Twogether Updates

March 14th, 2025 Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services From HHSC Presents Overview of the Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP) Wednesday, March 26, 2025 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., CST Join Aaron Mowell, STAP manager, for an overview of the Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP). The purpose of STAP is to allow people with disabilities to access the telephone network, enabling them to call family and friends, make doctor’s appointments, and reach emergency...

March 17th 2025 From Twogether Consulting! Hello Everyone! Happy St. Patrick's Day! I am disappointed that Texas wildflowers aren't out yet, as we desperately need rain in many places in the state. I do hope we are past the winter weather finally. I know many of you are happy we have longer days now for the Spring.  Please join me for our webinar for March 31st, 2025 ($65/person).  "HCS Survey Process:  What To Expect & Tools For Prevention of Violations" 2025.   We do offer discounted...

March 15th, 2025 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 staff will be available to troubleshoot and potentially resolve issues with forms and claim submissions in the LTC online portal. All attendees should be prepared to discuss and show,...

March 15th, 2025 Permanent Policy Change for Respite & CFC PAS/HAB In March 2020, HHSC started a temporary policy change for respite and Community First Choice (CFC) Personal Assistance Services (PAS)/Habilitation (HAB) provided in the Home and Community-based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) waiver programs. This change allowed service providers of respite and CFC PAS/HAB to live in the same home as the person receiving these services. A person’s spouse, or parent if the...

March 14th, 2025 HHS, in collaboration with The University of Texas Steve Hicks School of Social Work, will host an informative two-day, free conference on quality in long-term care.  Please Save The Date! The 2025 Quality in Long-Term Care Conference (QLTCC) will be held at the Renaissance Austin Hotel, Aug. 27-28, 2025. This year’s theme is “Blazing a Trail to Quality Improvement in Long-Term Care." The QLTCC offers presentations from nationally and internationally recognized experts. The...

March 12th, The EVV Policy Handbook Revision The Electronic Visit Verification Policy Handbook (EVV) has been revised. This revision is effective March 12, 2025.  Review the revisions here and Email HHSC EVV Operations with questions. March 08, 2025 EVV System Daylight Savings Time Change On March 9, the state provided EVV system, HHAeXchange, and EVV proprietary systems, will automatically adjust for Daylight Savings Time. This means that the actual hours worked and billable time for EVV...

March 10th, 2025 Critical Incident Management System (CIMS) Monthly Provider Demonstrations 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. Critical Incident Management System (CIMS) Monthly Provider Demonstrations FEI Systems will host a monthly provider demonstration webinar on March 11, 2025, from 10–11 a.m. Monthly provider demonstration webinars are offered to...

March 1st, 2025 Job Position The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD Job Position Now Available: Program Director V, Residential & Day Services. Please see information about the position below.  We have also provided a link you may click on to apply. **Note, this position is on page 2.  The Harris Center is now accepting candidates and will begin scheduling interviews this week. If you know any interested parties, please feel free to share. I believe this position will be with their...

February 28th, 2025 HHSC will be providing ongoing opportunities for CLASS and DBMD providers and FMSAs to hear about recent program updates. CLASS and DBMD Quarterly Webinar March 19, 2025 10–11:30 a.m. Topics to be discussed will include: CLASS/DBMD — Upcoming form updates, June webinar. UR/PES — UR/PES responsibility changes. EVV — EVV updates. Fair Hearing — Fair hearings information. Register for the webinar. Email CLASSPolicy@hhs.texas.gov and DBMDPolicy@hhs.texas.gov with any...

February 27th, 2025  Into the Spotlight has been released to the general public, as of February 21, 2025. You can find it on YouTube Movies, Google Play, Apple TV and through other streaming and on-demand services. This documentary follows a group of Dallas area theatre performers with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their amazing director who are part of the "Spotlight" program. They wrote, developed, and performed their own play. This program Spotlight Academy of The Arts,...

February 26th, 2025 The LIDDA Handbook Has Been Revised The Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority Handbook (LIDDA) revision 25-2 updates sections 19220, 19230 and Form 8591. This revision is effective Feb. 26, 2025. Click this link to see the updates. February 7th, 2025 The LIDDA Handbook Has Been Revised The Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority (LIDDA) Handbook revision 25-1 updates Sections 4000, 4100, 4200, 4300, 4400, 17000, 17100, 17200, 17300,...

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. February 26th, 2025 March & April 2025 LTCR Provider Webinar Training...

February 22nd, 2025 HHSC LTCR Updates Tag Crosswalks for Intermediate Care Facilities LTCR has updated the ICF federal, licensure and state standards of participation tag crosswalks to the most current version. Each crosswalk provides a detailed table that identifies the applicable tag numbers, title, Code of Federal Regulations and Texas Administrative Codes for providers to reference. These documents are posted on the ICF Provider Portal HHSC website. For questions,...

February 20th, 2025 HHSC Publishes Information on Waiver and Community Services Utilization Review Process HHSC has published Information Letter 2025-02 Waiver and Community Services Utilization Review Process. This letter provides a summary of the authority for conducting field utilization reviews in the Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS), Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities (DBMD), Home and Community-based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) Programs. There...

February 18th, 2025 HHSC Publishes Payment Rates for Employment Readiness Services in DBMD, HCS, and TxHML Waiver Programs. HHSC approved payment rates for for Employment Readiness Services in the Deaf-Blind with Multiple Disabilities (DBMD), Home and Community-Based Services (HCS), and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) Waiver Programs effective Jan. 1, 2025. More information about the approved payment rates is available on the HHSC Provider Finance Department webpage. The Employment Readiness...

February 15th, 2025 From Twogether Consulting! Hello Everyone!   Hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's weekend. I feel like this month is flying by. Don't forget we have a "Pop-Up"webinar on Feb. 21st,2025 from 1pm-3:30pm.  This is especially great session for any new providers, as well as new program managers and case managers:“Care Coordination Basics:  Admission, Post- Admission & Other Follow-Up Required” (HCS) Twogether Consulting will be adding additional ICF and HCS...

February 15, 2025 The February 2025 Long-Term Care (LTC) Provider Bulletin has been published on the LTC homepage on TMHP.com.

February 15th, 2025 The Medical Care Advisory Committee (MCAC) met Thursday, February 13, 2025.  The following items of interest were on the agenda. These items were: ~  Status of Medicaid Eligibility Unwinding ~   Discussion on CMS' guidance regarding ensuring continuity of coverage for individuals receiving Home and Community-based Services ~  Employment Readiness (new service as result of HB 4169 (Price, 88 R).  View HB 4169...

February 14th, 2025 Belong Disability Ministry celebrates 15 years of Spotlight Musical Theater with a new production, “I’m on My Way” on Saturday, February 22 from 5:00 - 7:00pm at Highland Park United Methodist Church. This comedic, yet touching musical shares captivating stories of what it’s like to live with a disability through a series of DART rides. Join us in a theatrical display that features real-world scenarios, upbeat original music, and a journey in finding courage during the...

February 12th, 2025 IDD and PI Quarterly Webinar with HHSC LTCR Recording Available The Jan. 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. November 13th, 2024 IDD and PI Quarterly Webinar with HHSC LTCR Recording Available The Oct. 31 recording of...

February 8th, 2025 The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has published the 2024 Children’s Behavioral Health Strategic Plan (PDF). The five-year plan is intended to foster an environment in which Texas children and their caregivers, based on identified need, have access to compassionate, comprehensive, and innovative behavioral health care, that will help develop their resilience and enable them to thrive emotionally, mentally, and socially. The plan was developed by the Texas...

February 5th, 2025 HHSC Joint Training is requesting feedback from providers related to a proposed training on the ICF internal investigation process. Training has been requested on the investigative process required after a provider has reported an incident to HHSC Complaint and Incident Intake (CII) or after Regulatory Services enters a complaint. Please complete this survey by Friday, Feb. 21, 2025. The four-question survey can be accessed through the link below. ICF Internal Investigation...

January 19th, 2025 New Emergency Communication Tool – AlertMedia. HHSC Publishes PL 2025-01 New Emergency Communication Tool – AlertMedia. This provider letter informs providers of the emergency communication system called AlertMedia, how it will be used, and their responsibility in signing up for the system. HHSC will use this system to send emergency and outreach notifications through email, text, voice calls, and app push if available.  AlertMedia Joint Provider Trainings in January and...

January 19th, 2025 The Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing are pleased to announce a collaborative effort to improve long-term care in Texas. This partnership includes updating eight web-based modules delivering best practices education to providers of long-term care in Texas nursing homes. The Long-Term Care modules are: -Infection Prevention and Control. -Reducing Antipsychotic Use in Long-Term Care Facilities. -Culture Change...

January 16th, 2025 From Twogether Consulting! Howdy!   Hope everyone is well! Back to the grind for so many of us now that the holidays are over.  Please be sure to check the HCS and ICF home pages on the HHSC website for any new changes in rules, regulations, news, provider letters, training opportunities and more. Remember that Employment Readiness Services kick in as of January 1st, 2025 on the IPC for HCS & TxHmL.  See IL-2025-01. Twogether Consulting will be offering HCS webinars...

January 15th, 2025 The Fair and Fraud Hearings Handbook updates Section 1240. This revision is effective Jan. 17, 2024. Click this link to see the updates.

January 14th, 2025 HHSC Publishes Information on Implementation of Employment Readiness Note: The previous publication had a broken link. Please find the correct link below. HHSC has published Information Letter 2025-01 Implementation of Employment Readiness. This letter provides a description of employment readiness and guidance related to the implementation of the new service. ***Don't forget, the IPC form for TxHmL and HCS have been updated to include Employment Readiness  Link to TxHmL...

January 7th, 2025 From Twogether Consulting! Happy Holidays! Bon Jour and Happy New Year to all of you.  I spent some of my final holiday time in Paris.  It was wonderful and I was so glad I got to see some incredible places including the newly renovated Notre Dame Cathedral and eat some amazing food!  I  am feeling refreshed and am looking forward to coming home soon so I can assist providers with their needs. Twogether Consulting will be officially open to provide services again as of...

January 6th, 2024 From HHSC: The Promoting Independence Plan report has been publicly posted in accordance with Executive Order RP-13 and is now available for viewing This plan outlines accomplishments in the last two years as well as key strategies and goals that support people with disabilities to live independently within their communities. Highlights of the 2024 plan include activities to expand and improve services and an overarching theme of collaboration between multiple state agency...

December 30th, 2024 HHSC 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. Medical and pharmaceutical supplies. Communication to families and staff. Staffing shortages. Sheltering in place and evacuation, as applicable. Providers must follow emergency preparedness rules and their own internal emergency...

December 26th, 2024  Individualized Skills and Socialization FAQ's:  Updated Dec 2024 HHSC Long-term Care Regulation updated the Individualized Skills and Socialization frequently asked questions document on December 4, 2024. Read the FAQ here. June 5th, 2023 HHSC's Response to Three Recent ISS-Related Questions From Providers   Question 1: May an Individualized Skills and Socialization (ISS) provider charge families for after-hour care?  Many times families cannot get off work at the...

December 20th, 2024 TMHP Email:  TMHP sent this email to keep providers up to date regarding a recently published article, which details the recent Provider Revalidation Extension that was granted by the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). The fully published article can be found here: https://www.tmhp.com/news/2024-12-13-revalidation-due-dates-extended-and-retroactive-enrollment-period-be-implemented. It covers the recently granted revalidation extension, how it will affect currently...

December 18th, 2024 Guidance Related to the Regional Offsite Review Process for Critical Incidents Reported into CIMS HHSC Long-term Care Regulation published Provider Letter 2024-22, Regional Offsite Review (ROR) Process for Critical Incidents Reported into the Critical Incident Management System (CIMS), for Home and Community-based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) providers and a frequently asked questions document. Both documents are available on the HCS and TxHmL provider...

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 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.

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 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.

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   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 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 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...

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,...

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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 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...