Proposed Medicaid Payment Rates for the Quarterly Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Update for 2019 Novel Coronavirus Real Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Test Panels

March 23, 2020 - 9:00am

REVISED PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

Due to the declared state of disaster stemming from COVID-19, this hearing will now be conducted online only.  No physical entry to the hearing will be permitted.

Online Meeting Information:
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Access Code: 626-873-213

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Hearing.  The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will conduct a public hearing to receive public comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for the Quarterly HCPCS Update for 2019 Novel Coronavirus Real Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Test Panels (COVID-19 test panels).  The hearing will be held in compliance with Texas Human Resources Code §32.0282, which requires public notice of and hearings on proposed Medicaid reimbursements.  

Only testimony related to the Medicaid reimbursement rates for the COVID-19 test panels will be accepted during the public hearing.

Proposal.  The payment rates for the COVID-19 test panels are proposed to be effective February 4, 2020.

Methodology and Justification. The proposed payment rates were calculated in accordance with Title 1 of the Texas Administrative Code:

§355.8061, which addresses outpatient hospital reimbursement; 

§355.8085, which addresses the reimbursement methodology for physicians and other practitioners;

§355.8441, which addresses the reimbursement methodologies for Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) services (known in Texas as Texas Health Steps); and

§355.8610, which addresses the reimbursement for clinical laboratory services.

Briefing Packet.  A briefing packet describing the proposed payment rates will be available at https://rad.hhs.texas.gov/rate-packets on March 13, 2020.  Interested parties may obtain a copy of the briefing packet on or after that date by contacting Rate Analysis by telephone at (512) 730-7401; by fax at (512) 730-7475; or by e-mail at RADAcuteCare@hhsc.state.tx.us.

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 e-mail:

U.S. Mail
Texas 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
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Attention: Rate Analysis, Mail Code H-400
Brown-Heatly Building
4900 North Lamar Blvd
Austin, Texas 78751

Phone number for package delivery: (512) 730-7401

Fax
Attention: Rate Analysis at (512) 730-7475

E-mail
RADAcuteCare@hhsc.state.tx.us

Persons with disabilities who wish to participate in the hearing and require auxiliary aids or services should call Rate Analysis at (512) 730-7401 at least 72 hours before the hearing so appropriate arrangements can be made.