CMS halts enforcement of some standards required by nursing homes that would enhance safety procedures for patients. In this notice: Temporary Enforcement Delays for Certain Phase 2 F-Tags and Changes to Nursing Home Compare posted late last month, the CMS announced an 18-month moratorium on enforcement remedies in some nursing home regulation that was finalized last year.Memorandum Summary from CMS Inlcuded:Temporary moratorium on imposing certain enforcement remedies for specific Phase 2 … [Read more...] about Enforcement of Obama-era nursing home standards and enforcement remedies halted by CMS
The New Senate Tax Bill and its effect on Medicare costs
The Senate Tax Bill (HR 1 )recently passed will expand the break for high medical costs. According to reports, the bill preserve the deduction for medical expenses and lower the threshold for claiming it to 7.5% of adjusted gross income, from the current 10% but this would be temporary. By 2019 the threshold would return to 10% effectively only lasting 1 year. People aged 65 and older who previously had a medical expense deduction of 7.5% will now see it rise to 10% with the Affordable Care … [Read more...] about The New Senate Tax Bill and its effect on Medicare costs
CMS cancels planned Home Health Groupings Payment Model, announces new rule
CMS announced in a rule that it would not move forward with the Home Health Groupings Model. These regulations are effective on January 1, 2018. According to CMS, this final rule updates the home health prospective payment system (HH PPS) payment rates, including the national, standardized 60-day episode payment rates, the national per-visit rates, and the non-routine medical supply (NRS) conversion factor, effective for home health episodes of care ending on or after January 1, 2018. The … [Read more...] about CMS cancels planned Home Health Groupings Payment Model, announces new rule
Hospice Care Website lists 777 Hospice Agencies in Texas
For terminally ill patients and their loved ones, finding the right Hospice care can be a daunting decision. Options for quality and strength of the facility providing end-of-life care in the Texas depends on the hospice chosen, according to data released from Medicare data released by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (CMMS). Now available to the public, the “Hospice Compare” website — at medicare.gov/hospicecompare — displays information on almost 3,900 hospices nationwide.The … [Read more...] about Hospice Care Website lists 777 Hospice Agencies in Texas
CMS & CBO Report different numbers on possible effect of AHCA in the healthcare market
The Republican led U.S. House of Representatives approved the American Health Care Act of 2017 last may and now the Office of the Chief Actuary of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released its report on the Estimated Financial Effect of the “AHCA .” According to reports from the Health Affairs Organization:"The headline from the Actuary’s report that is likely to receive the most attention is that the CMS Actuary sees the AHCA as increasing the uninsured by 4 million for 2018/2019 … [Read more...] about CMS & CBO Report different numbers on possible effect of AHCA in the healthcare market
TX Register Updates: ACA Implementation, Base Wages
The following information was obtained from the December 27 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notices HHSC intend to submit Transmittal Number 13-055 to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance to establish home telemonitoring services as a benefit of the Texas Medicaid program. HHSC also intends to submit to CMS a request for an amendment to DBMD waiver program to update unduplicated count and point-in-time limits, change the name from consumer directed services agencies to … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: ACA Implementation, Base Wages
TX Register Updates: Level II Service, ACA Reqs.
The following information was obtained from the October 25 issue of the Texas Register. Proposed Rules The Texas Medical Board proposed to amend §192.1, Definitions, which would add language providing that the administration of certain local anesthesia, peripheral nerve blocks, or both in a total dosage amount that exceeds 50 percent of the recommended maximum safe dosage per outpatient visit is a Level II service. See the Texas Register for details. Withdrawn Rules The Texas Medical … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Level II Service, ACA Reqs.
TX Register Updates: 11/20 Hearing, ACA Reqs.
The following information was obtained from the October 18 issue of the Texas Register. Public Hearings and Notice HHSC will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, November 20, 2013, at 1:30 p.m., to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for Doctor of Dentistry Surgical Services, second quarter 2013 Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System updates, Indian Health Services, Influenza Vaccines 90660 and 90672, Medicaid Biennial Calendar Fee Review, and Mirena. The hearing will take … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 11/20 Hearing, ACA Reqs.
LTC News: ACA Discussion, Gov’t Shutdown
-- "Although CMS posted the new manual Tuesday, just one week before it goes into effect, the agency previously had issued guidance to long-term care providers on notable changes regarding therapy and nutritional status." - McKnight's -- "The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has decided to ease guidelines concerning auditors' requests for additional documentation. CMS is giving providers a small break by saying auditors should accept additional documentation submissions in a … [Read more...] about LTC News: ACA Discussion, Gov’t Shutdown
LTC News: Electronic Health Records, Physicians
-- "Long-term care providers shouldn't be afraid to ask questions and drive the conversation with vendors when purchasing an electronic health record system, according to an industry expert." – McKnight's -- "Nearly 50 medical societies signed a letter circulated by the American Medical Association last month, opposing the potential replacement of state-level QIOs with regional ones. AHCA/NCAL, the nation's largest long-term care provider group, expressed support of this position on … [Read more...] about LTC News: Electronic Health Records, Physicians
