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Texas Register Updates: Amendment Transmittal Notices

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The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will submit an amendment that eliminates the 2.5 percent Medicaid payment reduction for Medicaid services delivered by Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, which was effective on September 1, 2003. HHSC is eliminating the reduction because of increased appropriations under the 2008-09 General Appropriations Act. For information on how to submit comments, see the … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Amendment Transmittal Notices

Texas Register Updates: Repeals Eliminating Obsolete Rules

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The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has announced the repeal of §§79.101 - 79.105, 79.201 - 79.210, and 79.301 - 79.305, in Chapter 79, Legal Services, which eliminated obsolete rules governing the now-abolished Texas Department of Human Services and the Board of Human Services. HHSC also announced the repeal of §§100.5, 100.7, 100.24, 100.35, and 100.301 - 100.308, in Chapter 100, Miscellaneous. This repeal was adopted to delete obsolete rules governing the … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Repeals Eliminating Obsolete Rules

Senator Herb Kohl on the Aging of America

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Senator Herb Kohl, chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, writes about how the aging of baby boomers will affect society in the Senior Journal. In about 25 years, people over 65 will account for 20 percent of the American population, as opposed to 12 percent at present. The focus of insurers, health care providers, manufacturers, retailers, marketing companies, politicians, etc., will shift more heavily toward this segment of society. Kohl writes: Nearly every issue dealt … [Read more...] about Senator Herb Kohl on the Aging of America

Congress Investigates Long Term Care Insurers

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The New York Times (free registration) reports that Congress is putting the long term care insurance industry “under scrutiny.” The House Committee on Energy and Commerce is investigating long term care insurers Conseco and the Penn Treaty American Corporation. It seems that certain long term care insurers are making policyholders jump through hoops to have their claims paid. Congressman John Dingell of Michigan told the paper that “We have two companies that seem to be engaging in … [Read more...] about Congress Investigates Long Term Care Insurers

Texas Register Update: NorthSTAR Program Waiver

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The Texas Register published a notice about the Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s intent to submit the state’s application for renewal of the NorthSTAR Program §1915(b) waiver to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance under Title XIX of the Social Security Act. The current waiver expires on September 30, 2007. If you have questions or would like a copy of the waiver renewal, contact Carmen Capetillo by phone at (512) 491-1128 or facsimile at (512) 491-1953 or e-mail … [Read more...] about Texas Register Update: NorthSTAR Program Waiver

CMS Publishes Physician-Related Updates

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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has provided incentives for physicians to report quality data. As the process may be too expensive for smaller practices, CMS implemented a three-year pilot program that will pay 800 small- or medium-sized practices in Arkansas, California, Massachusetts, and Utah to report quality care data for Medicare patients with chronic conditions. I blogged about this program last year, though it may not be the same one discussed in this press … [Read more...] about CMS Publishes Physician-Related Updates

Congress Debates Medicare Part D Drug Price Negotiating

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Congressional discussions about the government negotiating Medicare Part D drug prices is ongoing. Although President George W. Bush has threatened to veto legislation allowing the government to negotiate prescription drug prices, lawmakers are moving forward. The House of Representatives passed a measure that would require the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to barter with drug companies over Medicare Part D drug prices. (UPI) The Senate version of the bill is … [Read more...] about Congress Debates Medicare Part D Drug Price Negotiating

Texas Register Update: Legacy Agency References Updates

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The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) adopted an amendment that would allow it to update legacy agency references and outdated citations related to legacy agencies rule references. According to the Texas Register, HHSC didn’t receive comments on the proposed rule during the comment period. For more information, see the relevant section of the March 23 Texas Register. … [Read more...] about Texas Register Update: Legacy Agency References Updates

Provider Letter: Joint Training Survey Announcement

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In a new provider letter, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has asked assisted living facilities to complete a survey about their needs and preferences for future joint training courses. DADS offers courses to assisted living providers “related to common deficiencies and violations” and other topics of interest. To participate in the survey, follow this link. You may view the course offerings here and download the provider letter here. … [Read more...] about Provider Letter: Joint Training Survey Announcement