Twogether Updates

Out-of-Hospital Do-Not-Resuscitate Order Out-of-Hospital Do-Not-Resuscitate (OOH DNR) order. Both the English and Spanish versions can be downloaded on the EMS and Trauma Systems website, along with “Frequently Asked Questions About OOH DNR,” also in both languages. For questions related to OOH DNR orders, email EMSInfo@dshs.texas.gov.

“Moving Forward Together” 2022 Conference for ICF Surveyors and Providers- Dec. 1st, 2022 Dec. 1 ICF Conference Recordings Available The “Moving Forward Together” Intermediate Care Facilities Conference session recordings from Dec. 1 are available for viewing. Note that a certificate of completion will be generated upon completion, but no professional CE awards are available. Listen to the ICF session recordings. Email questions to LTCR Joint Training.

December 18th, 2022  HHSC Long-term Care (LTC) Regulation has retired the COVID-19 Response for ICF for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions Response Plan and the ICF Frequently Asked Questions documents, effective Dec. 13, 2022. Facilities can obtain guidance along with resources for infection prevention, control measures, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) through the Infection Prevention and Control Measures for Common Infections in LTC Facilities...

December 11th, 2022 The provider self-reporting voicemail option will be transitioned out of service on Dec. 31, 2022. Effective Jan. 1, 2023, provider self-reported incidents must be submitted using one of the methods indicated below: This does not apply to HCS or TxHmL, only ICF and other LTC programs such as ALF's, SNF's, DAH's... Online via Tulip Email ciicomplaints@hhs.texas.gov Call 800-458-9858 (available Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.) Please ensure that all initial self-reported...

December 11th, 2022 The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) created the Regulatory Services Division in 2017 as regulatory functions consolidated from the Department of Family and Protective Services, the Department of Aging and Disability Services and the Department of State Health Services. As part of this consolidation effort, effective Jan. 30, 2023, HHSC will retire the Provider Investigation policy mailbox at PIPolicy@hhs.texas.gov. For questions about investigations, please use...

December 10th, 2022 Know that effective December 22, 2022, all HCS/TxHmL providers will need to have migrated to Palo Alto VPN for billing claims!

December 06th, 2022 Please see this alert that was just sent to the 3 IDD associations from HHSC  In an effort to identify potential IPC forms processing delays for Providers and LIDDAs, HHSC identified sixty-six (66)% of the form statuses on the portal are in a Pending DADS Review.  Forms in this status typically require action to be taken by the submitter of the form per the attached HHSC clarification.    Please share the attached alert document to your case managers, program managers, and...

Recording of Individualized Skills and Socialization- Provider Licensing Application Process Webinar December 06, 2022 If you were not able to listen to the November 30th webinar on navigating TULIP/applying for an ISS license, the recording of the webinar and the presentation are now posted.  See below for details.  Though assumed that persons who listen to the recording will also be able to download a certificate, HHSC has yet to confirm that Listen to the webinar recording. Read the...

December 1st, 2022 Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living waiver program providers that enrolled through the Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership Provider Enrollment and Management System will be subject to a pre-enrollment site visit from TMHP. Read the full alert. Home and Community-based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) waiver program providers that enrolled through the Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) Provider Enrollment and Management...

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) updated the following information regarding the Determination of Intellectual Disability (DID): DID Best Practice Guidelines website DID Best Practice Guidelines (PDF) Become a Certified Authorized Provider to Conduct a DID website For more information, email the IDD Services Team.

December 1st, 2022 Overview of Upcoming LTC Online Portal Enhancements for HCS and TxHmL Waiver Programs On December 12, 2022, the Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership will implement several enhancements to the TMHP Long-Term Care Online Portal. After the enhancements are implemented, existing information and training materials will be updated. Read full alert. -IPC Forms -Termination Forms -Pre-Enrollment Forms -Individual Movement (IMT) Local Authority (LA) Reassignment Forms -Provider...

November 14th, 2022 Don't forget: HHSC has extended the time for any providers eligible for these ARPA payments to complete the attestation, so that the initial and final reports are not due, until 30 calendar days after the end of the COVID Public Health Emergency (PHE).  Failure to submit the attestation and initial and final reports will result in recoupment of the funds. There appear to be quite a few members who have yet to submit the attestation or even the initial report.  Don't forget...

November 11th, 2022 TMHP Enhancements According to HHSC the enhancements (improvements) planned for release this month will most likely be posted later this week or early next week.  These posted enhancements will not be effective until Dec. 12, 2022. HHSC will go over these enhancements in depth at the December 8th, 2022 Migration Webinar September 23rd, 2022 There are 2 sets of HHSC and TMHP 'enhancements' (or 'fixes' or 'improvements' to the system) to be released in the near future.  HHSC...

November 11th, 2022 At this time, according to HHSC the PHE is set to end on January 11, 2023.  Currently, it is not known whether it will be extended beyond January 11th, 2022.  It is possible providers will be notified this week in some alerts if PHE will be extended beyond January 11, 2023. Why is this important? *This is important as COVID-19 flexibilities may end and Medicaid status may be lost for those individuals in our waiver  and ICF programs where provider has not responded to...

Previous Webinars Hosted ByTwogether Consulting:  Therap during our free resource webinar series below.  Just click on the links and register. October 2022 https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/2347988816141652494   August 2022 https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/1388286687336697103 If you need assistance with your current Therap services or with information on getting these services, please contact: Calvin Christensen(Business Development Consultant at Therap Services, LLC)...

October 31st, 2022 Previous Webinars Hosted ByTwogether Consulting:  TaskMaster Pro (TMP) during our free resource webinar series below.  Just click on the links and register. October 20th, 2022 https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/1488497278022599682 We couldn’t find an innovative IDD Practice Management software that focused on delivering better care, so we built one! Software features for Service Providers Our IDD software is designed by Service Providers and built for Service...

January 15th, 2023 Jan. 11th TMHP LTC Migration Webinar Monthly Webinars:  See January 11th migration webinar. I believe the next one will be February 6, 2022. If you missed the January 11th webinar, a recording will be posted soon.  The February webinar will focus on cost reports. R & S Reports and Other Notices:  Please see R & S Video Series for LTC Providers & FMSAs: There are 3 videos related to this topic:....

October 17th, 2022 From HHSC: LTC Providers Encouraged to Get Ready for Flu Season CDC recommends everyone 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 vaccination requirements and infection control. Some of the CDC’s recommendations for vaccinating patients in congregate healthcare settings are: The CDC recommends that LTC facilities offer the flu vaccine to all residents...

October 16th, 2022 Register for Texas Culture Change Coalition Conference The Texas Culture Change Coalition will host their in-person fall 2022 conference, “Texans Coming Together for Residents, for Staff, for All!” This year’s theme is “A Day Focused on Person-Centered Senior Care.” Nov. 3 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Commons Conference Center (J.J. Pickle Research Campus) 10100 Burnet Road, Bldg. 137 Austin, TX 78758 Continuing education credit for multiple disciplines will be provided for this event....

October 17th, 2022 HHSC HCS Program Provider Response to COVID-19 Emergency Rule Expired Oct. 14 The emergency rule for Home and Community-based Services waiver program providers that contain the HCS Program Provider Response to COVID-19 Emergency Rule expired Oct. 14. The following rule expired Oct. 14: 40 Texas Administrative Code Section 9.198 - Program Provider Response to COVID-19 Emergency Rule HCS program providers must continue to comply with visitation requirements for essential...

HCS/TxHmL proposed rules should align with the federal HCBS settings rule. These are currently in the formal comment phase.  These comments are due to HHSC on October 17, 2022.  To view the rules and instructions for submitting comments, go to the following link: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/regulations/policies-rules/health-human-services-rulemaking/comment-proposed-draft-rules

October 13th, 2022 Update on Some Migration Issues  Enhancements planned for release in November will now not be released until December; the 2nd set of enhancements will be released in June, 2023.  A notice about the enhancements will be posted in the next few weeks. HHSC will post recordings of their monthly TMHP Migration webinars, but not sure where they could be accessed. Sometimes the original registration links end up leading to the recordings, but we will keep you posted when there is...

October 10th, 2022 Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) will perform monthly calculations on services for the Individual Plan of Care that overlaps the May 1, 2022 implementation of the new process for submitting Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living forms and claims. On a quarterly basis, TMHP will calculate all services that have been paid through (CARE) Client Assignment and Registration System and TMHP and will recoup services that exceed the authorized IPC...

October 10th, 2022 As part of the on-going transformation efforts, HHSC will no longer use the following mailbox, effective Oct. 31, 2022: WaiverSurvey.Certification@hhsc.state.tx.us For a complete list of current contact information, program providers should refer to PL 2021-26 or e-mail Survey Operations at LTCRSurveyOperation@hhs.texas.gov. For policy questions related to HCS and TxHmL, providers should e-mail LTCRPolicy@hhs.texas.gov.

Timely Submission of IPC Renewals HHSC reminds HCS and TxHmL providers and local intellectual and developmental disability authorities (LIDDAs) to submit individual plan of care (IPC) renewals for individuals enrolled in the HCS and TxHmL waiver programs as early as program rules allow. For HCS, renewal IPCs must be submitted at least 30, but no more than 60, calendar days before the current IPC end date. TxHmL program providers and LIDDAs are encouraged to use the same timeframe for the...

October 3rd, 2022 HHSC has updated the Approved Diagnostic Codes for Persons with Related Conditions effective Oct. 1, 2022 to Sept. 30, 2023. The list of diagnostic codes has not changed for this year and can be viewed at HHSC Approved Diagnostic Codes for Persons with Related Conditions.

October 6th, 2022   In case you forgot, please register for this session. It is very important! HHSC will be hosting HCS & TxHmL Updates Provider Webinar on Oct. 13 For:  HCS/TxHmL program providers, LIDDA's, and other interested parties This webinar will provide information on the following: Substantial changes being made to the HCS and TxHmL Program rules. IL 2022-49, assessments of HCS three-person residences, four-person residences and host home/companion care settings for...

August 4th, 2022 All New LTC Providers must Enroll in Texas Medicaid.  (So, this means even HCS provider applicants, at least once they are nearing the stage of having their application approved and/or at the latest, prior to receiving their contract/s.  Remember, you can't start providing services and accepting clients to your HCS program until you get your letter with the approved contract/s. LTC-only Providers Enrolling Through Provider Enrollment and Management System (PEMS) "A new...

October 5th, 2022 Updated 2022 IDEA Manual The updated 2022-2023 IDEA Manual is now available in both English and Spanish on the Disability Rights Texas website. Created in partnership with The Arc of Texas, this manual is designed to help you understand the requirements of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Texas law so you can act as an equal partner in planning your child’s education.   Learn more on our Resources for Families...

October 2nd, 2022 Texas HHSC has posted awarded levels for Long-term Services and Supports (LTSS) providers participating in the Attendant Compensation and Direct Care Staff enhancement programs for state fiscal year (FY) 2023 for the following programs: Attendant Compensation Rate Enhancement Program for: Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) – Direct Service Agency (DSA); Day Activity and Health Services (DAHS); Deaf-Blind with Multiple Disabilities Waiver (DBMD); Home and...

September 24th, 2022 Deadline for Comments on HHS Proposed Rules Due Oct. 17 Texas HHSC is accepting comments from stakeholders on the following proposed rules, which are now posted in the Texas Register. The comment period ends Oct. 17, 2022. Texas Administrative Code, Title 40, Part 1, Chapter 9, Subchapter N, repeal of Sections 9.551, 9.552, 9.554, 9.556, 9.558, 9.560 - 9.563, 9.566 - 9.568, 9.570, 9.571, 9.573 – 9.575, 9.582, 9.583, concerning Home and Community-based Services (HCS)...

September 18th, 2022 THMP has website page with reference material for LTC Waiver Programs.  See link below: https://www.tmhp.com/programs/ltc/reference-material

Updated LTC Online Portal User Guides for HCS and TxHmL Waiver Programs Now Available The Long-term Care Online Portal User Guides for Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living Waiver Programs have been updated. The learning path has been updated to include detailed instructions for entering Consumer Directed Services services in dollars instead of units, which were added to the 3608 and 8582 Individual Plan of Care Item-by-Item guides. Read the full alert.

September 17th, 2022 EVV Mismatches For DH Providers Must Use Bill Codes Listed in the HCS and TxHmL Bill Code Crosswalk for Claims Submission Concern and Issue HCS and TxHmL providers are receiving unnecessary electronic visit verification (EVV) mismatches for Day Habilitation services due to providers not using proper bill code and modifier combinations based on where services are delivered. Which day habilitation bill codes do I use? In-Home Day Habilitation services delivered in an own...

September 17th, 2022 HHSC publishes revised PL 20-55 HHSC Long-term Care Regulation updated Provider Letter 20-55 to include an updated link to the new amelioration form for HCS and TxHmL program providers. The form is entitled 3708-A HCS and TxHmL Amelioration Request. 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...

September 15th, 2022 Updated Webinar Resource Document and TMHP Account Setup Quick Reference Guide  (HCS and TxHmL Waiver Program Providers) From HHSC Alert September 12th, 2022 The Webinar Resource document that accompanied the Long-Term Care (LTC) Online Portal Training for Home and Community-based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) Waiver Programs webinar and the TMHP Account Setup for HCS and TxHmL Waiver Programs Quick Reference Guide have been updated. Read the full alert...

September 12th, 2022 Avoiding HCS and TxHmL Overpayment of Services Effective Jan. 2, 2023 Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) will perform monthly calculations on services for the Individual Plan of Care that overlaps the May 1, 2022 implementation of the new process for submitting Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living forms and claims. On a quarterly basis, TMHP will calculate all services that have been paid through Client Assignment and Registration System...

August 23d, 2022 From our friends at the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities! Last Chance to Apply! The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD) has issued Requests for Applications (RFA) for four new grant opportunities. The deadline to apply for all four RFAs is this Friday, Aug. 26, 2022, by 11:59 p.m. CT.These grants will help expand inclusion, training, and cultural understanding for people with developmental disabilities (DD) in Texas communities. You can learn more...

August 22nd, 2022 PEMS The Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) is experiencing an unusually high volume of calls and emails from providers with requests for Provider Enrollment and Management System (PEMS) assistance. As a result, TMHP requests the following of providers requiring PEMS assistance: TMHP encourages providers that request PEMS assistance to wait for a call back. Requests are being handled in the order they are received. TMHP requests that providers not initiate a...

August 14th, 2022 Extreme Drought Conditions Texas is currently experiencing statewide drought conditions. Numerous water systems are stressed and may continue to experience issues as the drought progresses, and there are concerns about the impacts on long-term care facilities. Water may become limited, in addition due to the extreme heat Texas is using a record amount of electricity so we may be subject to rolling blackouts in the near future.   A/C systems are stressed and foundation...

August 8th, 2022 New LTC Boundaries for Survey and Investigation purposes In effect as of August 1st, 2022 See new map HHSC has published Provider Letter 2022-18 - New Regional Boundaries for Long-term Care Providers (PDF). The letter indicates that HHSC Long-term Care Regulation has redrawn regional boundaries for survey and investigation purposes effective August 1, 2022. All LTC providers are affected by the new regional boundaries. Former  Region 7 is now separated into two new regions:...

July 30th, 2022 HHSC Reminds LTC Providers of Offsite Investigation Requirements (PL 2022-15) HHSC has published Provider Letter 2022-15 - Offsite Review Responsibility Requirements (PDF). The letter reminds facilities and agencies that they have the same obligation to respond to an investigation that HHSC conducts virtually and offsite as they do during an investigation that HHSC conducts in-person and onsite. Read the PL details.

July 30th, 2022 The TexMedConnect User Guide has instructions for adjusting a previously submitted claim with dates of service on May 1 or later. However, the guide does not have instructions for adjusting a previously adjusted claim. The user guide will be updated to include these instructions. In the meantime, follow the steps in the full alert for adjusting a previously adjusted claim in TexMedConnect. Read the full alert.

July 30th, 2022 Entering Non-Waiver Services in the LTC Online Portal in the HCS Program Effective immediately, Home and Community-based Services Program providers are responsible for entering all non-HCS Program and non-Community First Choice services into the HHSC data system. Non-HCS and non-CFC services data are entered in the “Non-Waiver” services tab of the individual plan of care in the Long-term Care Online Portal. During a meeting to develop or revise an IPC, the service coordinator...

From HHSC: "The FAQ document has been updated to reflect additional questions that were received during the June 8, 2022 webinar. Some questions were similar so HHSC combined the main themes of questions received and provided the answer/response below. The FAQ has also been updated to reflect an extension of the deadline for the attestation and initial report. It was July 1, 2022 and has been extended to August 15, 2022. If you have a question not addressed by this document, please contact:...

July 27th, 2022 American Rescue Plan Act HCBS & TxHmL Provider Retention Payments HCBS ARPA Payments in CARE/HCBS Enhanced FMAP Payments in CARE The Texas Health and Human Services Commission implements American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) provider retention payments. HCS and TxHmL claims processed on the ID CARE system for dates of service between March 1–April 30, 2022, meeting the eligibility requirements for receiving the ARPA rate add on, will begin...

July 18th, 2022 Monthly Reporting Required REMINDER FROM HHSC: Completion of the Senate Bill 809/Rider 143 Monthly Report is REQUIRED of all participating providers, regardless of whether a provider or facility has received additional federal funding during the reporting month. All participating providers must complete the Senate Bill 809/Rider 143 Monthly Report every month, even if they did not receive additional federal funds during the reporting month. The reports are due no later than 5...

July 14th, 2022 Important Medicaid Coverage-Don't Wait-Please Respond to Medicaid Letters- Changes To Occur in Medicaid Coverage After Public Health Emergency Ends This information letter gives service coordinators, case managers, and providers information to help individuals prepare for ending continuous Medicaid coverage. HHSC requests providers support the information campaign –Don’t Wait –Respond and Update! –by communicating with individuals and incorporating campaign materials into...

July 10th, 2022 Date: October 1st, 2022 (San Antonio, Tx)  2022 AccessAbility fest & abilitySTRONG Parade REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! It's time to REGISTER!  At disABILITYsa, we are excited to host the 16th Annual AccessAbility fest and abilitySTRONG Parade on Saturday, October 1st, 2022 at Hemisfair. Early bird discounts end on August 15th, 2022! * Sponsorship Opportunities * Exhibitor Registration * Parade Entries * Program Partners * Information Only * and more! * You will have a...

Juliy 11th, 2022 Our good friend at IntellectAbility, Patrick Lane has provided a link where providers or anyone else interested can register for online Person-Centered Thinking training.  FYI-this is a requirement in the HCS/TxHmLTAC rules for all persons who are a part of the development of the Implementation Plan (IP), to have this training within the first 2 year of hire. Staff Member and Service Provider Requirements The session is a $275 per person. This is a 3-day series of zoom...

July 11th, 2022 Error in HHSC Reminder Notice re:  Due Date for June 2022 SB 809 Data Earlier today, HHSC issued a reminder notice about the COVID-19 monthly reporting requirement (SB 809). The notice inadvertently stated that July 2022 data was due August 1, 2022. The notice should have stated that the June 2022 data will be due August 1, 2022.

Thought this was great info. and wanted to share- From IntellectAbility Long-haul COVID in People with IDD "People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are at a greater risk of infection and poorer COVID-19 related health outcomes than the general population. Prevalence of comorbidities, living in congregate settings, and difficulties practicing preventative measures contribute to this risk; however, the inability to effectively communicate symptoms of illness may be the most...

July 4th, 2022 The Provider Finance Department (PFD) Open Enrollment Portal experienced technical difficulties. Those issues have been resolved. The portal is now available for providers to complete Open Enrollment for the Attendant Compensation Rate Enhancement and Direct Care Staff Enhancement programs and Liability Insurance Rate Add-ons for Nursing Facilities. The PFD portal is available. Please click here to access the portal. The PFD portal will be open from July 1, 2022 to August 1,...

July 5th, 2022 Since May 2, Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living program providers, local intellectual and developmental disability authorities, and financial management services agencies billing on behalf of Consumer Directed Services have been submitting claims and forms to Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership. TMHP has received feedback from providers indicating more support is needed. Read the full alert.

July 5th, 2022  Information Validation on LTC Claims IL 2022-35 IL 2022-35 is posted on the HHS nursing facility and Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions webpages. Effective June 10, provider information on long-term care claims is being validated using data stored in the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System and the Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership Provider Enrollment and Management System. This enhancement ensures...

July 5th, 2022 COVID-19: HHSC Publishes In-Home Day Habilitation Information for Program Providers (Replaces IL 2022-32) IL 2022-36 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) and 4381.7(7) of the HCS Billing Guidelines and TxHmL Guidelines. This is...

July 4th, 2022 Don't Forget, Informal Comments on HCS & CFC Draft Rules Are Due by July 13th! Texas HHS is accepting comments from stakeholders on the following draft rules: Title 26, new Chapter 565, Home and Community-based Services Program and Community First Choice. The comment period ends July 13. Email comments to Long-term Care Regulation Policy and Rules.

July 3rd, 2022 Overview The Provider Finance Department (PFD) develops reimbursement methodology rules for determining payment rates or rate ceilings for recommendation to the Health and Human Service as Commission (HHSC) for Medicaid payment rates and non-Medicaid payment rates for programs operated by the Health and Human Services Commission (HHS) and the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). PFD develops payment rates or rate ceilings in accordance with these rules and agency...

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

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 at the best walk-in clinic for the required submission method(s), Deadline for Submitting Questions or Requests 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 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 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.

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...

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 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...

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...

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 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   March 1st, 2022 HCS and TxHmL Programs Forms and Claims Submissions to...

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 and Healthy Texas Initiative. When looking at healthy aspects of families, everything from hygiene to food, especially food since lots of people ask is mazola corn oil healthy?  These are all related to the 1115 Waiver, and, the one of importance to PPAT members, ...

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 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...

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 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 relying on fire alarm systems that utilize outdated cellular communicators operating on 3G networks must consider upgrading their fire alarm communication apparatus. The majority of these systems depend on cellular communication devices to dispatch signals to a 24-hour...

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 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...