Twogether Updates

Texas Local IDD Authorities (LIDDA) Click on link below: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1x52WNDpmumg3J5ANB-G1aWfCSFFnHKM&usp=sharing

HCS Group Home Vacancy Search To find out which companies have group home vacancies, you may go to the following link:  https://resources.hhs.texas.gov/find/HCS.  Please be sure if you are an HCS provider that you are reporting any vacancies in your group home to the state.

June 23rd, 2022 2022 Conference for Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Innovating, Developing & Defining the Future of Service Delivery August 12, 2022 Norris Conference Centers – Dallas Northpointe Centre (Located in: Brightwood College in Dallas:  12005 Ford Rd #200, Dallas, TX 75234) The exhibitor information is available now. See link below.  Registrant information to be posted later this month. Please click on this link for Exhibitor Information

From our friends at PACSTX! 2022 Annual PACSTX Conference November 1st & 2nd Embassy Suites Conference Center San Marcos, Tx More information coming in the near future! HOTEL REGISTRATION

June 23rd, 2022 This is a notice to potential applicants that Request For Applications (RFA) No. HHS0011334 has been posted. This notice is from Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Procurement and Contracting Services (PCS). The RFA and related attachments can be located on the HHS Grants Website: https://apps.hhs.texas.gov/pcs/HHS0011334/   Refer to the RFA for the required submission method(s), Deadline for Submitting Questions or Requests for Clarification, and Deadline for...

June 23rd, 2022 Please see the recent alert below from HHSC.  This has been brought to my attention just recently, however, I find it in conflict with the billing guidelines/requirements prior to even COVID-19, which allows for nurses to complete assessments per video chat  So, most likely they will revise billing requirements.  But know, it was in place prior to the Pandemic. Revised Guidance for COVID-19 Flexibility for Registered Nursing Services Provided by Telehealth for  HCS & TxHmL...

June 23rd, 2022 Rising To The Challenge! PPAT Fall Conference DoubleTree Hotel Austin 6505 IH 35 North  Austin, 78752 The Association’s 25th Annual Conference is just around the corner. And, of course, a conference is not a conference without the help of many wonderful people like you and your colleagues. To ensure success we need your help. There are several ways to demonstrate your support and at the same time promote your company/agency. They are:  Sponsoring our reception, breakfast,...

June 17th, 2022 This message will only address the ICF/IID grants. As of May 31st, 2022, there was little else shared by HHSC, other than what was posted on its website on May 19, 2022. There was however information shared during the HHSC IDD Coordination Workgroup meeting shortly after that. 1.  Eligibility Criteria for the SB 8 Grants:   According to HHSC, application for the grants will be through an open procurement process which prohibits HHSC from disclosing any details. HHSC...

June 17th, 2022 Employment First Training Series Amerigroup and the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) are hosting a free, eight-week training series on competitive integrated employment and Employment First. The training is intended for Supported Employment providers throughout the state of Texas. It is not required for providers that maintain the TWC-VR Supported Employment credential. The kickoff for the training series is June 29, 2022. For more information about the...

June 16th, 2022 Yesterday afternoon the HHSC IDD Coordination Workgroup met.  Though many topics were covered, below is the information discussed on HCBS Enhanced FMAP.  Here is a general summary of updates discussed, as follows: State-controlled ARPA, Transition of DHs to ISS, and TMHP migration issues.  Below is their discussion on ARPA funds. Note:  Continue to look for further FAQ's on some of these issues and training to come from HHSC in the near future. HCBS Enhanced FMAP:  Note: ...

June 12th, 2022 Potential Long-Term Care Remittance and Status Report Delays Due to the Home and Community-Based Services American Rescue Plan Act Provider Retention Payments (Add-On) for personal attendant and nursing services, rates are being updated. Refer to Information Letter No. 2022-30 for additional information. From TMHP "Because of the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provider retention payments (add-on) for personal attendant and nursing...

June 12th, 2022 ICF COVID-19 Vaccination Reporting Emergency Rules Expired June 6!! Emergency rules for Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions that require COVID-19 vaccination reporting expired June 6. This means that effective June 7, ICFs no longer have to report COVID-19 vaccination data for staff and individuals to HHSC. The following rules expired June 6: 26 TAC §551.48 – ICF/IID Provider COVID-19 Vaccination Data Reporting...

June 12th, 2022 EVV Portal and Training Updates Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership updated the Electronic Visit Verification Portal and related training materials on June 9. There are also two new visit rejection codes related to EVV system transfers. Refer to the EVV Portal and Training Updates notice on TMHP’s EVV webpage for more information. Email questions to TMHP. June 6th, 2022 EVV Policy Handbook Revision and Training Updates The Electronic Visit Verification Policy Handbook has...

June 6th, 2022 Register for June 8 HCBS ARPA Stakeholder Update Webinar HCBS providers are urged to attend this HCBS ARPA Stakeholder Update Webinar. HHSC will provide updates on the Texas Home and Community Based Services Spending Plan authorized under Section 9817 of the American Rescue Plan Act HCBS ARPA Stakeholder Update June 8 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Register for the HCBS ARPA Stakeholder Update webinar.

June 3rd, 2022 Guidance related to Emergency Preparedness- Exercise Exemption based on A Facility's Activation of their Emergency Plan *** Revised to provide additional guidance and clarifications due to the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) REVISED 05.26.2022 *** Memorandum Summary • Emergency Preparedness Training and Testing Program Exemption -CMS regulations for Emergency Preparedness (EP) require facilities to conduct exercises to test the facility’s EP plan to ensure that it...

Based on the many phone calls, emails and contacts through our social media pages concerning Job Positions Desired and Job Openings with HCS providers, I have decided to use our "Updates" page to provide a place where both those persons desiring a position with an HCS Provider and those Posting a Job Position can find each other! We will not neccesarily be posting the job description or information on this page directly.  If you contact Meghan Jones at meghanjones.tx@gmail.com and let her know...

TMHP & HHSC Response to Common Migration Issues:   Click on link below TMHP Migration Complaints-HHSC Responses-060222   You can contact TMHP directly to submit your questions/ issues/requests for assistance using the  template below and using the following email address:   HCS_TxHml@tmhp.com -Subject: HCS/TxHmL Question/Issue (and a short description of the issue or question) -Point of Contact (POC) Name: -National Provider Identifier (NPI)/Contract Number: -POC Phone Number: -POC...

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 providers based on rates published on the Provider Finance website. Read the full alert. After confirming rates with Provider Finance and paid claims on the R&S Report, contact the TMHP LTC...

Last updated on 6/1/2022 HCS and TxHmL Waiver Programs: Trending Issue Support Since May 2, 2022, Home and Community-based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) program providers, local intellectual and developmental disability authorities (LIDDAs), and financial management services agencies (FMSAs) that bill on behalf of consumer-directed services (CDS) have been submitting claims and forms to Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP). TMHP has received feedback from providers...

June 2nd, 2022 Don't Forget! American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Provider Retention Payments Attestation and Initial Reporting Initial report is due by July 1, 2022. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) implements American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Provider Retention payments. HHSC is providing funds to agency providers and consumer-directed services employers to support recruitment and retention...

Here is the TMHP page that you can check for updates on fixes, errors discovered and other updates on TMHP issues in HCS. Not sure everything will be sent in provider alerts on our normal Sunday emails we get from HHSC.  Sounds like they won't, so check periodically. https://www.tmhp.com/news?created=2&title=HCS&program_id=56&topic_id=All&category_id=All Here is the main page if you have any issues and you can search for HCS LTC issues...

May 25th, 2022 Tip So a provider mentioned that it might be a good idea to just have a stamp made that says "ENTERED" on the top and underneath it the letters "DLN" with a box next to it to write in the DLN #. This way, every time someone enters their ID/RC's and IPC's,  into TMHP for renewal, revision, etc.. and then you click  "submit" you can write down the "DLN" on the document.  The provider will have to know what DLN # goes with which entry.

May 30th, 2022 LTC Online Portal Dashboard Accessibility Issue Resolved An accessibility issue with the Long-Term Care Online Portal Dashboard has been resolved. "I have received quite a few calls about this issue.  And unfortunately, that made it also very difficult to get a status on claims billed for many providers. So hopefully the issue is now truly resolved." From HHSC: "Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living waiver programs providers and local intellectual developmental...

May 30th, 2022 In Case You Don't Have Enough To Worry About..... HHSC Publishes Information on Preparing for Fee-for-Service Claims Billing Closeout IL 2022-31 IL 2022-31 (PDF) is posted to the HHS site. Just some thoughts: Understand, that this also might mean a period of time where regular payments will be delayed a few weeks, right when the fiscal year closeout occurs at end of August.  Hopefully not, but it has been an issue in past years with CARE. Please be sure to take care of all...

May 30th, 2022 The extension for temporary policy for In-Home DH goes through June 30th, 2022 now.  COVID-19: HHSC Publishes In-Home Day Habilitation Information for Program Providers (IL 2022-32) IL 2022-32 is posted on the HHS webpage for Home and Community-based Services, Texas Home Living, local intellectual and developmental disability authority, and financial management services agency program providers. HHSC is temporarily waiving certain requirements in Section 3710, 4381.3, 4381.7(6)...

May 30th, 2022 HHSC has revised HCS and TxHmL Survey Operations Transformation (PL 21-26) HHSC revised PL 2021-26 to reflect updates to the HCS or TxHmL Program Manager and Assistant Regional Director contact list. Read PL 2021-26 here.   September 5th, 2021 Now Called Billing Requirements Not Billing Guidelines!!!! HHSC Publishes Revision 21-3 of the HCS and TxHmL Program Billing Requirements and CFC Billing Requirements HHSC Publishes Revision 21-3 of the HCS and TxHmL Program Billing...

May 30, 2022 COVID-19 Update to Temporary Change for Service Providers of Respite and CFC PAS/HAB In March 2020, HHSC implemented a temporary policy change for respite and Community First Choice Personal Assistance Services/Habilitation. This change allows service providers of respite and CFC PAS/HAB to live in the same home as the person receiving Home and Community-based Services or Texas Home Living program services. This change has given access to needed services for people living in their...

May 29th, 2022 2022 Hurricane Season Emergency Preparedness with COVID-19 Long-term care providers in Texas are reminded to review their emergency preparedness and response plans before the Atlantic hurricane season begins, which runs June 1–Nov. 30. LTC providers should make updates, if necessary. Providers should factor in COVID-19 contingencies when reviewing their preparedness plans. For example, as applicable: Are your receiving facilities and transportation contracts still viable? If...

May 23, 2022 Very Important! Please see information from TMHP below: Some Rejected Claims May Be Resubmitted Some Home and Community-based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) claims that were submitted to Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) between May 2, 2022, and May 13, 2022, were rejected in error. HCS and TxHmL claims that were rejected with the following explanations of benefits (EOBs) may now be resubmitted for processing: Explanation of Benefits Description...

COVID-19 in Healthcare Relief Grants Senate Bill (SB) 8, 87th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, 2021, appropriates funding for the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to issue awards to support Texas healthcare providers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. These awards include funding for Rural Hospitals, Nursing Facilities, Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs), home health agencies (HHA), Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities or...

More Help Available For Persons Entering IPC's Into TMHP! More information about submitting and revising Individual Plans of Care is available in the Long-Term Care Online Portal User Guides for Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living Waiver Programs. These user guides are available for the following programs that submit IPC forms 3608 and 8582 in the Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership LTC Online Portal: HCS and TxHmL providers. Local intellectual and development...

For Previously Recorded Webinars & FAQ's https://hhs.texas.gov/doing-business-hhs/provider-portals/long-term-care-providers/resources/hcs-txhml-webinars-faqs May 5th, 2022 HCS and TxHmL FAQ Updates Available May 9 and May 23 The Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living Waiver Programs Frequently Asked Questions document has been updated. HCS-TxHmL-FAQ-TMHP-TexasMedConnect Read the full alert here. Updated HCS and TxHmL COVID-19 FAQ May 6th, 2022  Read the revised Updated...

May 8th, 2022 HHSC Publishes Revision 22-1 of the HCS and TxHmL Program Billing Requirements, CFC Billing Requirements Revision 22-1 is effective May 2. All revisions are outlined in the Revision 22-1 Section of each document. The Billing Requirements are located on the Long-term Care Providers webpage and Handbooks webpage and are outlined below: Home and Community-based Services Program Billing Requirements (PDF) Texas Home Living Program Billing Requirements (PDF) Community First Choice...

May 8th, 2022  HCS and TxHmL Must Submit Claims and Forms to TMHP Beginning May 2, 2022 Home and Community-based Services (HCS) providers, Texas Home Living (TxHmL) providers, local intellectual and developmental disability authorities (LIDDAs), and financial management services agencies (FMSAs) billing on behalf of Consumer Directed Services (CDS) employers must submit claims and forms to Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) beginning May 2, 2022, for dates of service on or...

COVID-19 Resources May 8th, 2022 May 5, 2022 MCS COVID-19 Stakeholder Information Session Thank you for your interest in listening to the May 5 Texas Medicaid CHIP COVID-19 Information Session. The audio from this session can be found here. Email us for transcript The presentation can be found here. Future meeting notices and information will continue to be shared on these sites, so please check back regularly. COVID-19 Provider Information COVID-19 Client Information For additional questions,...

May 7th, 2022 HHSC Updates HCS/TxHmL COVID-19 Response Plan, FAQ Documents HHSC Long-term Care Regulation updated the COVID-19 Response Plan and FAQ documents on May 5. The updates remove instructions on how to ask for emergency staffing from HHSC. Read the revised COVID-19 Response for HCS Providers (PDF). Read the revised Updated COVID-19 FAQs for HCS and TxHmL Providers (PDF). February 20th, 2022 HHSC Updates the HCS COVID-19 Response Plan and FAQ Documents – Feb. 18 HHSC Long-term Care...

May 5th, 2022 Please see the link below for updated Service Delivery Logs for 05/2022 in Billing Requirements Handbook on page 185. Billing & Payment Billing Requirements For HCBS Waiver   For questions about HCBS Program Billing Requirements, please email:   hcspolicy@hhs.texas.gov

April 28th, 2022 Update From Twogether Consulting!      Hope everyone's Spring Holidays were a success:  Easter, Passover, Ramadan, and Eastern Orthodox Easter! There are so many changes happening right now for LTC Providers, especially those in the HCS/TxHmL programs: CARE Migration to TMHP, Critical Incident Management Reporting System, New Rules Coming for the HCBS program, including  ISS and DH changes, and much more. It continues to be a huge year of change!   Please contact us directly...

April 28th, 2022 COVID-19 ICF/IID Webinar Recording from April 11 Available The April 11 recording of the Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions COVID-19 Q&A with HHSC Long-term Care Regulation and DSHS is available. The PowerPoint is updated with information given in the DSHS webinar. Read the COVID-19 Q&A (PDF). Listen to the webinar recording here. Email LTCR Policy for the transcrip February 27th, 2022 COVID-19 ICF/IID...

April 28th, 2022 Very Important! Recorded Webinar For Claims Submission in TMHP   Below is the link to the recording of the claims submission webinar TMHP conducted.   Additional information about the migration will be sent under separate cover. Note:  HHSC will not conduct another webinar on claims submission!  https://tmhp.exceedlms.com/student/enrollments/create_enrollment_from_token/fEmzWuXLDuXzfc3jncsErHWU

April 28th, 2022 STAR+PLUS Pilot:  Attached are handouts from the November, 2021 and February, 2022 joint meeting of the IDD SRAC and STAR+PLUS Pilot Program Workgroup related to the pilot and decisions (including eligibility) made thus far. See pages 52 - 102 of the February, 2022 document for information about the pilot. HHSC has created a webpage on the Pilot Program. The link to this webpage...

April 28th, 2022 Effective May 1, 2022, HHSC will transition certain COVID-19 flexibilities to interim guidance in accordance with House Bill (H.B.) 4 (87th Legislature, Regular Session, 2021). The following activities are authorized through interim guidance to be provided through a telehealth (synchronous audio-visual) modality: Renewal ID/RC assessments Renewal, revised and transfer IPCs This guidance applies to the following programs: Community Living Assistance and Support Services Home...

April 28th, 2022 Details On Hearing Date, Time & Location:  Thursday, May 5, 2022 at 10:00 a.m., Capitol Extension, E2.030 Purpose:  To receive invited testimony on several of its interim charges:  #1 related to Healthy Families, Healthy Texas Initiative,  #8 related to the 1115 Waiver, and, the one of importance to PPAT members, #4 related to implementation of SB1, Rider 30 (HHSC) and recommendations for reducing the interest list for waiver services for Individuals with IDD and reducing...

Please go to www.twogetherconsulting.com for more information and registration. Click on  "the calendar" of the Webinar you want to attend.  ********We also have pre-recorded webinars you can purchase for use at your facility.  Please contact Meghan Jones at: meghanjones.tx@gmail.com for more information, registration, and payment.       May-July 2022 Most Common Nursing Violations Seen By Twogether Consulting:  Prevention & Correction (HCS/TxHmL)   Please Continue To...

April 20th, 2022 HHSC will hold a public hearing on the rules this summer.  Date and time not shared by HHSC yet. Lengthy discussion regarding the proposed provision related to lease agreements and the potential for eviction if R&B payments are not received, has occurred. A process is needed to ensure Providers receive R& B payments However, It is clear that further discussion regarding the proposed process/requirement is needed.

April 18th, 2022 HHSC Updates the ICF/IID COVID-19 Response Plan and FAQ Documents – April 18 HHSC Long-term Care Regulation updated the COVID-19 Response Plan and FAQ documents for Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions program. HHSC Long-term Care Regulation updated the COVID-19 Response Plan and FAQ documents for Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions program. Read the...

April 16th, 2022 Effective April 16, 2022 the Public Health Emergency (Pancemic) has been extended another 90 days.  This means, that if not terminated during that 90-day period, it will either end July 15, 2022, or, if deemed necessary, will be extended for another 90-day period

April 13th, 2022 Texas Providers have been reminded that they can be surveyed at any time by a CMS/Federal Surveyor and will need to be in compliance if this occurs. In short, at this time, HHSC Regulatory will not survey for compliance with the federal mandate. The federal mandate and HHSC position apply to certified-only HCSSAs, Hospice, Nursing Homes and ICFs/IID. 

April 12th, 2022 Information As of Now on Draft ISS Rules: The program rules will go to MCAC on August 11, 2022.  The regulatory or license rules will go to the HHSC Executive Council but no date set yet. The program and regulatory rules will be published in the Texas Register for formal comment in late July, and HHSC will hold a public hearing on the rules. HHSC has decided to eliminate the on-site ratios. Though the off-site ratios have not been eliminated, HHSC is considering revisions to...

April 12th, 2022 Critical Incident Management System (CIMS):  The go-live date is late July.  See additional information below. Revised IL 2022-23:   https://www.hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/il2022-23.pdf CIMS Part II Webinar on April 26th:  https://www.hhs.texas.gov/provider-news/2022/04/04/register-now-april-26-webinar-hhscs-new-cims-part-ii Due date for Correcting/Updating Contact Information extended to April 15th:   April 10th, 2022 Register Now for the April 26...

April 10th, 2022 HHSC Launches Individualized Skills and Socialization Portal Information Page HHSC launched a new Individualized Skills and Socialization Services Provider Portal. This new portal allows providers access to information on Individualized Skills Socialization services. Including: Complete and review trainings. Find and review provider letters and other information and releases. Link to rules and other services. March 9th, 2022 At the recent HHSC IID Coordination Workgroup...

Subscribe To The Twogether Consulting Mailing List! April 9th, 2022 Change is inevitable, as we all know well in this line of work.  Our editor for the newsletter (James) has been with us for almost 8 years now and we will miss him, but his schedule has gotten super busy and he will not have as much time available. Meghan Jones will be transitioning as the new editor.  Many of you know Meghan as she is our administrative assistant and you have probably contacted her for registrations and such...

March 7th, 2022  (See link below to FAQ's) HCS/TxHmL FAQ Document Answers to Additional Questions related to the Migration Can you clarify the next steps to get providers registered for the billing training? The claims training will be provided from TMHP. Providers need to sign up to receive TMHP alerts as the announcement will come from a TMHP alert. HHSC may send out an alert also, but providers have been missing out on announcements because they do not get TMHP alerts. What does a provider...

March 10, 2022 Draft of ISS Rules below: Texas Administrative Code, Title 26, Part 1, Chapter 559, Subchapters A and H, Individualized Skills and Socialization Email comments before March 28th, 2022 to Long-term Care Regulation Policy and Rules.

March 9th, 2022 CARE Banner In CARE system for HCS/TxHmL providers: Moving the date of migration of HCS and TxHmL waivers has resulted in significant technology changes. In preparation for this migration, TMHP and HHSC will begin deployment activities on 04/06/22. Some Provider/LIDDA data entry screens in CARE will be unavailable starting COB 04/06/22 until 04/30/22. A Gov Delivery notice will be sent with a complete list of affected screens next week.  HHSC will notify you if the migration...

March 7th, 2022 Claims Training for CARE Migration:    Training will occur from 10:00 to Noon on March 22nd and again on March 24th. Click on link below to register for one of the training sessions. "TMHP is hosting HCS and TxHmL Waiver Programs webinars on March 22 and March 24 for program providers, LIDDAs, and FMSAs who submit claims on behalf of CDS employers. These webinars will train attendees how to submit and manage claims using TexMedConnect." For more info, copy and paste this URL...

March 7th, 2022 Public Comment Period for STP HHSC will submit a Statewide Transition Plan to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This is required by the federal Home and Community Based Services Settings Rule. The STP describes HHSC’s plan to meet the requirements of the HCBS Settings Rule. HHSC invites members of the public, including HCBS recipients and their families, providers, and other stakeholders, to submit comments on the STP. Comments will be accepted until 11:59 pm on...

March 4th, 2022 If you attended the 2/9/22 Plans of Correction (POC's) training webinar for HCS & TxHmL, here are the answers to some of the follow-up questions asked during the session:  Q: I have experienced that the POC has a date that is 8 days in the past but the postage stamp would be 2 days ago. This leaves me with 6 days to complete the POC. Do I use the date on the letter or the postage date for the 14-day time period? A: §9.183(f) states the program provider must submit the POC...

LTC Providers May Need to Update Fire Alarm System Cellular Communication Services In 2022 cellular companies will retire their older 3G technology. These companies include T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon and AT&T. LTC providers with a fire alarm system supported by an older cellular communicator running on 3G signals should upgrade their fire alarm communication equipment. Many fire alarm systems use cellular communication devices to send signals to a 24-hour central monitoring station. The...

March 1st, 2022 HCS and TxHmL Form Submission on LTC Online Portal Unavailable Until May 1, 2022 Due to Postponement, submissions of Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living forms using the Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership Long-Term Care Online Portal are unavailable until May 1st, 2022. Data migration to the TMHP LTC Online Portal took place prior to March 1st, 2022. FYI-Any HCS and TxHmL form submitted to the LTC Online Portal before March 1 could be removed and...

March 1st, 2022 Claims & Forms Submissions:    The March 1 release of claims and forms submissions to Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership is postponed to May 1, 2022. Home and Community-based Services Texas Home Living program providers Providers should continue to use the Client Assignment and Registration system for submitting claims and forms until May 1, 2022. The postponement allows more time for Providers to set up the necessary TMHP accounts and take relevant training...

February 27th, 2022 HCS and TxHmL Billing Changes In The Crosswalk for DH HCS and TxHmL providers must use the HCS and TxHmL Bill Code Crosswalk starting March 1, 2022 to submit claims for all services. The bill code was updated Dec. 28, 2021. The HCS and TxHmL Bill Code Crosswalk includes new bill codes for the services that require electronic visit verification. For HCS program providers: Providing out of home day habilitation or in-home day habilitation in a host home or companion care...

February 27th, 2022 HCS and TxHmL Webinar Slated for March 3 moved to March 10th, 2022 Program providers and other interested stakeholders can now register for the upcoming HCS and TxHmL webinar. Webinar topics include: HCS & TxHmL Forms and Claims Migration Project Critical Incident Management System HCS and TxHmL Webinar March 10, 2022 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Register for the webinar Email questions about the webinar to your program policy mailbox: HCS Policy TxHmL...

February 26th, 2022 If you missed part II of the LTC TMHP Migration HCS & TxHmL Waiver Webinar Training, you will have an additional chance on March 10th, 2022 10am-12:30pm Central Please click here register here The Long-Term Care (LTC) Online Portal Training for Home and Community-based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) Waiver Programs is a two-part webinar for providers and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authorities (LIDDAs). Attendees can register for any of...

February 8th, 2022 For those of you who missed today's training (part I) or who did not download the documents, I have provided them on this "Updates" post from Twogether Consulting Link to Resource Document from Webinar on 2/8/22 (TMHP Training Part I) Webinar Handout Part I Training  LTC TMHP Portal Provider User Guide TMHP Migration (HCS & TxHmL) FAQ's This webinar will be repeated on March 8th, 2022 10am-1pm central The Long-Term Care (LTC) Online Portal Training for Home and...

February 23rd, 2022 Claims Training For The Transition To TMHP Next Week  ~  HHSC and TMHP will conduct the training next week. They will let us know in the next few days when the training is set. ~  Webinar will be 2 hours.  Training will include a step-by-step walk-through. A  large portion of time will be used to answer questions providers have about billing. Look at the considerations to use applications to improve your business. ~  HHSC & TMHP webinars have a 1,000 person limit. ...

February 14th, 2022 The CMS Interim Final Rule related to the vaccine mandate only applies to certified providers regulated by CMS such as ICFs/IID, Nursing Homes, certain Home Health Agencies, etc. See complete list at:  https://ogletree.com/insights/cms-gives-a-boost-and-takes-a-shot-at-full-vaccination-for-millions-of-u-s-healthcare-workers/ ***The end of the list states that home and community-based services are not included.  As such (and confirmed by HHSC), the CMS Interim Final...

February 13th, 2022 HCS/TxHmL Providers & LIDDA's: Client Assessment, Review, and Evaluation (CARE) Report and Screen Crosswalks Now Available The CARE report and screen crosswalks for HCS, TxHmL providers and LIDDAs are now available to assist with daily operations. Click the following link to view the files: Provider and LIDDA CARE Report Crosswalk Provider and LIDDA CARE Screen Crosswalk HCS and TxHmL providers will use these crosswalks to locate relevant individual and provider data...

February 8th, 2022 CBT (Computer Based Training) For TMHP Billing of Services/Entering Claims For those of you asking where to submit claims for HCS & TxHmL services after March 1st, this will be via TMHP.  CARE will no longer be used to submit these claims as of March 1st, 2022.  Training on how to submit your claims can be found on the TexMedConnect for LTC Providers portal via CBT training. TexMedConnect for Long-Term Care (LTC) Providers "This CBT contains information about using...

I recently received this response from HHSC and thought it might be helpful to some providers who may have this concern: There is no rule or regulation that prohibits an HCS Program Provider from providing services to their own child or family member. The program provider’s operations must prevent conflict of interest as required by 40 TAC §9.177(f): §9.177 Certification Principles: Staff Member and Service Provider Requirements (f) The program provider's operations must prevent:   (1)...

February 1st, 2022 HCS/TxHmL Writing Acceptable Plans of Correction Webinar   "WHAT IS A POC? 42 CFR §488.401 defines a Plan of Correction to mean a plan developed by the facility and approved by CMS or the survey agency that describes the actions the facility will take to correct deficiencies and specifies the date by which those deficiencies will be corrected.Apr 19, 2021" Program providers can register for the Writing Acceptable Plans of Correction for HCS and TxHmL webinar. This...

February 1st, 2022 HHSC Publishes Information on Delivery of PT, OT, and ST Services (IL 2022-08) HHSC is issuing interim guidance allowing telehealth delivery of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy services. Access Information Letter No. 2022-08, HB4: Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy Services Delivered by Synchronous Audio-Visual. The letter notes which therapies are not allowed to be delivered through telehealth modalities because the service...

February 1st, 2022 Guidance for LTC Providers COVID-19 cases continue to increase across Texas. HHSC reminds providers to follow the guidelines listed below and ensure their emergency plan is up to date. Staff must be aware of what to do in the event of any sort of emergency, including an outbreak of flu or COVID-19. Please review the following rules, guidelines, and policies: COVID-19 mitigation and visitation rules for your provider type Any applicable COVID-19 response plans for your...

HHSC has published ICF and HCS Emergency Staffing Requests – Jan. 10 HHSC has published ICF and HCS Emergency Staffing Requests (Provider Letter 2022-02). This letter provides information for Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability (ICFs) or Related Conditions and Home and Community-based Services (HCS) program providers facing staffing shortages related to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

January 14th, 2022 ICF/IID and HCS Surveys:  HHSC has responded to questions providers have asked regarding the current backlog of surveys and what time period will be reviewed/surveyed when a provider finally receives its survey. Should you have further questions, please email HHSC at:  LTCRPolicy@hhs.texas.gov In regards to ICF surveys, the facility needs to be able to show compliance at all times.  Some areas of compliance require (at least) annual updates (i.e. Individual program plans),...

January 14th, 2022 Vaccine Mandates: Earlier today the Supreme Court issued its rulings on the CMS and OSHA Vaccine Mandates. The Supreme Court stayed the OSHA mandate and permitted the CMS mandate.  As a reminder, the CMS mandate applies to ICFs/IID.  For further details, go to:  https://www.supremecourt.gov/ December 1st, 2021 Judge Doughty, U.S. District Court, Western District of Louisiana, blocked enforcement of the CMS Interim Final Rule (which among other LTC programs, applies to...

Check Out These Resources For Persons With Disabilities From The              Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott https://gov.texas.gov/organization/disabilities/coronavirus Government COVID 19 Information and Resources https://tcdd.texas.gov/resources/covid-19-information/government/ Other Texas Organizations There are a number of disability-related organizations in Texas that are sharing information and resources related to COVID-19. Below you’ll find links to their COVID-19 webpages and...

January 10th, 2022 When was Omicron Variant First Found in Texas and What is This Variant of COVID-19?  (Please see article below) Texas Identifies Case of COVID-19 Omicron Variant News Release Dec. 6, 2021 The first known Texas case of the COVID-19 B.1.1.529 variant has been identified in a resident of Harris County. The adult female resident was recently diagnosed with COVID-19. Results of genetic sequencing this week showed that the infection was caused by the Omicron variant strain. The...

Our free webinar session recordings previously recorded are currently posted on our "Gotostage" page. https://www.gotostage.com/channel/3b0bd3b1a47c4e80be974f4bcfa54d7b Free Webinars!! January 2021 Free Webinar  “1099 Contractor Concerns” Presented by ADP Payroll & HR" Twogether Consulting is happy to have ADP Payroll & HR Services again as a resource for IDD providers in our free webinar series for the month of January 2022! Free Webinar Series Hosted By: Twogether Consulting...

Revised Guidance on Staff Work Restrictions and Return to Work HHSC has issued revised guidance for long-term care providers experiencing staffing shortages due to COVID-19. The requirement to contact LTCR before implementing CDC guidance on staff work restrictions and return-to-work has been removed. "Guidance and Protocol for Long-Term Care Facilities Experiencing Staffing Shortages due to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. This checklist provides guidance for long-term care facilities...

January 9th, 2022 Please click on link below to take you to the "LTC Online Portal Basics" page with important information on usages for the portal,  e-learning training sessions, and pdfs of manuals needed for navigating the portal LTC Online Portal Basics page By Provider Training Services Published: Mar 5, 2021 Duration1h This interactive training provides a basic overview of the Long Term Care (LTC) Online Portal including an overview of the features of the blue navigational bar and the...

January 9th, 2022 Register for HCS and TxHmL Webinars, Additional Training Resources Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership is hosting Long-term Care Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living Waiver Program webinars for program providers, Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authorities, and financial management services agencies that submit claims on behalf of Consumer Directed Services employers. Each webinar is composed of two sessions. Attendees can register for...

January 9th, 2022 Reminder: SB 809 / Rider 143 COVID-19 Reporting The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is posting the list of healthcare institutions, as identified by HHSC, who must submit reports in compliance with Senate Bill 809 or Rider 143. The list also identifies those providers who have not submitted a SB 809/Rider 143 Report. The list can be found on the Provider Finance website under SB 809/Rider 143 COVID-19 Reporting Healthcare Institution List. Note: this list is for...

December 30th, 2021 “Study & Prep Session For HCS Provider Applicant Test”  Contact us for a copy of pre-recorded session from November 3rd, 2021 This Training is Not Affiliated In Any Way with HHSC It is Provided by Twogether Consulting, a private consulting company for HCS/TxHmL & ICF providers  (As well as persons  seeking Information about these Medicaid programs) (We will be reviewing some TxHmL information as well) Cost:  $150/person To register, please go to:   Topics:    ...

HCS and TxHmL program providers, Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority agencies, and Financial Management Services Agencies billing on behalf of Consumer Directed Services employers can register for webinars starting next month. These webinars will cover information about the Long-Term Care Online Portal and forms that HCS and TxHmL program providers will use. The webinars will: Include a live Q&A session Begin in February 2022 Details, including dates, times, and...

December 20th, 2021 Check LEIE/OIG and check With the implementation of FBI-based fingerprinting in 2021, Long-term Care Regulation (LTCR) also implemented Occupations Code (OC), Chapter 53, related to the consequences of a criminal conviction, specifically the 2019 legislative update to OC §53.023 concerning additional factors for licensing authorities to consider after determining a conviction directly relates to the occupation. Policy Details & Provider Responsibilities Long-term care...

December 17th, 2021 The link doesn't inform providers about current information but will provide future information about ARPA funds, and will be available on the newly created HHSC Grants webpage. Press Release: Governor Abbott, HHSC Announce $128 Million To Support Staffing Needs At Rural Hospitals, Nursing Facilities | Office of the Texas Governor | Greg Abbott HHSC Grants Webpage: COVID-19 in Healthcare Relief Grants | Texas Health and Human Services According to the HHSC Provider Finance...

December 12th, 2021 ISS (Individualized Skills and Socialization)   Changes to Day Habilitation (DH) programs are coming for HCS/TxHmL!  The link below contains a discussion concerning the implementation of a recommendation in the Rider 21 Report (General Appropriations Act for FY 2020-2021, 86th Session) related to the monitoring of DH programs which will transition to the provision of ISS. To view, the report go to: ...

November 4th, 2021 HCS and TxHmL Annual Vendor Submission Timeframe The timeframe to submit for annual vendor approval is Nov.1, 2021 through Jan. 31, 2022. 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. If you are unable to meet the...

The HHS Learning Portal  Please bookmark the new location or click here and save to “Favorites” The new web address for the HHS Learning Portal is: https://learningportal.hhs.texas.gov New & Current HCS/TxHmL Providers, Please Take These Trainings The e-learning portal. This is where Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation Training ( the ANE training) for you and your staff is. All staff at the facility should take this at least initially and maybe every 1-2 years ANE E-Learning page ***You may need...

November 23rd, 2021  While most of the suspensions related to COVID-19 have ended, the following HCS suspensions are still in place. HHSC will still allow an HCS four-person residence to add up to two additional individuals temporarily if the residence has the space to accommodate them and has been approved as a four-person residence by HHSC. (Rule: 40 TAC §9.153(39)(B)) Suspension of the requirement for HCS providers to ensure at least one complete staff shift change per day for individuals...

November 10, 2021, HCS, TxHmL, CLASS, DBMD Webinar Recording Available Last updated on 11/22/2021 A recording of the November 10, 2021, Home and Community-based Services (HCS), Texas Home Living (TxHmL), Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS), and Deaf-blind Multiple Disabilities (DBMD) Webinar with Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Long-term Services and Supports is available for those who could not attend. Read the HCS, TxHmL, CLASS, and DBMD Webinar (PDF)....

As some of you may know, Twogether Consulting does not work for Taskmaster Pro, but we do have quite a bit of experience with their software and I love the benefits of this "cloud-based" program.  In the past, I have also used the software for my own HCS program as we had HCS contracts in over 32 counties.  Electronic Records were a must for us with that many counties to keep track of and service providers to monitor!  No matter who you choose to provide those services.  I do, however, highly...

Get Your Promotions for Becoming A New ADP Clients:  - 1st  3 months free   - Other Discounts Available! November 21st, 2021 Twogether Consulting strives to find a variety of good resources for our IDD providers and hope that ADP may be able to help some of you out there with Payroll and HR needs. Our newest contact from ADP is, Rachel Sawyer. She is the Major Accounts District Manager for Austin, Texas area, but can help you if your business needs accounting, wherever you are located.  She...

November 16th, 2021 Many states have already filed lawsuits against the COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate. This includes lawsuits against the CMS Interim Final rule, the OSHA  Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) and the Federal Contractors rule.  The Texas Attorney General (AG) Office announced it is also challenging the CMS Federal Contractors rules. Not sure what this means for providers yet, but you may need to continue to prepare for implementation until otherwise directed. See links below for more...

November 16th, 2021 Starting August 2021, HHSC has begun the transition to one system for Provider Enrollment Management which will move to 1 "smart system" if you want to become a Medicaid vendor/Medicaid provider, re-enrollment every 5 years, and the forms/application will be uniform.  They will go directly into TMHP system, not to HHSC.  The current paper application forms will not be required.  They have begun the process with existing providers. One system=PEMS One NPI-based enrollment...

November 6th, 2021 LTC Providers May Request COVID-19 Emergency Support For Emergency Staffing Support: The Office of the Governor directed DSHS to use staffing agencies to provide medical personnel from out-of-state to Texas health care facilities to assist in COVID-19 operations. This support will be available to residential long-term care providers. -Providers must demonstrate that they have exhausted all other options. -Also that they have urgent need for assistance before requesting...

August 12th, 2021 HCS/TxHmL Certification Principle Interpretive Guidance Series Starting August 12, 2021, the HCS/ TxHmL Joint Training Program bgan presenting a series of nine webinars designed to provide interpretive guidance on the HCS and TxHmL Principles of Certification, as outlined in the Texas Administrative Code. You may click on the links to previously recorded trainings below to watch any of the nine sessions on Certification Principles from the Texas Administrative Codes....

CMS and OSHA just released their respective interim final rules on the vaccine mandate.  Below are links to their rules, webinars and other related items. For further details see below as well as the information at the following link:  https://homehealthcarenews.com/2021/11/cms-releases-emergency-regulation-requiring-covid-19-vaccinations-for-medicare-medicaid-providers/?euid=6e81729339&utm_source=hhcn-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=c7ada108f8 CMS: Link to Interim Final...

HHSC Publishes Acceptable Documentation for a Criminal History Check for Contractors (IL 2021-48) HHSC has published IL 2021-48 (PDF). This letter is provided as a companion letter to PL 2019-01 (PDF) which describes acceptable documentation a contractor may use to demonstrate the contractor conducted a criminal history check of an employment applicant or an employee. Licensed contractors must continue to follow the guidance outlined in PL 2019-01. Unlicensed contractors must follow the...