Twogether Updates

June 30th, 2025 HHSC Publishes IL-2025-11 HHSC will propose increased rates for identified attendant services and discontinue the Attendant Compensation Rate Enhancement program, effective Sept. 1, 2025. These changes are pursuant to the 2026-27 General Appropriations Act, Senate Bill 1, 89th Legislature, Regular Session, 2025 (Article II, HHSC, Rider 23). HHSC has published Information Letter (IL) 25-11, Discontinuation of the Attendant Compensation Rate Enhancement Program and Rate Increases...

June 30th, 2025 From Twogether Consulting! Hello Everyone! The year is flying by, and the 4th of July is already nearly here.  I hope there are plenty of fun activities planned for this Friday and the weekend! Don't forget that hurricane preparedness sessions are still available from HHSC. They have several sessions to assist HCS/TxHmL/ISS/ICF providers.  We do have a few live webinars for July 2025- "Completing ICAPs & IDRCs and Understanding LONs" as well as "Requesting Adaptive Aids,...

June 30th, 2025 Rate Packets Now Available The rate hearing packets were posted on the PFD website on June 23, 2025. The hearing is being conducted to receive public testimony on the proposed Medicaid Rates. Public Rate Hearing on July 16, 2025 The HHSC Provider Finance Department (PFD) Long Term Services and Support (LTSS) will hold its Public Rate Hearing on July 16, 2025, to address proposed rates for the following: Medicaid and Non-Medicaid Payment Rate Actions for Attendant Services in...

June 26th, 2025 We would greatly appreciate a quote from any of our clients who would like to write up a short paragraph on how we may have helped your organization or any recommendations you have for others about our services at Twogether Consulting that you may have used over the years. We are also happy to accept updates to previous satisfied customer quotes that are currently posted on the site.  Link to Satisfied Customers Page If you would like to send us a quote, feel free to email us...

June 26th, 2025 HHSC Publishes Revised Process for Reporting Incidents, Complaints and HHSC Investigations of Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation (PL 2025-02) for ICF HHSC Long-Term Care Regulation updated Provider Letter (PL) 2025-02 Process for Reporting Incidents, Complaints and HHSC Investigations of Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation for Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability (ICF/IID) to include the facility must report the alleged abuse, neglect, and...

Subscribe To The Twogether Consulting Mailing List! 2025 June 18th, 2025 June 2nd, 2025 May 16th, 2025 April 17th, 2025-correction/addendum April 15th, 2025 April 1st, 2025 March 17th, 2025 March 2nd, 2025 February 17th, 2025 February 3rd, 2025 January 17th, 2025 January 8th, 2025 2024   December 16th, 2024 December 3rd, 2024 November 16th, 2024 October 31st, 2024 October 15th, 2024 October 1st, 2024 September 17th, 2024 September 3rd, 2024 August 16th, 2024 August 5th, 2024 July 15th,...

June 26th, 2025 What Providers Need To Know "TMP has joined Cubhub as part of the Statewise family—but nothing's changing for Texas providers. TMP remains your trusted platform for IDD services." Important:  What’s changing? Just the name of the platform (From TMP to Statewise). With the support of Cubhub, TMP will get stronger and gain improved features, but it will continue to serve as the primary platform for Texas-based IDD and personal care providers.   You will continue using the TMP...

June 25th, 2025 In case you were not aware, and you missed last year's conference, we wanted to make sure ICF providers knew they could still watch the sessions.  Great For your Q's, Administrators, and QA staff. HHSC Long Term Care Regulation has posted 4 recorded sessions from the 2024 ICF Conference "Embracing Change to Enhance Value" held Dec. 5, 2024. No CEs or certificates of attendance are offered for viewing these recorded sessions. Access the recordings here.

June 25th, 2025   From iCareManager email received on June 25th, 2025 iCareManager Website "We are thrilled to introduce you to the innovative & efficient iCareManager All-In-One EHR Solution! Whether you connected with us at a conference or online, you’ve just taken the first step towards smarter, simpler, and more efficient IDD service delivery. To kick things off, we’re attaching our 2025 e-book. It will give you a complete overview of who we are, what we offer, and how our EHR...

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. June 2nd, 2025 June & July 2025 LTCR Provider Webinar Training Opportunities...

Free Webinars!! All Recordings of Our Previous sessions of "Free IDD Provider Resource Webinars"  are posted on our "Gotostage" Channel June 22nd, 2025 FREE WEBINAR: From Our "Free IDD Provider & Family Resource Webinar Series" Date: June 30th, 2025 Time:  Noon to 1:00 pm Cost: FREE Registration Twogether Consulting is pleased to have Rachel Hopkins, Program Director of Healthcare Services at Molina HealthCare of Texas as our guest presenter of our "Free IDD Provider & Family Resource...

June 23rd, 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. 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 topics include caring for...

June 23rd, 2025 HHSC Joint Training is presenting a new webinar for Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) providers on the internal investigation process for ICFs. This 1.5 hour webinar provides guidance for ICF providers on conducting a required internal investigation when notified of an incident. The first presentation of this training will be held July 18, 2025. Register for this training at HHS Provider Joint Training Opportunities.

June 22nd, 2025 The Quality Monitoring Program and The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing are offering a free webinar for nurses and nursing facility administrators. “Diving into Enhanced Barrier Precautions for Nursing Facilities,” will be hosted by epidemiologist Annie Nutt on June 25 from noon to 1 p.m. Central time. The webinar aims to guide and improve the care of Texas residents using evidence-based best practices. Learning objectives will include: • Understanding the...

June 21st, 2025 HHSC is accepting comments on the amendment of the 1915(c) Home and Community-based Services Waiver. View the HCS amendment details. Through this amendment, HHSC updated the attendant rates and increased the HCS individual cost limits. The cost limits were updated as described below: Intermittent (LON 1), Limited (LON 5), and Extensive (LON 8) The amount is going from $167,468 to 210 percent of the annualized cost of care in an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with an...

June 20th, 2025 HHSC Requests Comments on TxHmL Amendment Effective Sept. 1, 2025 HHSC is accepting comments on the amendment of the 1915(c) Texas Home Living Waiver. View the TxHmL amendment details. Through this amendment, HHSC updated the attendant rates and increased the TxHmL individual cost limit from: $17,000 to 50 percent of the annualized cost of care in an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Condition (ICF/IID) using the fiscal year...

June 20th, 2025 HHSC Requests Comments on CLASS Amendment Effective Sept. 1, 2025 HHSC is accepting comments on the amendment of the 1915(c)  Community Living Assistance and Support Services Waiver. View the CLASS amendment details. Through this amendment, HHSC updated the attendant rates and increased the CLASS individual cost limit from $114,736.07 to 210 percent of the annualized cost of care in an Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related...

June 2nd, 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. FEI Systems will host a monthly provider demonstration webinar on June 10, 2025, from 10–11 a.m. Monthly provider demonstration webinars are offered to providers with access to the Critical Incident Management System. HHSC encourages...

June 1st, 2025 Hurricane Season – Ready or Not! Preparedness for HCS/TxHmL/ISS Tuesday, June 17 10–11:30 am Register Here Hurricane Season – Ready or Not! Preparedness for Intermediate Care Facilities Friday, June 20 10–11:30 a.m. Register here Click on the following links for more training opportunities: Joint Training HCSSA Training OASIS Training HCS and TxHmL Training Individualized Skills and Socialization Training May 18th, 2025 Planning For Flooding & Hurricane Season ** Please...

Behavioral Support Services HCS and TxHmL Behavioral Support Services Provider Policy Training (Has been mandated for HCS & TxHmL providers to ensure their contracted Behavioral Support Services providers to take since March 2015) This course informs service providers of behavioral support services in the HCS and TxHmL programs related to the provision of behavioral support services in those programs.  All new behavior support service providers must complete the WBT before providing...

May 31st, 2025 Please help ensure Medicaid continues to support Individuals in Texas with IDD.  More than ever, we need everyone to focus their efforts on contacting our U.S. Senate representatives. Call Senator John Cornyn (1-202-224-2934) and Senator Ted Cruz (1-202-224-5922) to continue to ensure we have Medicaid to support programs serving individuals with IDD, as well as directly support individuals with IDD in Texas. The ARC of TEXAS has supplied a nice script for you, or your person...

May 30th, 2025 Governor Abbott signed House Bill 2081, officially creating the Building Better Futures program into law on May 26th, 2025. This will be a step toward a more inclusive and accessible future for all Texans, including those with disabilities. Rep. John Bucy III authored the bill, and it was sponsored by Senator José Menéndez.  This law takes effect immediately and establishes a grant program within the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to support colleges and...

May 29th, 2025 Register for 6-10-25 here! The Team at Consolidated Planning Group contact@cpgcares.net    281-690-1177 https://www.consolidatedplanninggroup.com/

May 26th, 2025 As of May 25th, 2025, the House and Senate have passed a bill that will create a plan for greater inclusion of children with disabilities in early education programs. The Texas Senate gave final passage to House Bill 2310. The bill was authored by Rep. Claudia Ordaz and sponsored by Senator Tan Parker.   It would require the TEA (Texas Education Agency), TWC (Texas Workforce Commission), and HHSC (Health and Human Services Commission) to develop a strategic plan to increase the...

May 22nd, 2025 IDD Operations Portal (IDD Ops Portal) Administrators will provide a brief overview of the new and enhanced view of the system. Attendees are recommended to attend either session as they provide the same information. Register for the May 23rd IDD Operations Portal Enhanced View Training 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. OR Register for the May 28th IDD Operations Portal Enhanced View Training 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Topics include: Initial and single user account setup Navigation of new portal view...

May 20th, 2025 Home and Community-Based Services – Adult Mental Health Program CBT trainings Home & Community-Based Services – Adult Mental Health (contains provider training and resource information) Adult Mental Health Home & Community-based Services Other information about the program: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/behavioral-health-services-providers-programs/home-community-based-services-adult-mental-health

May 20th, 2025 These are the most recent postings from HHSC, hopefully, those for 2024 will be posted soon,  Home and Community-based Services 10 Most Frequently Cited Deficiencies in Home and Community-based Services (HCS) & Texas Home Living (TxHmL) — Fiscal Year 2023 (July 16, 2024) Texas Home Living 10 Most Frequently Cited Deficiencies in Home and Community-based Services (HCS) & Texas Home Living (TxHmL) — Fiscal Year 2023 (July 16, 2024) Intermediate Care Facilities 10 Most...

May 18th, 2025 From HHSC Deat & Hard of Hearing Services: "Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services for EXPLORE!, a webinar presented by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Accessibility Team. Discover the latest updates and initiatives across Texas public lands, focusing on accessibility and inclusivity. From camping in a state park to touring a fish hatchery or renewing your hunting license at a law enforcement office, TPWD is...

May 17th, 2025 New Employment Readiness Assessment Tool On January 1, 2025, the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), implemented the new employment readiness benefit available to individuals enrolled in the Home and Community-based Services (HCS), Texas Home Living (TxHmL), or Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities (DBMD) waiver programs for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. HHSC is required to assess all settings where employment readiness is provided for...

May 16th, 2025 In accordance with 26 TAC §52.113 (relating to Record Retention and Disposition) and the requirements of the Community Services Provider Contract or Provider Agreement, all records must be developed and retained in the form in which they were created until the latest of the following: seven (7) years after a claim is submitted; seven (7) years after all issues involving the record have been mitigated; or the individual about whom the record relates becomes 21 years of age. If a...

May 16th, 2025 April 30 IDD and PI Quarterly Webinar with HHSC LTCR Recording Available The April 30 recording of the Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Programs and Provider Investigations (PI) Quarterly Webinar with Long-term Care Regulation is available. Listen to the IDD and PI Quarterly Webinar recording. Read the IDD and PI Quarterly Webinar (PDF). Email LTCR Policy for the transcript. Future Webinar Dates July 30, 2025 Oct. 29, 2025   February 12th, 2025 IDD and PI...

May 15th, 2025 National/International Conferences & Conventions: AAIDD Annual Meeting- The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) will hold its 149th annual meeting from June 23-25 in  Washington D.C.  This conference will focus on mentorship, access, equity, and collaboration in the IDD field. Texas State Chapter of AAIDD Convention- Takes place Sept. 29th-Oct. 2nd in Corpus Christi, Tx   CR Unite Autism and IDD Care Conference-Hosted by...

May 15th, 2025 Deadline for Informal Comments: May 30 Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is accepting comments from stakeholders on the following draft rules related to an interagency reportable conduct search engine. The comment period ends May 30, 2025. Texas Administrative Code, Title 26, Chapter 550, Chapter 551, Chapter 553, Chapter 554, Chapter 555, Chapter 556, Chapter 557, Chapter 558, Chapter 559, Chapter 560, Chapter 565, (HCS) and Chapter 566 (TxHmL), concerning...

May 6th, 2025 Additional Cost Report Training for HCS/TxHmL and ICF/IID or Related Conditions The HHSC Provider Finance Department (PFD) has scheduled an additional 2024 Cost Report Training for Home and Community-based Services/Texas Home Living (HCS/TxHmL) and Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions (ICF/IID) on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 9 a.m. Register here for this training or visit the HHSC PFD Cost and Accountability Report...

May 5th, 2025 The May 2025 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. February 15, 2025 The February 2025 Long-Term Care (LTC) Provider Bulletin has been published on the LTC homepage on TMHP.com.

May 4th, 2025 A recording of the April 24 DAHS and Individualized Skills and Socialization provider webinar with HHSC Long-term Care Regulation is now available. The presentation (PDF) is also available. Listen to the webinar recording. Email LTCR Policy for a transcript.

May 4th, 2025 The HCS Handbook Has Been Revised The Home and Community-based Services (HCS),  Handbook revision 25-1, updates Section 11000. 11000, Maintaining Medicaid Eligibility Financial Eligibility Guidelines for Texas Home Living and Home and Community-based Services This revision is effective April 29, 2025. Review the updates linked here. November 26th, 2024 The HCS Handbook Has Been Revised The Home and Community-based Services (HCS) Handbook revision 24-1 updates Appendix X. This...

May 3rd, 2025 The LIDDA Handbook Has Been Revised The Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority (LIDDA) Handbook, revision 25-3, updates form references. This revision is effective May 1, 2025. Review the updates linked here. 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...

May 1st, 2025      Annual National AAIDD Conference 2025Washington D.C. July 23rd-25th, 2025 Registration is now Open! Take advantage of our Early Bird Fee available until May 15th. Annual Meeting Register Online Now! General Registration Conference Registration includes:  Pre-Conference Sessions Featured plenary presentations More than 100 educational presentations were organized into Concurrent Sessions, Issue Briefs, Poster Symposia, and Poster Presentations Awards Breakfast...

April 25th, 2025 “Caytlin Handley Act”  On April 8, the House Committee on Public Education heard House Bill 1188, filed by Rep. Christian Manuel. This bill would require school districts to provide families of students identified as eligible to receive special education services due to a diagnosis of  IDD or developmental delay to their  (LIDDA), ensuring students and families are informed about Medicaid waiver programs, long-term services and supports, and other community resources. From the...

April 18th, 2025 Job Position Lone Star HCS (Conroe, Tx)     Job Position:  Host Home/Companion Care Service Provider Please see information below and contacts to respond. Looking for Host Home/Companion Care provider who wants to care for 3 young men, 2 of which are fairly independent. The 3rd individual needs a bit more help with hygiene and meal preparation. The host home is located in the Woodlands, Texas area near Conroe and Houston. If you are interested in the position, please...

April 15th, 2025 The proposed billing requirement revisions and a summary of changes are located on the Long-term Care Providers webpage and are outlined below: HCS CFC Billing Requirements for HCS and TxHmL Program Providers Draft Revision 25-1(PDF) CFC Billing Requirements for HCS and TxHmL Program Providers Draft Revision 25-1 Summary of Changes (PDF)

April 15th, 2025 Beginning May 30, the Provider Enrollment and Management System (PEMS) will be enhanced to streamline the process for Texas Medicaid enrollment, managed care organization (MCO) and dental maintenance organization (DMO) credentialing. PEMS will feature a new Credentialing Tab for the credentialing application that will allow providers to complete and submit their credentialing information as part of the enrollment process, the reenrollment process, or as a maintenance request....

April 15th, 2025 From our friends at Texas Council on Developmental Disabilities: IDD Coordinating Council TCDD Senior Public Policy Analyst Lauren Gerken provided verbal testimony on March 25 to the House Human Services Committee on House Bill (HB) 2807, which would establish a statewide intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) coordinating council. She discussed how this new council would bring multiple agencies together to develop strategies on optimizing the complex system of...

April 12th, 2025 HHSC is providing notification of the Intergovernmental Transfer (IGT) call for the Intermediate Care Facilities Upper Payment Limit (ICF UPL) 2Qtr2025 payment. The federal fiscal year 2025 ICF UPL Quarterly Payments file was updated on April 15, 2025, and can be found on the Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions (ICF/IID) UPL Supplemental Payment Program website. IGT amounts due are in Column J, under the “2nd...

April 10th, 2025 Resource Links:  Consideration of the budget as well as HB 500, the supplemental budget, by the House will occur today at 9:00am, Thursday, April 10th. HB 500 (supplemental):  https://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/HB00500H.pdf#navpanes=0   House Rules Adopted related to Consideration of the Budget:  To view the rules adopted by the House on April 2, 2025 related to consideration of the budget (SB 1), see pages 2 - 4 at the following link:...

April 6th, 2025 Register Now for April 24 DAHS and Individualized Skills and Socialization Provider Webinar with HHSC LTCR HHSC Long-term Care Regulation will host a webinar for Day Activity and Health Services (DAHS) and Individualized Skills and Socialization providers on April 24 from 11 a.m. to noon. DAHS and Individualized Skills and Socialization providers should attend this and all webinars with HHSC LTCR. LTCR will provide the latest updates and answer questions from participants....

March 31st, 2025 Many of you may know our friend and colleague Marie "Lynn" Palmares.  Lynn has worked in ICF and HCS programs in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area for many years.  In the past 8 years or so she has been working with the YES waiver program.  Lynn has helped many providers as an independent contractor and as a consultant for Twogether Consulting over the past 10 years with their HCS and YES waiver programs.  In addition, Lynn has assisted our clients at Twogether Consulting with their...

March 30th, 2025 Permanent Policy Change for CFC PAS/HAB- Letter 2025-04  HHSC has published Information Letter 2025-04 Permanent Change to HCS and TxHmL Policy for Community First Choice (CFC) personal assistance services (PAS)/habilitation (HAB) service providers. This letter informs financial management services agencies (FMSAs), local intellectual and developmental disability authorities (LIDDAs), and providers of Home and Community-based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL)...

March 25th, 2025 Video About Medicaid Eligibility Reports on the LTCOP Dashboard Now Available on YouTube An educational video focused on Medicaid eligibility reports on the Long-Term Care Online Portal (LTCOP) Dashboard has been added to the Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership’s HCS and TxHmL YouTube Playlist. Read the full alert. November 14th, 2024 Eligibility Information Available for Long-Term Care Providers and LIDDAs LTC providers and LIDDAs that are seeking eligibility...

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 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 12th, The EVV Policy Handbook Revision The Electronic Visit Verification Policy Handbook (EVV) has been revised. This revision is effective March 12, 2025. The Electronic Visit Verification Policy Handbook as well as Revision Log has been revised. These revisions are outlined in the new revision log (PDF) located on the EVV webpage. The Revision Log outlines the specific changes and allows users to identify which policies have been updated in each section of the EVV Policy Handbook. The...

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 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 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 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...

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 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...

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 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 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 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    

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,...

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...