Twogether Updates

December 14th, 2024 Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living stakeholders can now comment on the proposed revisions to the HCS and TxHmL Billing Requirements by 5 p.m. on December 16. The proposed billing requirement revisions and a summary of changes are located on the Long-term Care Providers webpage and are outlined below: HCS HCS Billing Requirements Draft Revision 25-1 HCS Billing Requirements Draft Revision 25-1 Summary of Changes (PDF) TxHmL TxHmL Billing Requirements...

December 13th, 2024 Subject: TMHP LMS Knowledge Management Bulletin HHSC has stated that an email was sent in error and that a retraction notice will be published concerning Surety Bond Requirements.  This is not a requirement for HCS providers for those of you asking.    Here is what the message sent out stated: "You have been enrolled and must complete KMB OCM 8383761 Surety Bond PDC60 Batch Process Removal 12/13/2024." Course Instructions: 1. Open a Microsoft Edge browser and log into...

December 16th, 2024 Changes are coming to CIMS! These changes will entail a review of the critical incidents submitted by providers by the LTCR Regional Offsite Review (ROR) Team. The ROR Team is tasked with ensuring resolution of critical incidents reported into CIMS are effective to prevent future similar incidents to the extent possible. HHSC has provided a high level overview of the new process and related provider responsibilities.  One item of interest pertained to HHSC's statement that...

December 16th, 2024 From Twogether Consulting! Happy Holidays! Twogether Consulting is officially closed for the holiday season from December 15th, 2024 through January 15th, 2025.  Several of our consultants are available for emergencies if necessary during that time, so please feel free to email me at info@twogetherconsulting.com or my general email address.  I will be checking emails regularly or you can contact Meghan Jones at: meghanjones.tx@gmail.com to schedule an appointment or make an...

December 15th, 2024 HHSC has published the Information Letter (IL) 2024-XX regarding the 2024 Cost Report and 2024 or 2025 Accountability Report Training Information. Information on Cost and Accountability Report Training Information can be accessed on the Provider Finance Department’s (PFD) webpage. Review the IL for more information. If you have further questions, contact PFD-LTSS@hhs.texas.gov or (737) 867-7817.

Joint Training Page Available for HCS/TxHmL/ICF/ISS Providers The HCS and TxHmL programs now have a Joint Training Opportunities page where providers can register for upcoming classes. Class size will be limited to maximize participation, but classes will be offered regularly. Providers should check the page often for updates. There will be recordings of special presentations available for viewing on-demand later. December 10th, 2024 December 2024 LTCR Provider Webinar Training Opportunities...

Employment Assistance & Supported Employment Training Options From HHSC December 10th, 2024 The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is pleased to host a free in-person Employment First / Employment Services training on January 28, 2025, at the Starlight Event Center – Trans Mountain Room, 6650 Continental Drive, El Paso, Texas 79925. Training will be one day in duration and is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m, MST. Training topics will cover: Overview of Employment First and the...

December 5th, 2024 Reminder - Compliance Review Grace Period Ends Dec. 31, 2024 The compliance reviews grace period for EVV Usage and EVV Landline Phone Verification reviews for, personal care services and home health care services, will end on Dec. 31, 2024. Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, program providers, financial management service agencies (FMSAs) and Consumer Directed Services (CDS) employers, that do not fully comply with the EVV usage and landline review requirements will be subject to...

December 5th, 2024 The STAR+PLUS Handbook updates Appendix XXII. This revision is effective Dec. 1, 2024. Click this link to see the updates.

December 3rd, 2024 The Provider Investigations Handbook (PIH) revision 24-2 updates sections throughout the handbook. This revision is effective Dec. 2, 2024.  Does apply to HCS/TxHmL/ICF programs. Click this link to see the updates.

12/02/24 Revalidation Due Date Extension and Grace Period The Texas Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC) and the Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) are taking actions to assist providers experiencing difficulty completing the provider enrollment revalidation process in the Provider Enrollment Management System (PEMS). The actions described in this notification are designed to provide near-term relief for providers while HHSC and TMHP pursue longer-term system and...

December 1st, 2024 New Service: Employment Readiness is available in the following waiver programs: HCS, TxHmL, and DBMB  As required by House Bill 4169 (88th Legislature, Regular Session, 2023), the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is adding a new service similar to prevocational services to the Home and Community-based Services (HCS), Texas Home Living (TxHmL), and Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities (DBMD) waivers. The new service, employment readiness, will be available on...

December 1st, 2024 Register for the 2024 ICF Conference Webinar The Intermediate Care Facility Conference webinar for Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions (ICF/IID) program staff and providers will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 5. There is one track, so register for each session for the complete educational activity. Welcome to the 2024 ICF Conference: Embracing Change to Enhance Value 8:30–8:45 a.m. Register for Webinar Keynote: Scott...

November 28th, 2024 The informal comment period for new proposed changes to the rule for HCS & TxHmL (TAC 565 and 566) ended on November 27, 2024: Comment on Proposed & Draft Rules | Texas Health and Human Services. These proposed new and amended rules implement House Bill (HB) 1009 by Turner the 88th Legislature, Regular Session, 2023. HB 1009 imposes a new requirement on a Medicaid provider providing services under a 1915(c) waiver to conduct criminal history record information and...

November 26th, 2024 The TxHmL Handbook Has Been Revised Texas Home Living (TxHmL) Program handbook revision 24-1 updates Appendix X. This revision became effective Oct. 1, 2024. Click this link to see the updates.

November 26th, 2024 The HCS Handbook Has Been Revised The Home and Community-based Services (HCS) Handbook revision 24-1 updates Appendix X. This revision became effective Oct. 1, 2024. Click this link to see the updates.

November  16th, 2024 The LIDDA Handbook Has Been Revised The Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority (LIDDA) Handbook revision 24-4 updates Appendix V. This revision is effective Nov. 16, 2024. Click this link to see the updates. October 7th, 2024 The LIDDA Handbook Has Been Revised Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority Handbook (LIDDA) 24-3 revision updates sections throughout the handbook. The revision is effective Sept. 30, 2024. Click here for a...

November 16th, 2024   From HHSC Weekly Digest Bulletin: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) and Trauma Informed Care (TIC) Conference Online, December 5, 2024 Join us for this online conference on best practices for person-centered care around Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), traumatic stress, and trauma-informed care (TIC) interventions for adults and children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD). The ACEs-TIC Conference will focus on equipping service...

November 15th, 2024 Submitting HCS and TxHmL Individual Movement Forms   Home and Community-Based Services Waiver (HCS) and Texas Home Living Waiver (TxHmL) providers should refrain from submitting the following Individual Movement Forms (IMTs) via the Long-Term Care (LTC) Online Portal: • IMT-Local Authority Reassignment • IMT-Service Coordinator Update These specific purpose codes are designated for LIDDA-use only and should not be submitted by HCS and TxHmL providers for any reason!...

November 15th, 2024 Computer-Based Training in the TMHP Learning Management System The following long-term care (LTC)-specific computer-based training (CBT) course is currently available on the Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) Learning Management System (LMS): • LTC Online Portal Basics—This interactive CBT provides a basic overview of the LTC Online Portal, including information about creating an administrator account and an overview of the features of 5 November 2024 LTC...

November 14th, 2024 Eligibility Information Available for Long-Term Care Providers and LIDDAs LTC providers and LIDDAs that are seeking eligibility information can pull Medicaid Eligibility and Service Authorization Verification (MESAV) using any of the following field combinations through TexMedConnect. This service can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week . • Medicaid/Client No. and Last Name • Medicaid/Client No. and Date of Birth • Medicaid/Client No. and Social Security Number •...

November 13th, 2024 HHSC Rescinds PL 2024-20 Requirements for Tuberculosis Screening and Testing HHSC rescinded PL 2024-20 Requirements for Tuberculosis Screening and Testing. Additional guidance regarding tuberculosis screening and testing will be forthcoming. In the interim, providers should follow their program regulations and internal communicable disease and infection control policies and procedures to address tuberculosis screening and testing. Providers may use recommendations from the...

November 13th, 2024 IDD and PI Quarterly Webinar with HHSC LTCR Recording Available The Oct. 31 recording of the Intellectual and Developmental Disability Programs (IDD) and Provider Investigations (PI) quarterly webinar with Long-term Care Regulation (LTCR) is available. Listen to the webinar recording. Read the IDD and PI Quarterly Webinar (PDF). Email LTCR Policy for the transcript. October 30th, 2024 IDD and PI Quarterly Webinar with HHSC LTCR HHSC Long-term Care Regulation will host a...

November 12th, 2024 Reminder for HCS and TxHmL Providers Entering IPC Revisions to Add Individual Skills and Socialization This is a reminder for Home and Community-based Services (HCS), Texas Home Living (TxHmL) program providers, and local intellectual and developmental disability authorities (LIDDAs) that are submitting an Individual Plan of Care (IPC) revision to add Individualized Skills and Socialization (ISS) on the IPC plan year. When entering IPC revisions, if you update the effective...

November 10th, 2024 REMINDER TO ALL LONG-TERM CARE PROVIDERS, BLACKBOARD CONNECT ENDED OCT. 31ST, 2024! The current emergency communication system (Connect) for long-term care providers ended on Oct. 31 and will be replaced by the new system (AlertMedia), which is anticipated to go live no later than Dec. 1. During this gap, no emergency communication system will be in place, so HHSC will communicate with providers through alerts, email and phone calls. Providers must respond to any request...

November 5th, 2024 From the October 28 Ambassador Program call. Presentation slides are also included below and resource links are below. Actions You Can Take Now Visit the Ambassador Toolkit page on the HHS website. Visit the End of Continuous Medicaid Coverage page on the HHS website. If you know someone who could benefit from joining the Ambassador Program, invite them to sign up using this link: Ambassador Program Signup. We Value Your Feedback To help us improve the Ambassador Program and...

November 3rd, 2024 Note: All Critical Incidents are entered into the CIMS system for HCS/TxHmL providers.  FYI-ISS providers please report all critical incidents to CIIS in Tulip, not CIMS. Monthly provider demonstration webinars are offered to providers with access to CIMS. HHSC encourages providers to take advantage of these live training opportunities. This applies to: Community Living Assistance and Support Services providers (CLASS). Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities providers (DBMD)....

October 30th, 2024 The HHSC Joint Training unit will host its annual Intermediate Care Facility Conference webinar, “Embracing Change to Enhance Value,” on Dec. 5. This daylong virtual conference is for providers and survey staff of intermediate care facilities for people with intellectual disabilities or related conditions. Registration for sessions begins Nov. 1. Links will be provided when registration opens.  

October 26th, 2024 HHSC Publishes Revised PL 2023-01  HHSC has published revised Provider Letter 2023-01 New Regulatory Rules for Long-term Care Regulation (LTCR) Individualized Skills and Socialization Services. Revisions include information regarding the issuance of temporary initial licenses to applicants for DAHS-Individualized Skills and Socialization Only licensure, clarification on capacity, LTCR surveys, Form 3613-A requirements, emergency response plan requirements, and updates to...

October 25th, 2024 HCS and TxHmL Annual Vendor Submission Timeframe The timeframe to submit for annual vendor approval is Nov.1, 2024 through Jan. 31, 2025. Required documentation for annual vendor requests are in the HCS and TxHmL Billing Guidelines, Section 6160(b)(2), Approval of Annual Vendor. Email packet submissions to Billing and Payment with the subject line: Annual Vendor Approval. Submissions sent to any other email addresses may not be received. Required documentation for annual...

October 20th, 2024 From HHSC: LTC Providers Encouraged to Get Ready for Flu Season CDC recommends everyone (six months and older) be vaccinated against the flu by the end of October to avoid peak flu season. Long-term care providers should review their program requirements for guidance related to vaccinations and infection control. Some of the CDC’s recommendations for vaccinating residents in congregate health care settings are: The CDC recommends that LTC facilities offer the flu vaccine to...

October 17th, 2024 Please be sure to provide education about voting, if needed as well as opportunities for your individuals to vote. Twogether Consulting recommends checking out the "My Voter Portal" at the Secretary of State's website before voting to look for your voting location and to ensure an individual is still registered, as the individual may not be registered anymore if they have moved for example.  FYI, the voter registration deadline ended on Oct. 7th, 2024.  Information on...

October 16, 2024 Effective Oct. 16, HHSC moved the News and Information and the Provider Letter content to new locations on the Long-Term Care Regulation (LTCR) Provider webpages. This change to the LTCR Provider webpages was made to improve the visibility of the content and to fix a technical issue that wouldn’t let people use the search feature of the Provider Letter content more than once. News and Information and Provider Letters now have separate links accessible from the main webpage for...

October 13th, 2024 This is a reminder that HHSC will host Electronic Visit Verification training webinars for Consumer Directed Services (CDS) employers required to use EVV. Attending the webinar will complete the annual EVV policy training requirement. Webinar Registration Agendas are included in the registration link. Oct. 31, 2-3:30 P.M. Alternatively, CDS employers can also complete the annual EVV policy training requirement on the HHS Learning Portal. The EVV Required Training Checklists...

October 13th, 2024 ​Advocacy Groups:Advocacy, Inc.Best BuddiesCenter for Public Policy PrioritiesDisability Policy ConsortiumThe Arc of TexasThe Arc of San AntonioThe Arc of the United StatesThe Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities

October 13th, 2024 National Organizations:American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD)American Network of Community Options & Resources (ANCOR)National Association of Qualified Developmental Disability ProfessionalsNational Parent Network on Disabilities (NPND)The Accreditation Council State Associations:Private Providers Association of Texas (PPAT) Providers Alliance for Community Services of Texas (PACSTX) Southwest Society of Service Coordinators (SWSSC)...

October 12th, 2024 From OIG: Update emergency plans Providers should take stock of emergency preparations, acknowledging that a disaster is best prepared for well ahead of time. In Texas, long-term care facilities, including assisted living, nursing and intermediate care facilities, hospices and group homes, are responsible for maintaining emergency response plans for the residents in their care. To verify that providers comply with federal and state requirements, OIG inspectors can review...

October 9th, 2024 Tarrytown Expo Pharmacy Zoom Webinar  (Complimentary CE Credits) Click here for the printable PDF version    

October 8th, 2024 CLASS Program Manual Revised The Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) Provider Manual revision 24-2 updates Section 2350 and Form 3595. The revision is effective Sept. 1, 2024. Click here to review the updates.

September 14th, 2024 ** This is especially important for all of you new HCS/TxHmL Providers. Registration Available for HHSC EVV Policy Training Webinars for Program Providers, FMSAs and CDS Employers HHSC is hosting Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) policy training webinars for program providers and financial management services agencies (FMSAs), and Consumer Directed Services (CDS) employers. You will complete the annual EVV policy training requirement by attending one of the webinars....

September 13th, 2024 The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is offering virtual Positive Behavior Management and Support (PBMS) and Advanced PBMS workshops at no cost for attendees on the following and times: September 23 (PBMS) October 9 (PBMS) October 25 (Advanced PBMS) November 8 (Advanced PBMS) **Please click on a date above to register for that workshop. The workshops are available to the public, including family members, caregivers, providers (educational, foster care,...

Subscribe To The Twogether Consulting Mailing List! 2024 September 3rd, 2024 August 16th, 2024 August 5th, 2024 July 15th, 2024 July 2nd, 2024 June 17th, 2024 June 3rd, 2024 May 16th, 2024 May 1st, 2024 April 15th, 2024 April 1st, 2024 March 15th, 2024 March 1st, 2024 February 15th, 2024 February 1st, 2024 January 15th, 2024 January 3rd, 2024 2023 To Read previous newsletter editions from 2023, please click here       If you would like to be on our mailing list for this free...

September 11th, 2024 Effective September 1, HHSC began transitioning contracts for the STAR+PLUS program. This document below provides STAR+PLUS members and providers with resources for assistance with go-live concerns.  STAR+PLUS Providers by service area (MCO's leaving, staying and new) I am a… I need help with… How to get help Member Learning general information about the transition See the HHSC STAR+PLUS webpage Member A complaint about my MCO Contact your MCO plan first. If the issue...

September 10th, 2024 TxHmL New Rates Click on link below: TxHmL Rates: Sept. 1st, 2024- PDF Download The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) approved payment rates for Support Consultation under Community Attendant Services (CAS), the Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) waiver program, the Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities (DBMD) waiver program, Family Care (FC), the Home and Community-based Services (HCS) waiver program, Primary Home Care (PHC), and...

Payment Rates as of September 1st, 2024 HCS Rates Sept. 1, 2024 including ISS Status of HCS Rates as of Jan. 1st, 2023 (includes new ISS rates) HCS Rates Jan. 1st, 2023 including ISS services Status of HCS Rates as of June 3rd  2022 Provider Rate Updates for HCS and TxHmL Providers In early May, HHSC identified missing or incorrect rate keys for some Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living providers. On May 11–12, HHSC completed updates to rate keys for these HCS and TxHmL...

September 3rd, 2024 Upcoming Free Webinar Session "Addressing the Recovery Support Needs of Persons with IDD" Hosted By Austin Integral Care and presented by Jordan Smelley, MHPS       Presenter:  Jordan Smelley, MHPS   I wanted to share this wonderful resource for providers.  I just received some awesome information that Austin Integral Care is hosting this webinar for providers and others working with persons with IDD.  Jordan Smelley is an amazing young man and I...

September 1st, 2024 Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute (TCCRI) met last spring with 3 IDD provider associations to discuss the IDD workforce shortage crisis and their efforts to secure additional funds to increase the wage rates above the $10.60/hour funded by the 88th Texas Legislature.  TCCRI prepared a white paper originally on this topic in 2019 and had great interest in preparing another white paper on this topic.  After many months of research, TCCRI has published the...

September 1st, 2024 The day before the House Human Services Committee hearing (August 27th, 2024 was the hearing date), Time to Care Coalition held a press conference in Houston urging Texas legislators to prioritize support for IDD funding. Avondale House, Center for Pursuit Volunteers of America These 3 programs all spoke about the workforce shortage crisis and the need for additional funds to increase direct care wages.  To view the press conference go to: ...

August 31st, 2024 From Our Friends At Neighborhood LTC Pharmacy NRx Upcoming FREE Educational Webinar: Cannabinoid Science 101 "We are hosting an educational webinar with Jazz Pharmaceuticals on September 23rd - you can see the registration page here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BsCk1c4fSreeLF4pR64uYg#/registration This webinar is geared towards IDD Providers and care teams. Please feel free to mention/share this opportunity with the folks you work with directly and share the...

August 30th, 2024 Presentations from August 27th, 2024  House Human Services Committee meeting to receive information on interim charge #3 related to the HCS program and the Interest List.  The committee received invited testimony from HHSC and two panels. The first panel was comprised of representatives from the ARC, ADAPT and Disability Rights Texas; the second panel included representatives from the 3 IDD associations.  Lastly, ANCOR, the national IDD provider association, presented a...

August 18th, 2024 The July 31 recording of the Intellectual and Developmental Disability Programs (IDD) and Provider Investigations (PI) quarterly webinar with Long-term Care Regulation (LTCR) is available. Listen to the webinar recording. Read the IDD and PI Quarterly Webinar (PDF). Email LTCR Policy for the transcript.

August 18th, 2024 FYI- These training modules are very helpful to new HCS providers and/or HCS provider applicants  New TxHmL Certification Principles modules available for Providers HHSC Long Term Care Regulation has posted 4 recorded modules online, covering the new TxHmL Certification Principles for TxHmL Providers. These new principles became effective June 21, 2023. Each module is approximately 40-minutes in length. All current and potential TxHmL Providers are encouraged to access each...

August 16th, 2024 The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) hosts a website that offers immunization information and tools for the general public, health care providers, and local health departments. General public: Provides a user-friendly system for accessing services such as requesting immunization records, finding a vaccine provider, and staying updated on the immunization schedule. Health Care Providers: Provides an overview of DSHS programs, webinar access, and a learning...

August 15th, 2024 LIDDA Handbook Revision The Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority Handbook (LIDDA) revision 24-2 updates Sections 13000, 15000, 19000, 21000 and 24000, and adds Appendix VI and Appendix VII. This revision is effective Aug. 15, 2024. Click this link to see the updates.

August 14th, 2024 27th ANNUAL PPAT CONFERENCE Doubletree Hotel Austin 6505 IH-35 North, Austin, TX 78752 *Twogether Consulting will have an exhibitor booth at this event. Please come by and meet us. Join PPAT for Their Annual PPAT Conference, September 4th-6th, 2024! Online Registration available at: 2024_PPAT_Conf_Registration Keynote Speaker:   Robert Canino, JD, Regional Attorney, Dallas District Office, U.S. EEOC.  Mr. Canino who prosecuted the case of EEOC v. Hill Country Farms, Inc., dba...

August 6th, 2024 House Bill (H.B.) 4169  (Price) which was passed by the 88th Legislature directs HHSC to add pre-vocational services as a new benefit to HCS, TxHmL and DBMD. HHSC activities related to Implementation: Following the bill's passage and Governor's signature, HHSC consulted with the IDD SRAC Meaningful Skills Development & Employment Services subcommittee on several occasions to not only obtain feedback on  implementation of the service, but also to share conversations HHSC...

From our friends at PACSTX! 2024 Annual PACSTX Conference October 1st-3rd Embassy Suites Conference Center San Marcos, Tx Members: $350 | Non-Members: $375   Early bird pricing ends September 1.   Group pricing is available. 2024-PACSTX-Topics-Flyer FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION HOTEL REGISTRATION This Year's Topics -New regulations & regulatory enforcement -Strategies for addressing personnel issues unique to our industry -Tech solutions & related strategies for...

July 29th, 2024 A waiver was received from CMS to extend renewals for individuals who receive Medical Assistance Only for Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities due for renewal in October through December 2024 for 12 months. To clarify this would apply to the individuals who are receiving Medicaid due to a disability (SSDI) or being over 65 years of age, and would include individuals receiving a waiver program or residing in a facility. Their Medicaid will continue unless there...

July 26th, 2024 New PCS Contact In December, Marie Redman, Provider Claims Services, HHSC, retired.  Many providers relied on Ms. Redman for assistance with billing and claims issues.   Please update your HHSC contact list to change the contact person to Leah Gann (at least for now). Ms. Gann started in February of this year, as the Manager V with PCS in the Claims Management Division. She now holds the position that Marie Redman held prior. She has requested that providers please send emails...

July 25th, 2024 Register Now For Extra Help Before a Power Outage Great resource I just saw from the city of Austin that providers may need for some of their more medically fragile individuals during a power outage with medical equipment requiring power.    "Does someone in your household have a critical medical condition that could become life-threatening during a power outage? You may qualify for the City of Austin's Medically Vulnerable Registry. Customers on the Medically Vulnerable...

July 24th, 2024 Correction to “LTC Dashboard Data Export Report Column Names” Regarding the Excel Export Reports on the Long-Term Care (LTC) Dashboard: On June 21, 2024, two mislabeled column names were corrected on several LTC Dashboard Data Export Reports: Column O – Previously mislabeled as ‘Medicaid Eligibility End Date’ is now correctly labeled as ‘Last Billed Date;' and Column P – Previously mislabeled as ‘Last Billed Date’ is now correctly labeled as ‘Medicaid Eligibility End Date.’ The...

July 23rd, 2024 SEVERE WEATHER POLICY REMINDER In response to the recent severe weather, HHSC is issuing the following guidance for EVV program providers, financial management services agencies (FMSAs) and Consumer Directed Services (CDS) employers. All service delivery for an EVV-required service must be documented in the EVV system. If an EVV clock in and clock out method (home phone landline, mobile, or alternative device) was not available due to the severe weather, service providers and...

July 15th, 2024 HHSC announces State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2025 Open Enrollment for the following programs: Attendant Compensation Rate Enhancement Program for: Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) – Direct Service Agency (DSA) Home and Community-based Services (HCS) Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions (ICF/IID) Texas Home Living (TxHmL) And other appropriate programs For SFY 2025, enrollment for the Attendant...

July 12th, 2024 Biennial Fee Review for Medicaid & Non-Medicaid Reimbursement Rates and Methodologies Please register for the sessions of importance to you.  See below or go to:  https://www.hhs.texas.gov/about/communications-events/meetings-events/2024/08/08/biennial-fee-review-medicaid-non-medicaid-payment-rates-rate-methodologies-agenda Online Meetings. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will conduct stakeholder engagement meetings on August 8, 2024, to receive...

July 9th, 2024 Thank you so much for those of you who could attend today's session hosted by Twogether Consulting.   I know many of you who registered were unable to attend today.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to those of you in Houston and other areas affected by the hurricane and flooding.  We have recorded today's session and will also post it on our "gotostage" channel as well as LinkedIn and FB pages.   Click on the link below to the recording of today's session.  Register name and...

July 1st, 2024 HB 4169 directed HHSC to add pre-vocational services as a service through ISS or add it as a new service/benefit to HCS, TxHmL & DBMD.  In conversations with CMS last fall, HHSC was informed that the service had to be a separate service from ISS, hence HHSC is proposing the service as a new benefit.  Discussions with CMS, the Meaningful Skills Development and Employment Services subcommittee of the IDD System Redesign Advisory Committee and stakeholder feedback received in a...

June 30th, 2024 Town Hall about HCS enrollment requirements in PEMS Home and Community-based Services (HCS) providers must list their practice locations and billing offices in the Provider Enrollment and Management System (PEMS). Please review the following article which HHSC published on 5/2/2024 for more information: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/hcs-revalidation-notice.pdf To help you add or maintain your practice locations in PEMS, the Texas Medicaid &...

June 25th, 2024 This is a very good opportunity for providers who need help, to receive assistance with issues they encounter when attempting to submit forms or claims in the LTC portal. HHSC Bulletin:  Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) will be hosting monthly sessions for Program Providers and Financial Management Services Agencies (FMSAs), who use the Long-term Care (LTC) online portal for the Home and Community-based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) waiver programs. TMHP and HHSC...

June 28th, 2024 Town Hall about HCS enrollment requirements in PEMS Home and Community-based Services (HCS) providers must list their practice locations and billing offices in the Provider Enrollment and Management System (PEMS). Please review the following article which HHSC published on 5/2/2024 for more information: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/hcs-revalidation-notice.pdf To help you add or maintain your practice locations in PEMS, the Texas Medicaid &...

June 7th, 2024 Reposted From February 22, 2024 What Can Providers Do When They Need Assistance With Medicaid Renewal & Eligibility Issues? HHSC is constantly evaluating ways to be more efficient and improve the quality of the application review process, it was suggested that in addition to referring cases to Ms. Perez's office (Gracie Perez, Access & Eligibility Services) at HHSC, providers needing emergency assistance are urged to contact the Regional Director in their area. See list...

June 7th, 2024 Individual Assigned Wrong Medicaid Type Code During The Renewal/Reinstatement Process   it has been brought to my attention that some of Individuals in our IDD waiver programs have sometimes been renewed/reinstated with the wrong type code for Medicaid, which then takes them out of the HCS or TxHmL waiver.  This also means the provider can't bill. For many of our individuals, R14 or 14 is the appropriate code for "waiver". Some providers have mentioned that their...

June 4th, 2024 BLACKBOARD CONNECT EMERGENCY SYSTEM Just as a reminder, this is not a voluntary process! All providers must appoint a designee to enroll in the system.  That designee is responsible for communication and responses to requests through this system.  Be sure to also note any other designees or back-up designee for the  Blackboard Connect Emergency System!  This system will be used to send emergency and outreach notifications through email, phone, voice and text if available. June...

May 30th, 2024 HHSC is transitioning contracts for the STAR+PLUS program as of September 1st, 2024 Providers be aware that members may need to select new health plans. ·       Providers may need to contract with new MCOs. The STAR+PLUS Project Team invites providers to attend an upcoming webinar to learn about changes to the STAR+PLUS program. This information will be helpful to providers in communicating with STAR+PLUS members and engaging with managed care organizations. Each webinar will...

May 22, 2024 Planning For Flooding & Hurricane Season ** Please remember to address tornadoes in your emergency and evacuation planning, if they apply to your area, as they often occur during or in conjunction with Hurricane Season.  In addition, Texas has already been hit by severe storms, large hail, and tornadoes during the month of May.  Some of these severe storms and tornadoes have already left many people in Texas without electricity in incredibly hot temperatures. See HHSC...

May 28th, 2024 Presentation On The Extension of The Autism CARES Act Hosted by AAIDD Presenters: - Cindy Smith, Director of Public Policy, AUCD - Kim Musheno, Executive Vice President of Public Policy, ASA The Autism CARES Act provides research, education, training, and services for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. It must be reauthorized before it expires in September 2024. In this webinar, you will learn more about this critical law and how to advocate for its...

May 28th, 2024 Direct Care Careers Enhancements HHSC launched Direct Care Careers August 2023, an optional, online portal that will connect potential employees with employers delivering home and community-based services through the state plan and HCBS authorities (1915(c), 1915(i), 1915(j), and 1115). To provide the best user experience possible, HHSC is excited to announce the following enhancements and improvements to the platform. All Users (Employers and Candidates) New options added to...

May 22nd, 2024 Home and Community-based Services (HCS), Texas Home Living (TxHmL), Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS), and Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities (DBMD) waiver programs will be replacing the form and handbook term “individual” with “person” in accordance with HHS branding guidelines. HHS follows federal plain language guidance to help ensure all programs use language that makes communications easier for the public to read, understand and use the first time...

May 20th, 2024 HEARING NOTICE:  Tuesday, June 4th at 9:00 a.m. in Room E2.030, Capitol Complex. Evaluate the appropriate role of the state in overseeing Medicaid managed care. Electronic public comment will be available for: -Health and Human Services Commission Medicaid and CHIP procurements -Medicaid managed care quality metrics -Models for state Medicaid and CHIP contracting The intention of this hearing is for the the committee to be educated on the current Medicaid managed care...

May 18th, 2024 TMHP is currently in the process of reaching out to providers and informing them of the need to confirm their email address in the Provider Enrollment and Management System (PEMS). Please help by sharing this information with other HCS/TxHmL/ICF providers. Having a valid email on file with TMHP will ensure any communications sent out will go to the appropriate person or entity that would need to be made aware. Providers lacking a valid email address on file will encounter the...

May 14th, 2024 48th Annual Texas Chapter ConventionSave the Date! November 12 - 15, 2024 Location:  Grand Galvez | Galveston, TX Information For:   Registration for Attendees and Vendors as well as Hotel Room Reservation Blocks coming later this summer, so stay tuned! Grand Galvez has pleased guests worldwide for more than 100 years. Elegantly restored and tastefully modernized to welcome guests with the utmost in Gulf Coast luxury, Grand Galvez marries history with prime resort conveniences....

May 13th, 2024 Twogether Consulting would really appreciate if providers could share this with their direct staff.  Our good friend and colleague, Sergio Castillo from Life Choices Unlimited, needs your help with his doctoral project concerning Direct Care Professionals in our industry.  Please read below and the link for the survey is also included.    "Dear Provider of Services to People with IDD, Direct Care Professional/Staff or IDD Service Provider: My name is Sergio Castillo, and I...

May 13th, 2024 IDD & PI Webinar April 30th , 2024 The April 30 recording of the Intellectual and Developmental Disability Programs (IDD) and Provider Investigations (PI) Quarterly Webinar with Long-term Care Regulation (LTCR) is available. Listen to the webinar recording. Read the IDD and PI Quarterly Webinar (PDF). Email LTCR Policy for the transcript.   January 5, 2024 IDD & PI Webinar January 31st, 2024 HHSC Long-term Care Regulation hosted a webinar for HCS, TxHmL and ICF/IID...

May 2nd, 2024 On Feb. 13, the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) posted a notice for HCS program providers about completing Medicaid enrollment revalidation. HHSC is providing an update to this previous notification. Effective for all Medicaid enrollment revalidations due on or after June 1, HCS program providers must disclose and maintain all practice locations in the Provider Enrollment Management System (PEMS). The Update on Medicaid Enrollment Revalidation Process for HCS Program...

April 29th, 2024 Dyslexia Handbook 2024 For Special Education Discusses procedures for educating individuals with Dyslexia and related conditions Click on the link below for a copy of the handbook.  https://tea.texas.gov/academics/special-student-populations/special-education/2nd-reading-2024-texas-dyslexia-handbook-2024.pdf

April 29th, 2024 Overview of the Transition & Employment Designee (TED) What is a TED? The TED is an employee in a district or charter school who is designated as the primary contact for transition and employment services for students with disabilities in special education programs. This role is required by Texas Education Code (TEC) §29.011(b). This employee must be able to provide information and resources about effective transition planning and employment services to school staff,...

April 30th, 2024 Book Hotel Room Today Register For AAIDD National Conference in Louisville, Kentucky (June 10th-12th, 2024) Earlybird Registration Ends May 2nd, 2024 Registration

April 30th, 2024 https://www.spedtex.org/parents-guide-ard-process-asl-video-series This is an American Sign Language (ASL) version of the Parent’s Guide to the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Process. Click the previous or next arrow under the video or select a section from the playlist below. Parent's Guide to the ARD Process Playlist Click the link below to download this resource. Select Language ARD Guide English ARD Guide Spanish ARD Guide Arabic ARD Guide Bengali ARD Guide Burmese...

April 24th, 2024 2024 IDD Group Home Provider Report Above you will find the updated provider survey report conducted by the 3 IDD associations to encompass system experience subsequent to the implementation of rate increases for direct care workers that became effective September 1, 2023.  This report was sent to the HHSC Executive Commissioner on April 23rd, 2024, and covers providers' experiences and challenges in delivering quality services amid the workforce crisis during the first 5...

Reminder:  April 14th, 2024- in case you missed this in March  March 11th, 2024 According to HHSC, "the process outlined below and implemented by TMHP should make the lookup tool unnecessary for cost reporting." TMHP created a claims data export process to allow HCS/TxHmL providers to access units of service information to support cost reporting. This hopefully will make the UOS lookup tool unnecessary. Texas Med Connect (TMC) users can request the Claims Data Export through TMC and will be...

April 14th, 2024 Permiacare and Spectrum of Solutions hosted the West Texas IDD Summit.  See comments from Spectrum of Solutions and Permiacare representatives discussing the dire state of funding for individuals with IDD in current Medicaid programs, specifically funding to pay our direct support workers.  Thank you for all you do Spectrum of Solutions and Permiacare for individuals with IDD in the community!   Please click on this video from local ABC News Channel 2 

April 14th, 2024 "Mastering Inflation" How leveraging IDD-specific tools can save your provider agency. Please check on this wonderful free webinar with this presentation by TMP (TaskMaster Pro) at the recent ANCOR conference and how their technology can help you. https://www.taskmasterpro.com/idd-webinar-mastering-inflation/ https://www.taskmasterpro.com/idd-webinar-mastering-inflation/

April 13th, 2024 Based on the many phone calls, emails, and contacts through our social media pages concerning employment needs and job openings in the HCS/ICF/ISS programs, we will continue to use our "Updates" page as a platform to assist providers in posting these openings and opportunities. If you contact Meghan Jones at meghanjones.tx@gmail.com and let her know where you are posting a position and who to contact, we can also just put a link and the contact person's name, # and/or email...

April 12th, 2024 Potential Threats to Health and Safety (new). (SOW, 2.6.4.). The contract includes a new provision requiring the Authority to respond and immediately take action, as identified in correspondence from HHSC, related to Notifications of Potential Threats to Health and Safety. The procedure and actions taken must ensure the individual is seen in person within 48 hours. ***Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Services Broadcast...

April 5th, 2024 Please see the article below which was published a few days ago, regarding the impact of the $10.60/hour direct care wage funded by the 88th Texas Legislature.  The article provides an excellent description of an IDD provider system under mounting stress due to inadequate funds to combat the relentless workforce shortage.  Note that while the article does not mention the 3 IDD associations by name, it does reference their collective efforts to secure emergency funding to...

March 14th, 2024 MCOs Awarded Contracts by STAR+PLUS Service Areas:   See the end of this communication for the MCOs awarded a contract and the service areas they will cover. Please note that not only will there will be 3 new MCOs (highlighted in yellow), but also that the service areas for some of the current MCOs are changing. Notices to Individuals regarding the Change:   According to HHSC letters were sent to STAR+PLUS members (individuals who receive their acute care and/or long-term care...

March 12th, 2024 Local Authority Contract Change: Potential Threats to Health and Safety (new). (SOW, 2.6.4.). The contract includes a new provision requiring the Authority to respond and immediately take action, as identified in correspondence from HHSC, related to Notifications of Potential Threats to Health and Safety. The procedure and actions taken must ensure the individual is seen in person within 48 hours. LIDDAs have requested clearer direction from HHSC as to implementation...

March 8th, 2024 Our friends at IntellectAbility created this wonderful tool which I think Service Coordinators, Case Managers and QIDPs will really find helpful when developing their plans for individuals in their programs.  These include Person-Directed Plans, Implementation Plans, and Individual Program Plans. Please Click this link, Person-Centered Language: Resource Sheet to learn more about this tool from Intellectability   For more about Person-Centered Training Resources from...

February 28th, 2024   HHSC has begun to send out new ANE Reporting Procedure Posters to ICF providers this week.  If you do not get one, please contact  Even if you have not received your  ANE posters, please go ahead and make your posting of the new phone # for reporting allegations of Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation in the group homes and other appropriate places for your staff and individuals in your program. Please inform all staff, volunteers, individuals, and LARS of the new...

February 23rd, 2024 Packet/Documentation Submission Details The most efficient mode of submission for HCS/TxHmL documentation is through the IDD Operations Portal. To learn how to register and use the IDD Operations Portal or for answers to any questions, please visit https://hhs.texas.gov/doing-business-hhs/provider-portals/resources/idd-ops-portal or email IDD_Ops_Portal@hhsc.state.tx.us. Packets may also be submitted via fax at 512-438-4249. Questions: For questions about review packets,...

February 20th, 2024 LTC Provider Bulletin Now Available The February 2024 Long-Term Care (LTC) Provider Bulletin has been published on the LTC homepage on TMHP.com. Visit the TMHP LTC homepage regularly for news, reminders, training opportunities, and other important program updates. For questions, see the LTC Provider Resources Guide under Reference Material.