Hearing.  Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will conduct a public hearing on July 15, 2015, at 2 p.m. to receive public comment on proposed payment rates for services provided under the following programs operated by the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS): 24-Hour Residential Child Care and Supervised Independent Living Program (24RCC/SIL); and the Sub-Acute Inpatient Treatment Program.  Proposed payment rates under foster care redesign will be included as a topic for this public hearing.

The hearing will be held in compliance with Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Title 1, §355.7103(a)(2), which requires public notice and hearings on proposed 24RCC/SIL reimbursements. 

Proposal.  HHSC proposes to increase payment rates for certain services for the 24RCC/SIL program, to propose a new payment rate for the Sub-Acute Inpatient Treatment Program and to propose rates for foster care redesign, including blended foster care rates and a rate ceiling for exceptional care.  The proposed rates will be effective September 1, 2015, and were determined in accordance with the rate setting methodologies listed below under “Methodology and Justification.”

Methodology and Justification.  The proposed payment rates were determined in accordance with the 2016-17 General Appropriations Act that included funds to support rate increases for certain services in the 24RCC/SIL Program as well as funds to support a new Sub-Acute Inpatient Treatment Program.  See General Appropriations Act, 84th Legislature, R.S., article. II, at II-45 (DFPS Rider 42).  HHSC calculated the proposed payment rates in accordance with the proposed amended rate setting methodology for 24RCC/SIL codified at title 1, section 355.7103 of the TAC and the proposed new rate setting methodology for the Sub-Acute Inpatient Treatment Program to be codified at title 1, section 355.7107 of the TAC.  The proposed amendment and new section were published in the June 26, 2015, issue of the Texas Register.

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 July 3, 2015.  Those interested may also 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 kyle.baxter@hhsc.state.tx.us.  The briefing package also will 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
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
Austin, Texas 78751

Phone number for package delivery:  512-730-7401

Fax
Attention:  Kyle Baxter at 512-730-7475

Email
kyle.baxter@hhsc.state.tx.us