HHSC Gets Approval for Medicaid Improvements
HHSC has received federal approval of a waiver that allows the state to expand Medicaid managed care while preserving hospital funding, provides incentive payments for health care improvements and directs more funding to hospitals that serve large numbers of uninsured patients. [1115 Waiver Proposal]
New Medicaid Committees Named
HHSC has selected members to serve on three new advisory committees created by the 2011 Texas Legislature. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Council, the Quality-Based Payment Advisory Committee and the Physician Payment Quality Committee will help improve Medicaid services and reform the payment system. [New Committees]
Medicaid Managed Care Initiatives
HHSC has begun the process of making managed care services available for a larger number of people enrolled in Texas Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).[Medicaid Managed Care Initiatives]
Texans with Medicaid Receive New Cards
HHSC has mailed plastic Your Texas Benefit Medicaid cards to 3.4 million Texans covered by Medicaid. These new cards replace the paper Medicaid ID (Form 3087) mailed to Medicaid members each month. The mailing of the plastic cards leads the way for rollout of a new system designed to streamline the way provider verify Medicaid eligibility and provide access to a patient’s Medicaid health history. [Learn more about the Your Texas Benefits Medicaid card]
Federal Government Warns of Scam
The federal government is warning the public about internet ads offering help filling out SNAP applications. Clicking on the ads takes users to fraudulent websites that ask for personal information, including credit card information. The public is advised not to enter any information into these websites. [Scam]
Health Care Translators and Interpreters Committee Vacancy
HHSC is seeking nominations for the Advisory Committee on Qualifications for Health Care Translators and Interpreters. The agency is accepting applications for a representative for businesses that provide translators and interpreters to health care practitioners. The application deadline is March 5. [How to apply (DOC)]
Five-Year Plan for Children with Special Needs
The Interagency Task Force for Children with Special Needs has released its strategic plan to address the needs of children with chronic illnesses, intellectual or other developmental disabilities or serious mental illness. The task force has been charged with creating the plan to improve coordination and efficiency of services across agencies for children and their families. [Task force]
New Long-Term Care Website Launches
HHSC and the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) have produced a new one-stop website for information about Medicaid long-term care. The site has information about the different long-term care services available through Medicaid, the counties where those services are available and customer satisfaction reports on the health plans providing the services. Medicaid Long-Term Care Services in Texas
IMPROVE Gives New Voice to Providers
Attention Medicaid Providers: HHSC wants to hear from you. Do you have an idea, issue, concern, or suggestion about Texas Medicaid? If so, check out the IMPROVE system.
Information for grandparents raising grandkids
HHSC has a new booklet about the benefits available to grandparents raising their grandchildren. The booklet is available at HHSC benefit offices throughout the state and can be downloaded and printed using your computer. Download the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren brochure (PDF)
PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader software to view.
You can report suspected waste, fraud or abuse in health and human services programs to the HHSC Office of Inspector General online or by calling 800-436-6184. You may also make a report to the Texas State Auditor's Office by calling 800-TX-AUDIT.
