While the president's health care reform bill likely won't pass anytime soon, he's trying to beef up funding for programs like Medicaid, raise quality of care, and decrease Medicare fraud in his FY 2011 federal budget. He's proposed an additional $25.5 billion in emergency Medicaid funding for states. (Source) Last month, Republican Scott Brown defeated Democrat Martha Coakley for the late Ted Kennedy’s U.S. Senate seat in Massachusetts. During his campaign, Brown publicly opposed Barack … [Read more...] about Obama to Boost Medicaid Funding
Information Letters: CDSA, NF, HCS, TxHmL
DADS released four information letters: CDSA for PHC: DADS explains the responsibilities of the employer and CDSA when individuals enroll in PHC (which includes PHC, CAS, and FC) program and opt to go directly on the CDS option. DADS also released a letter that contains instructions for case managers. For other details, download the two-page letter. NFs: DADS revised the Nursing Facility Customized Power Wheelchair Authorization Form 3706 and form instructions to eliminate the need … [Read more...] about Information Letters: CDSA, NF, HCS, TxHmL
Texas Register Updates: Contract, Waivers, & PACE
The following information was obtained from the January 29 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC awarded contract 529-10-0082-00001 to Stanley M. Stewart, on an emergency basis, to analyze and make recommendations on statewide implementation of the Texas Integrated Eligibility Redesign System and provide consultation and support to provide short- and long-term solutions for the administration of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, in response to a U.S. Department of … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Contract, Waivers, & PACE
Provider and Information Letters: NF, CLASS, HCSSAs, Etc.
DADS released one provider and two information letters: NFs: DADS informed these providers of new application requirements in Form 3720-N. Provider Letter 08-01 notified NF licensees that all applicants for initial licensure or change of ownership with an effective date of June 1, 2008, or later, were required to complete a new section of the application, Item 10, about the applicant's financial condition. (Letter) The following modifications apply to license renewals that expire June … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: NF, CLASS, HCSSAs, Etc.
Congressional Democrats Now Wary of Health Care Reform
In light of Republican Scott Brown's defeat of Democrat Martha Coakley for the late Ted Kennedy's U.S. Senate seat in Massachusetts, Democrats in both houses of Congress are considering trying to pass health care reform in smaller bills rather than one large bill. During his campaign, Brown publicly opposed President Barack Obama's health care reform plan. Democrats interpreted his win as a consensus against reform as offered by Congress. Kaiser Health News has a round-up of stories from … [Read more...] about Congressional Democrats Now Wary of Health Care Reform
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates
The following information was obtained from the January 22 issue of the Texas Register: HHSC will hold a public hearing on February 16, 2010, at 1:30 p.m., in the Lone Star Conference Room of HHSC, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin, Texas, to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for the following: Augmentative Communication Devices Vagal Nerve Stimulators 2010 Annual Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Updates Bath and … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates
DADS Alerts: HCS News
DADS posted two alerts for HCS providers. 1) Providers have requested face-to-face HCS billing guidelines training. Consequently, staff from DADS Billing and Payment Unit will provide half-day training on the recent changes to the billing guidelines, to be conducted in multiple waiver contract areas together with scheduled billing and payment reviews until the spring 2010. Training in Dallas will be held at Dallas Metrocare Services at 1380 Riverbend Drive, Dallas, Texas, in Room 319 on … [Read more...] about DADS Alerts: HCS News
MedPAC Recommends Adjusted Medicare Payment Rates
MedPAC, which advises Congress on Medicare, released a set of recommendations. (Source - PDF) An excerpt: "To restore budget neutrality, the Congress should require the Secretary to fully offset increases in inpatient payments due to hospitals' documentation and coding improvements. To accomplish this, the Secretary must reduce payment rates in the inpatient prospective payment system by the same percentage (not to exceed 2 percentage points) each year in 2011, 2012, and 2013. The lower rates … [Read more...] about MedPAC Recommends Adjusted Medicare Payment Rates
Information Letters: Rehabilitation Services, CDS Option
DADS released two information letters. NF and Rehab Services providers: To expedite review and approval/disapproval process for Rehabilitation Authorization Requests, DADS will no longer return approvals by fax for Physical Therapy /Occupational Therapy and Speech, effective February 1. DADS will only return faxes for reasons (Exceptions to Requests) listed in the two-page letter. CDSAs for the CWP: The CDS option will be available for individuals in CWP who use personal assistance services, … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Rehabilitation Services, CDS Option
CMS: Health Care Spending Rate Slowest Since 1960
CMS issued an annual report on national health care spending that showed nominal spending in the U.S. grew 4.4 percent last year, to $2.3 trillion, the slowest rate of growth since CMS started tracking health care spending in 1960. The health care spending rate in 2007 was 6.0. However, health care spending grew faster than nominal economic growth. Jonathan Blum, director of CMS's Center for Medicare Management, said the report "contains some welcome news and yet another warning sign. Health … [Read more...] about CMS: Health Care Spending Rate Slowest Since 1960
