Hearing.  The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will conduct a public hearing on Aug. 8, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. to receive public comment on the proposed interim per diem Medicaid reimbursement rates for small and large, state-operated Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals who are Intellecutally Disabled (ICF/IID) operated by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS). 

The hearing will be held in compliance with Human Resources Code §32.0282 and Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Title 1, §355.105(g), which require that public hearings be held on proposed reimbursement rates before such rates are approved by HHSC. 

Proposal.  As the single state agency for the state Medicaid program, HHSC proposes the following interim per diem reimbursement rates for small and large, state-operated ICF/IIDs  operated by DADS, to be effective Sept. 1, 2012:

Small State-Operated ICF/IID Facilities
Proposed interim daily rate:  $625.18

Large State-Operated ICF/IID Facilities – Medicaid Only clients
Proposed interim daily rate:  $656.00

Large State-Operated ICF/IID Facilities – Dual-eligible Medicaid/Medicare clients
Proposed interim daily rate:  $634.26

HHSC is proposing these interim rates so that adequate funds will be available to serve individuals residing in these facilities.  The proposed interim rates account for actual and projected increases in costs to operate these facilities. 

Methodology and Justification.  The proposed rates were determined in accordance with the rate setting methodologies codified as 1 TAC Chapter 355, Subchapter D, §355.456(e), relating to Reimbursement Methodology.

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 25, 2012.  Those interested may also obtain a copy of the briefing package before the hearing by contacting Esther Brown by telephone at 512-491-1445; by fax at 512-491-1998; or by email at Esther.Brown@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
Attention:  Esther Brown
HHSC Rate Analysis, Mail Code H-400
P.O. Box 85200
Austin, Texas 78708-5200

Overnight mail, special delivery mail or hand delivery
Attention:  Esther Brown
HHSC Rate Analysis, Mail Code H-400
Braker Center, Building H
11209 Metric Blvd.
Austin, Texas 78758-4021

Phone number for package delivery:  512-491-1445

Fax
Attention:  Esther Brown at 512-491-1998

E-mail
Esther.Brown@hhsc.state.tx.us