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 Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy provided by Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facilities/Outpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (CORF/ORF), Home Health Agencies (HHA), and Independent Therapists.  The proposed rate actions are based on direction provided by the 2016-2017 General Appropriations Act, 84th Legislature, Regular Session, Article II, Rider 50, at pages II-96 through II-98 (Health and Human Services Section, Health and Human Services Commission).

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.  

Proposal.  The payment rates for Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy provided by Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facilities/Outpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (CORF/ORF), Home Health Agencies (HHA), and Independent Therapists are proposed to be effective September 1, 2015.

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; and
• §355.8441, which addresses the reimbursement methodology for Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) services. 

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 July 6, 2015.  Interested parties 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 e-mail 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 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
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