Hearing.  Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will conduct a public hearing to receive public comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for the Annual 2015 Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System Updates.  The hearing will be held in compliance with Texas Human Resources Code §32.0282 and the Texas Administrative Code, Title 1 (1 TAC), §355.201, which require public notice of and hearings on proposed Medicaid reimbursements.   HHSC also will broadcast the public hearing; the broadcast can be accessed at http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/news/meetings.asp. The broadcast will be archived and can be accessed on demand at the same website.
Proposal.  The payment rates for the Annual 2015 Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System Updates are proposed to be effective January 1, 2015, for the following services:

• Radiology Services – Type of Service (TOS) 4 (Radiology), I (Interpretation component), and T (Technical component)
  
• Nonclinical Laboratory Services –TOS 5 (Laboratory), I (Interpretation component), and T (Technical component)
  
• Radiation Therapy Services – TOS 6 (Radiation Therapy), I (Interpretation component), and T (Technical component)
  
• Physician-Administered Drugs – TOS 1 (Medical Services)
  
• Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies – TOS 9 (Supplies), J (Purchase), and L (Rental)
  
• Surgery, Assistant Surgery, Interpretation and Technical Components – TOS 2 (Surgery), 8 (Assistant Surgery), I (Interpretation component), and T (Technical component)
  
• Dental Services – TOS W (Texas Health Steps Dental/Orthodontia)
  
• Surgery, Interpretation and Technical Components – TOS 2 (Surgery), I (Interpretation component), and T (Technical component)
  
• Ambulatory Surgical Centers / Hospital Ambulatory Surgical Centers – TOS F (ASC/HASC)
  
• Clinical Laboratory Services – TOS 5 (Laboratory Services)
  
• Hospital Outpatient Imaging – TOS 4 (Radiology)

Methodology and Justification. The proposed payment rates were calculated in accordance with 1 TAC:

• §355.8021, which addresses the reimbursement methodology for home health services and durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies;
• §355.8085, which addresses the reimbursement methodology for physicians and other practitioners;
• §355.8121, which addresses the reimbursement methodology for Ambulatory Surgical Cnters; and
• §355.8441, which addresses the reimbursement methodology for Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment services (known in Texas as Texas Health Steps).

Briefing Package.  A briefing package describing the proposed payment rates will be available at http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/rad/rate-packets.shtml on or after February 2, 2015.  Those interested may obtain a copy of the briefing package before the hearing by contacting Rate Analysis by telephone at 512-730-7401; by fax at 512-730-7475; or by email at RADAcuteCare@hhsc.state.tx.us.  The briefing package will also be available at the public hearing. 
Written Comments.  Written comments regarding the proposed payment rates may be submitted instead of, or in addition to, oral testimony until 5 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 email:

U.S. Mail
Health and Human Services Commission
Attention: Rate Analysis, 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
Attention: Rate Analysis, Mail Code H-400
Brown-Heatly Building
4900 North Lamar
Austin, Texas 78751
Phone number for package delivery: 512-730-7401

Fax
Attention:  Rate Analysis at 512-730-7475

Email
RADAcuteCare@hhsc.state.tx.us