Hearing.  Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will conduct a public hearing on March 31, 2016, at 9:30 a.m. to receive public comment on proposed payment rates for Peer Support in the Home and Community-Based Services Adult Mental Health (HCBS-AMH) program operated by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

The hearing will be held in compliance with Texas Human Resources Code §32.0282 (relating to public hearing on rates) and Title 1 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §355.201(relating to establishment and adjustment or reimbursement rates by HHSC), which require public notice of and hearings on proposed Medicaid reimbursements.  The public hearing will be held in the Public Hearing Room in the Brown Heatly Building, 4900 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas, with entrance through Security.  Entry is through the front of the building facing Lamar Boulevard.  Free parking is available in front of the building and in the adjacent parking garage. 

Proposal.   HHSC proposes to amend the rate for Peer Support to reflect the salaries of the staff providing the service, to be effective April 15, 2016.

Methodology and Justification.  HHSC calculated the proposed payment rates in accordance with the rate setting methodologies codified in Title 1 TAC §355.9070 (relating to reimbursement methodology for the HCBS-AMH).

Briefing Package.  On March 11, 2016, a briefing package describing the proposed payment rates will be available. Those interested may also obtain a free copy of the briefing package by contacting the HHSC Rate Analysis department by U.S. mail addressed to HHSC Rate Analysis Department, Mail Code H-400, P.O. Box 149030, Austin, Texas 78714-9030; by telephone at 512-730-7401; by fax at 512-730-7475; or by email at  RAD_Operations@hhsc.state.tx.us.  In addition, free copies of the briefing package will be available at the public hearing.  The briefing package will contain a description of the specific rate adjustments that are proposed.

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
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
4900 North Lamar Blvd.
Austin, Texas 78751

Phone number for package delivery:  512-730-7401

Fax
Attention:  Kyle Baxter at 512-730-7475

Email
RAD_Operations@hhsc.state.tx.us