The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced last week that it will offer cash incentives to improve quality of care in nursing homes. CMS will ask Arizona, Mississippi, New York, and Wisconsin to participate. (Source) Quality of care areas include nurse staffing and the scope and severity of deficiency citations the home has received during inspections. Those with the highest scores/greatest performance will receive performance payment. Acting administrator Charlene … [Read more...] about CMS to Offer Nursing Home Quality of Care Incentive
Archives for March 2009
Texas Register Updates: Texas Medical Board Emergency Rule, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the March 27 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) announced its intent to submit an amendment to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, which will modify the reimbursement methodology for clinical laboratory services in the Texas Medicaid State Plan as a result of Medicaid fee changes. HHSC also announced its intent to submit an … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Texas Medical Board Emergency Rule, Etc.
Information and Provider Letters: NF Quality Review, TAS Authorization, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued six information and two provider letters: Nursing Facility (NF) Quality Review Process for 2009 In a letter to NF providers, DADS informed them that it's conducting annual Nursing Qualify Facility Quality Review evaluations of resident care in nursing facilities, the same process conducted for the past seven years as mandated by the Texas Legislature. Download the letter for details. Authorization of … [Read more...] about Information and Provider Letters: NF Quality Review, TAS Authorization, Etc.
More Legislative Bills
The following recently introduced bills may affect providers: HB 1897 - Relating to transportation services provided to aged or disabled clients of certain programs and facilities. HB 1905 - Relating to studying the costs and benefits of a pilot program for services for adults with autism. HB 2558 - Relating to registration for evacuation and disaster preparedness for clients of home and community support services agencies. HB 3142 - Relating to reimbursement rates for nursing home … [Read more...] about More Legislative Bills
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
Long Term Care News Links
Last week, Senate Finance Health Subcommittee Chair Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) proposed giving the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) jurisdiction over Medicare reimbursement decisions. At present, MedPAC advises Congress on Medicare issues. Rockefeller said, "You take a MedPAC and give them the money and the time to ... go all around the country and they can dissect health care. To me, they're a lot better deal than having Congress do it and politics do it." (Source) In an … [Read more...] about Long Term Care News Links
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Per Diem, Reimbursement Methodologies
The following information was obtained from the March 6, 13, and 20 issues of the Texas Register: Public Meetings and Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public meeting on March 30, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. to receive public comment on the proposed interim per diem Medicaid reimbursement rate for large, state-operated Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation, operated by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services. The … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Per Diem, Reimbursement Methodologies
Information Letters: ICM Waiver Rules, TV Converter Box Updates, etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released four information letters: Integrated Care Management (ICM) 1915(c) Waiver Rules, Adaptive Aids, Minor Home Modification and Medical Supplies Processes (Replaces IL 2008-47) DADS sent a letter to ICM Waiver providers informing them about operational processes for accessing adaptive aids, medical supplies and minor home modifications. The five-page letter and attachment summarizes the revised steps for purchasing … [Read more...] about Information Letters: ICM Waiver Rules, TV Converter Box Updates, etc.
GAO: Fraud and Abuse Increased Medicare Home Health Services Spending
According to a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, Medicare fraud and abuse by home health care providers resulted in a 44 percent increase in spending over five years. (Kaiser Network) The GAO reviewed home health care payments from 2002 to 2006 and found that the number of Medicare beneficiaries increased 17 percent and spending reached $13 billion. The increases were caused by some providers exaggerating medical conditions and other providers billing the government for … [Read more...] about GAO: Fraud and Abuse Increased Medicare Home Health Services Spending
New Legislative Bills
The following bills were introduced this month and may affect providers: HB 166 - Relating to providing home- and community-based support services under the Medicaid program to persons who are deaf-blind with multiple disabilities. HB 510 - Relating to the registration of certain assisted living facilities; providing penalties. HB 1186 - Relating to the transfer or discharge of certain residents in certain assisted living facilities. HB 1398 - Relating to a pilot project to establish … [Read more...] about New Legislative Bills
