Hearing.  Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will conduct a public hearing to receive public comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for the Medicaid Biennial Calendar Fee Review.  The hearing will be held in compliance with 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 Medicaid Biennial Calendar Fee Review are proposed to be effective July 1, 2014, for the following services:

1. Birthing Centers
2. Eye and Ocular Adnexa Surgery
3. Nervous System Surgery
4. Vision Devices and Related Services

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

• §355.8001, which addresses the reimbursement methodology for vision care services;
• §355.8081, which addresses payments for laboratory and x-ray services, radiation therapy, physical therapists' services, physician services, podiatry services, chiropractic services, optometric services, ambulance services, dentists' services, psychologists' services, licensed psychological associates' services, maternity clinic services, and tuberculosis clinic services;
• §355.8085, which addresses the reimbursement methodology for physicians and other practitioners;
• §355.8181, which addresses the reimbursement methodology for birthing center services; and
•  §355.8461, which addresses the reimbursement methodology for the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment services eyeglass program.

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 April 30, 2014.  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 sarah.hambrick@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 Blvd.
Austin, Texas 78751

Phone number for package delivery: 512-730-7401

Fax
Attention:  Rate Analysis at 512-730-7475

Email
sarah.hambrick@hhsc.state.tx.us