August 27, 2019 - 8:30am
Health and Human Services Commission, Brown-Heatly Building, Public Hearing Room
4900 N. Lamar Boulevard
Austin Texas, 78751
Agenda
Entry is through security at the main entrance of the building facing Lamar Boulevard.
Hearing. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will conduct a public hearing to receive comments on proposed Interim Rates and Settlement Payment Rates for the State Veterans Homes. State Veterans Homes are overseen by the Veterans Land Board (VLB), which is the state agency authorized to operate these nursing facilities under Chapter 164, Natural Resources Code. HHSC maintains a program in which Medicaid-eligible veterans can choose to reside in State Veterans Homes. The interim rates are proposed to be effective retroactive to June 1, 2018, and will remain in effect through May 31, 2020, as approved at the April 25, 2019, meeting of the VLB. The settlement rates are proposed to be effective retroactive to September 1, 2017, through August 31, 2018.
The public hearing will be held in compliance with Texas Human Resources Code §32.0282, which requires public notice of and hearings on proposed Medicaid reimbursements. HHSC will broadcast the public hearing. Persons watching remotely can submit written comments. The broadcast can be accessed at https://hhs.texas.gov/about-hhs/communications-events/live-archived-meetings, and it will be archived for access on demand at the same website.
Proposal. HHSC proposes the following payment rates for the State Veterans Homes:
Proposed interim rates to be effective June 1, 2018 through May 31, 2020
Amarillo, $147.00; Big Spring, $147.00; Bonham, $147.00; Floresville, $147.00; Temple, $147.00; McAllen, $147.00; El Paso, $147.00; and Tyler, $244.00.
Proposed settlement rates to be effective September 1, 2017 through August 31, 2018
Amarillo, $175.16; Big Spring, $205.76; Bonham, $182.47; Floresville, $178.32; Temple, $170.93; McAllen, $175.94; El Paso, $170.10; and Tyler, $271.38.
The proposed interim rate for each home is based upon the State Veterans Homes semi-private basic daily rate as approved by the VLB in effect on the first day of the rate period in accordance with Title 1 Texas Administrative Code (1 TAC) §355.311(d). The semi-private basic daily rates were approved at the April 26, 2018, meeting of the VLB to be effective June 1, 2018. At the April 25, 2019, meeting of the VLB, the interim rates were extended until May 31, 2020.
The settlement rates will be reconciled retrospectively based on actual costs in accordance with 1 TAC §355.311(j). The settlement rates determine the difference between the interim rates from the previous fiscal year and the providers’ actual cost.
Methodology and Justification. The proposed rates were determined in accordance with the reimbursement methodology in 1 TAC §355.311.
Briefing Package. A briefing package describing the proposed payment rates will be available at http://rad.hhs.texas.gov/rate-packets on August 16, 2019. Interested parties may obtain a copy of the briefing package prior to the hearing by contacting the HHSC Rate Analysis Department by telephone at (512) 424-6637; by fax at (512) 730-7475; or by e-mail at RAD-LTSS@hhsc.state.tx.us. The briefing package will also will be available at the public hearing.
Written Comments. Written comments regarding the proposed payment rates may be submitted in lieu of, or in addition to, oral testimony until 5:00 p.m. the day of the hearing. Written comments may be sent by U.S. mail, overnight mail, special delivery mail, hand delivery, fax, or e-mail.
U.S. Mail
Health and Human Services Commission
Rate Analysis Department, Mail Code H-400
P.O. Box 149030
Austin, Texas 78714-9030
Overnight mail, special delivery mail or hand delivery
Health and Human Services Commission
Rate Analysis Department, Mail Code H-400
Brown-Heatly Building
4900 North Lamar Blvd.
Austin, Texas 78751-2316
Phone number for package delivery: (512) 730-7401
Fax
Attention: Rate Analysis at (512) 730-7475
E-mail
RAD-LTSS@hhsc.state.tx.us
Persons with disabilities who wish to attend the hearing and require auxiliary aids or services should contact Rate Analysis at (512) 424-6637 at least 72 hours prior to the hearing so appropriate arrangements can be made.