STEPS: 2026-Update
Feb 28th, 2026 Just a Reminder: STAIRS System Retirement & Cost Report Access Deadline is April 30, 2026 Change to HHSC cost reporting system, from STAIRS to STEPS! HHSC will be retiring the STAIRS system as part of the transition to the new cost reporting system, State of Texas Electronic Provider System (STEPS), beginning with cost reports collected in 2026. Important deadline: The final date to access and download historical cost reports from STAIRS is...ISS Updates & New Rules (HCS/TxHmL)
February 25th, 2026 DELAY of Enforcement of New ISS Rules HHSC will be issuing a Provider Letter that shows that the enforcement date of these new ISS rules will be moved to 5/1/2026. It will also include information on upcoming training (during the month of March) for providers and survey staff. The training will be live virtual and recorded so that anyone who missed it can access it. New ISS Adopted Rules Amendments to ISS Rules Adopted without Changes Feb 9th,...HCS/TxHmL Interest List Slot Release Plan
February 16th, 2026 Interest List Slot Release #’s by HHSC These are only numbers for HCS & TxHmL. Accurate numbers for DBMD, CLASS, DCP and Star+Waiver will be released at a later date in communications to providers. HCS: For the remainder of this fiscal year 105 slots (15/month) will be released. This means many LIDDAS will receive no slots while some may receive only 1 or 2 and some may receive 5 or 6. The above slot release figure was based on...Assistance With Medicaid Renewal & Eligibility Issues
February 15th, 2026 Medicaid Eligibility Escalation Routes: Here is a contact list dated January 30, 2026 for assistance with Medicaid Eligibility Issues that need escalation. Please click on this document with 3 separate contacts per region for initiating resolution to Medicaid Eligibility-related matters. Please use these before contacting Rachel Patton, HHSC (Rachel.Patton@hhs.texas.gov). You may also call your provider association for further help: (PPAT,...DAHS Provider Manual Revision
February 14th, 2026 The Day Activity and Health Services (DAHS) Provider Manual Revision 26-1 aligns Health and Human Services Commission policy related to its Office of Inspector General. This revision is effective Feb. 10, 2026. Review the updates linked here. The changes specifically relate to “Fraud Referral”. OIG will be ramping up their investigations of possible fraud as some of you may know. These changes align policy with Health and Human...Upcoming Events
Mar
9
Mon
1:00 pm
(Webinar) “Review of Important H...
@ Webinar
(Webinar) “Review of Important H...
@ Webinar
Mar 9 @ 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
“Webinar” Review of Important HCS Rules & Regs in TAC Ch 263: Policies & Procedures Your Program May Want To Update (Title 26 Part I Ch 263) Presented By Twogether Consulting Date: March 9th,[...]
Mar
11
Wed
10:00 am
Webinar: “ RN Delegation, HH/CC ...
@ Webinar
Webinar: “ RN Delegation, HH/CC ...
@ Webinar
Mar 11 @ 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Webinar: “ RN Delegation, HH/CC Exemption & Other Determinations” (HCS/TxHmL) “Quick Pay & Registration Tab” Don’t forget, you must contact Meghan Jones to complete registration, or if you prefer to request an Invoice, at: meghanjones.tx@gmail.com[...]