ISS In-Home Attendant Base Wage Rate Requirement Clarification

by | Jan 1, 2024

January 1st, 2024 ISS in-Home Attendant Base Wage Rate Requirement Clarification: There seems to be a lack of clarification in the HCS program concerning if the ISS base wage rate requirement applies to “in-home ISS”.  It does apply to in-home ISS.  It would seem that most likely a significant number of providers are not aware the base wage requirement applies to in-home individualized skills and socialization (ISS) and that they are currently out of...

Cost Reporting Update!

by | Dec 30, 2023

Cost Report/Accountability Reports This notice applies to ICF/IID, HCS, TxHmL, CLASS and DBMD providers.   HHSC Notice:  The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has published Information Letter (IL) 2023-44 regarding the 2023 Cost Report and 2023 or 2024 Accountability Report Training Information. Information on cost and accountability report training can be found on the Provider Finance web page. Email PFD LTSS or call (737) 867-7817 with any...

Extreme Winter Weather Emergency Resources & Considerations

by | Dec 17, 2023

December 17th, 2023 HSC reminds long-term care facilities and agencies to review and update emergency plans for freezing temperatures and snow. Emergency plans for extreme weather should include the provider’s plan to address: Power loss. Water and food needs. Communication with families and staff. Staffing shortages. Sheltering in place and evacuation, as applicable. Providers must follow emergency preparedness rules and their own internal emergency preparedness...

E-Health Advisory Committee Applications Due Jan. 8

by | Dec 15, 2023

December 15th, 2023 If you’re interested in health information technology, health information exchange systems, telemedicine, telehealth and home telemonitoring services issues, you may want to apply to be a member of the e-Health Advisory Committee. But act quickly as applications are due Jan. 8. Click here to learn more and apply.

Implementation of the Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) Adjustment

by | Dec 1, 2023

December 1st, 2023 ICF/IID Providers: Implementation of the Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) Adjustment As required by House Bill 54 (88th Legislature, Regular Session, 2023), the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is directed to increase the minimum monthly personal needs allowance (PNA) for Medicaid beneficiaries of a nursing facility (NF) or related institution licensed under Chapter 242, Health and Safety Code, assisted living facility, intermediate...

Employment First Assessment Tool & Rules (HCS/TxHmL/CLASS/DBMD)

by | Dec 1, 2023

December 1st, 2023 As of Nov. 14, 2023, service coordinators and case managers in the CLASS, DBMD, HCS, TxHmL waiver programs and STAR+PLUS Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) must use the Employment First Discovery Tool as part of the service planning process to explore an individual’s desire to work. Review IL 2023-41 Employment First Discovery Tool for more information. Be sure to sign up for : Employment First Discover Tool Webinar Jan. 10, 2024 10–11...