The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will conduct a public hearing to receive comments on the proposed new rule under Title 1, Part 15, Chapter 354, Subchapter B,  §354.1452, concerning Provider Marketing, and amended rule under Title 1, Part 15, Chapter 353, Subchapter E, §353.405, concerning Marketing. 

HHSC proposes new §354.1452 to specify the types of provider marketing that are prohibited as well as those that are considered permissible and to permit providers to submit proposed marketing materials to HHSC for review and prior authorization to ensure that the materials are in compliance with the rule.  HHSC also proposes to amend §353.405 to include a reference to proposed new §354.1452, which will extend the provider marketing activity requirements to providers under Medicaid managed care and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), clarify that managed care organizations are allowed to assist their existing clients with reapplication, and allow STAR+PLUS providers to educate clients about the availability of long-term care services and supports, if the activities are permitted by the provider's contract. The rules are intended to decrease fraud and improve the client experience.

Written Comments.  Written comments on the proposed amendments to the rule may be submitted to Jimmy Perez, HHSC, Medicaid/CHIP Policy Development, MC-H310, Brown Heatly Building, 4900 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78751; by fax to 512-730-7472; or by email to Jimmy.Perez@hhsc.state.tx.us, within 30 days after publication of this proposal in the Texas Register.