November 4, 2019 - 10:00am
Health and Human Services Commission, Robert D. Moreton Building, Public Hearing Room
1100 W. 49th Street
Austin Texas, 78751
Agenda
Entry is through security at the main entrance to the building facing 49th Street.
Hearing. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will conduct a public hearing to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for the Home and Community-based Services (HCS) Supervised Living and Residential Support Services (SL/RSS), and proposed new §355.727, concerning Add-on Payment Methodology for Home and Community-Based Services Supervised Living and Residential Support Services. The proposed rates will be effective January 1, 2020.
The public hearing will be held in compliance with Texas Human Resources Code §32.0282, which requires public notice of and hearings on proposed Medicaid reimbursements. HHSC will broadcast the public hearing. Persons watching remotely can submit written comments. The broadcast can be accessed at https://hhs.texas.gov/about-hhs/communications-events/live-archived-meetings, and will be archived for access on demand at the same website.
Proposal. HHSC proposes to temporarily increase the direct care portion of the payment rates for HCS SL/RSS and proposes new §355.727. HCS providers report being unable to afford wage increases for existing direct care staff or to offer higher starting wages. The rate increases will be an add-on to the current base rate for the direct care portion of the rate to enable providers to pay higher wages for their direct care staff. The proposed methodology will be in effect from January 1, 2020, through August 31, 2021.
Methodology and Justification. Proposed new §355.727 describes the methodology for an add-on payment that will temporarily increase the direct care portion of the HCS SL/RSS rates. While this temporary add-on payment methodology is in place, HHSC will implement a mandatory spending requirement to ensure that providers spend these funds on direct care staff.
Briefing Package. A briefing package describing the proposed payment rates will be available at http://rad.hhs.texas.gov/rate-packets on October 25, 2019. Interested parties may obtain a copy of the briefing package before the hearing by contacting the HHSC Rate Analysis Department by telephone at (512) 424-6637; by fax at (512) 730-7475; or by e-mail at RAD-LTSS@hhsc.state.tx.us. The briefing package will also will be available at the public hearing.
Written Comments. Written comments regarding the proposed payment rates may be submitted in lieu of, or in addition to, oral testimony until 5:00 p.m. the day of the hearing. Written comments regarding proposed new §355.727 may be submitted in lieu of, or in addition to, oral testimony until 5:00 p.m. on November 18, 2019. Written comments may be sent by U.S. mail, overnight mail, special delivery mail, hand delivery, fax, or e-mail.
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
Brown-Heatly Building
4900 North Lamar Blvd.
Austin, Texas 78751-2316
Phone number for package delivery: (512) 730-7401
Fax
Attention: Rate Analysis at (512) 730-7475
E-mail
RAD-LTSS@hhsc.state.tx.us
Persons with disabilities who wish to attend the hearing and require auxiliary aids or services should contact Rate Analysis at (512) 424-6637 at least 72 hours prior to the hearing so appropriate arrangements can be made.