board of Nursing offered the Guidelines for Physical and Psychological Evaluations, which inform licensees, applicants, petitioners, and the public about the boards requirements and procedures regarding physical and psychological evaluations under the Nursing Practice Act. An excerpt: Authority to Require and Request Evaluations The Board is authorized under the … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Board of Nursing, ICF/MR, HSC
Information Letters: Claims Processing Cut-Offs, STAR+PLUS Expansion
DADS released five information letters: HCS and TxHmL waiver claims processing cutoff dates: FY 2008 Miscellaneous Claims at NOON Friday, August 6, 2010 FY 210 Claims Processing Cutoff: NOON Friday, August 20, 2010 ICF/MR Community/State (Service Group 5) providers claims processing cutoff dates: FY 2008 Miscellaneous Claims Cutoff: NOON Monday, August 9, 2010 FY 2010 FY10 Claims Processing Cutoff: NOON Monday, August 23, 2010 Community Services, NFs, and ICF/MR Service Group 6 … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Claims Processing Cut-Offs, STAR+PLUS Expansion
Texas Register Updates: Reimbursement Rate Hearings
DADS adopted new reimbursement rates for the following: Nursing Facility Payment Rates for State Veterans Homes Non-State Operated ICF/MR Nursing Facilities HHSC announced a contract award to the Public Consulting Group, total value $50,000 plus contingency fee. For more information, see the Texas Register. HHSC will hold a public hearing on August 17, 2010, at 1:30 p.m., to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rate for the following (all take place in Lone Star … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Reimbursement Rate Hearings
Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst: Health Care Law Will Bust Budget
Sources report that doctors, concerned about an onslaught of new patients, coupled with low reimbursement rates, are opting out of Medicare and Medicaid programs. The new health care reform law will introduce millions more patients into Medicaid., and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst expressed concerns about the $27 billion in extra costs the state will face under the new law: "That's an astounding number for us. We're on the hook for all those folks we've been trying to get to sign up for … [Read more...] about Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst: Health Care Law Will Bust Budget
President Obama Urges Action on Paycheck Fairness Act
President Obama is urging the Senate to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, which died in 2008 when the Senate did not take action on it before the end of the Congressional session. In a written statement issued on July 20, 2010, President Obama called the proposed law "a common sense bill" to ensure equal pay for equal work by men and women. If the Paycheck Fairness Act is passed as currently written, the result would be large-scale changes to the Equal Pay Act (“EPA”), which was added in 1963 … [Read more...] about President Obama Urges Action on Paycheck Fairness Act
DADS Alerts: DBMD Manual, Provider Meetings
DADS has updated the DBMD Program manual. Effective July 26, 2010, the following DBMD forms and instructions have been updated: Individual Plan of Care (Form 6500) IPC Service Delivery Transfer worksheet (Form 6500-T) (formally ISP Service Delivery Transfer worksheet) DBMD Summary of Services Delivered (Form 6503) Prior Authorization for Dental Services (Form 6504) See the DBMD program manual to access the forms. DADS will host a provider meeting for Region 6 HCSSA providers … [Read more...] about DADS Alerts: DBMD Manual, Provider Meetings
Information Letters: HCS, TxHmL, ICF/MR
DADS released four information letters: DADS reminded providers listed below that any claims for services performed during FY08 (September 1, 2007 – August 31, 2008) received by the Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership after noon Tuesday, August 10, 2010, will be processed as Miscellaneous, and can't be paid through the standard payment process. Mail paper claims early enough to be received by Tuesday, August 3, 2010, at 5 p.m. Community Services Providers Nursing Facility … [Read more...] about Information Letters: HCS, TxHmL, ICF/MR
