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Transition Assistance Services (TAS)

Repeal of rules for certain Memoranda of Understanding

The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services plans to propose the repeal of various rules that contain the text of memoranda of understanding (MOUs) or which adopt an MOU by reference. In some cases, the MOU is addressed in another DADS rule and the repeal eliminates duplicative rules. In other cases, the statutory requirement requiring agencies to adopt the MOU no longer exists or the statute does not require DADS to be a party to the MOU.

DADS will present the proposed repeals the Aging and Disability Services Council on June 7, 2012.

If you have feedback concerning the following repeals, please e-mail Mary Valente at mary.valente@dads.state.tx.us no later than May 1, 2012. See the list of rules in PDF format.

(4/4/2012)

Electronic Document Submissions (EDS) Pilot

The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) is requesting additional providers serving individuals located in the areas listed below to join the EDS pilot. Providers in the above DADS programs will be able to transmit and receive forms electronically to and from DADS regional staff. Participation by additional providers will assist DADS in determining the success of the pilot by monitoring the effects of increased data volume on systems used in the pilot.

The goal of the pilot project is to ease administrative requirements for providers by enabling faster and more accurate communication utilizing electronic communication methods. If you have questions regarding this information or need additional information on registering for the pilot being conducted in the areas listed below, please contact the Policy Development and Oversight mailbox at PDO@dads.state.tx.us.

EDS Pilot Areas

Houston office - 1332 E. 40th location

  • Harris County
  • CDSAs

Waco office

  • McLennan County
  • CDSAs

Midland office

  • Community Service Providers: Midland, Ector, and Martin Counties
  • CBA Providers only: Andrews, Borden, Gaines, Glasscock, Martin, Midland and Upton Counties
  • MDCP Providers only: Andrews, Borden, Crane, Crockett, Dawson, Ector, Gaines, Glasscock, Howard, Loving, Martin, Midland, Pecos, Reagan, Reeves, Scurry, Terrell, Upton, Ward, and Winkler Counties
  • CDSAs

Odessa office

  • Ector County
  • CDSAs

Pecos office

  • CCAD Providers: Loving, Reeves, and Ward Counties
  • CBA Providers: Loving and Reeves Counties
  • CDSAs
(2/22/2012)

Discontinuation of Provider Enrollment for Community Based Alternatives in the New STAR+PLUS Service Areas for the March 1, 2012 Expansion -- Revised

The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is expanding the STAR+PLUS Medicaid managed care delivery system into the Lubbock, El Paso, and Hidalgo service areas. The anticipated start date is March 1, 2012. The counties affected by the change are listed in the table below.  The latest start date for CBA contracts in these areas will be November 1, 2011.

Service Areas Counties
Lubbock Area Crosby, Floyd, Garza, Hale, Hockley, Lamb, Lubbock, Lynn, Terry, Carson, Deaf Smith, Hutchinson, Potter, Randall, Swisher
El Paso Area El Paso and Hudspeth
Hidalgo Area Cameron, Duval, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Maverick, McMullen, Starr, Webb, Willacy, Zapata

After November 1, 2011, the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) Community Services Contracts (CSC) Section will discontinue enrolling providers in the above STAR+PLUS expansion counties for the following types of contracts:

  • Community Based Alternatives/Home and Community Support Services (CBA/HCSSA)
  • Consumer Directed Services (CDS) for CBA
  • Transition Assistance Services (TAS) for CBA
  • Assisted Living/Residential Care Services for CBA
  • Adult Foster Care for CBA
  • Home Delivered Meals for CBA
  • Emergency Response Services for CBA

All other types of programs will continue without change in the counties listed above. For example, contracts for Primary Home Care/Family Care (PHC/FC), CDS for PHC and TAS for PHC will continue to be enrolled in these counties.

For general information about the STAR+PLUS program, refer to the HHSC STAR+PLUS website at: http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/starplus/Overview.htm

Refer to the Community Services Information Letter No. 11-119 for more information.

(10/21/2011)

Electronic Form Submissions Pilot Provider Participation Request

Attention:

  • Adult Foster Care (AFC) Providers
  • Assisted Living/Residential Care (AL/RC) Providers
  • Community Attendant Services (CAS) Providers
  • Community Based Alternatives (CBA) Providers
  • Consumer Directed Services Agencies (CDSAs)
  • Day Activity and Health Services (DAHS) Providers
  • Emergency Response Services (ERS) Providers
  • Family Care (FC) Providers
  • Home Delivered Meals (HDM) Providers
  • Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP) Providers
  • Primary Home Care (PHC) Providers
  • Transition Assistance Services (TAS) Providers

Effective December 2011, Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) will implement a pilot project allowing the above referenced providers and Consumer Directed Services Agencies (CDSAs) to transmit and receive forms and documentation electronically from DADS regional offices specified below:

Houston office - 1332 E. 40th location

  • Harris County
    • CDSAs
Waco office -- 801 Austin Ave.
  • McLennan  County
  • CDSAs
  • Midland office -- 901 W. Wall
    • Community Service Providers: 
      • Midland, Ector, and Martin Counties
    • CBA Providers only:
      • Andrews, Borden, Gaines, Glasscock, Martin, Midland and Upton Counties
    • MDCP Providers only: 
    • Andrews, Borden, Crane, Crockett, Dawson, Ector, Gaines, Glasscock, Howard, Loving, Martin, Midland, Pecos, Reagan, Reeves, Scurry, Terrell, Upton, Ward, and Winkler Counties
    • CDSAs
    Odessa office -- 3016 Kermit Hwy.
    • Ector County
    • CDSAs
    Pecos office -- 324 South Cypress St.
    • CCAD Providers
      • Loving, Reeves, and Ward Counties
    • CBA Providers:
      • Loving and Reeves Counties
    • CDSAs

    The current policies for submitting forms related to initial assessments, reassessments, changes, agency transfers, and other information to DADS remains the same. The pilot only changes the way in which these forms and documents are sent to and from providers and DADS regional staff.

    The pilot is expected to last six months. DADS will notify providers if the duration of the pilot changes. If providers participate in this pilot and then decide they no longer wish to participate, they must send an email to DADS at PDO@dads.state.tx.us anytime during the pilot.

    DADS requires providers interested in participating in this pilot to:

    • have Internet service;
    • establish and maintain at least one email address to which DADS will transmit electronic forms and documents;
    • have a back-up email address;
    • be able to submit and receive all forms and documents electronically;
    • send documents electronically using encryption software;
    • scan and upload forms that require signatures;
    • use Form 2067, Case Information, when submitting forms and documents to DADS;
    • participate in an evaluation at the conclusion of the pilot;
    • participate in conference calls, which may be held during the pilot; and
    • follow DADS policy regarding submitting forms and documents electronically.

    If you are a provider of one of the above DADS programs that serves individuals in one of the selected counties in the pilot and would like to participate in the pilot, please complete the EDS Pilot Participation Request Form and return it to PDO@dads.state.tx.us by close of business on Tuesday, October 4, 2011.

    For questions regarding the content of this notice, please contact DADS Policy Development and Oversight at PDO@dads.state.tx.us.

    (9/28/2011)

    Electronic Form Submissions Pilot

    The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS)  has decided to implement a pilot project that would allow providers of the above DADS programs to transmit and receive forms electronically to and from DADS regional staff. DADS will notify affected providers once it has selected the pilot project area(s).

    The goal of the pilot project is to ease administrative requirements for providers by enabling faster and more accurate communication utilizing electronic communication methods. The pilot project is tentatively scheduled to begin on December 1, 2011.

    If you have questions regarding this information or need additional information regarding this alert, please contact the Policy Development and Oversight line at 512-438-3015.

    (9/22/2011)

    Benefits and work incentive sessions planned for this fall

    Do you know anyone who receives Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Medicaid, wants to work, but is worried about how work will affect these crucial benefits?  Register (link to registration form) now for one of the Benefits and Work Incentives Planning Supports and Services trainings being held around the state in September, October and November.  This unique free training is designed to give you basic knowledge about SSDI and SSI work incentives programs and the many Texas-specific programs that support someone who wishes to obtain, maintain, or advance in employment.

    (8/31/2011)

    Reminder: DADS stakeholder survey available through Aug. 31

    Attention individuals who receive services from DADS and families, providers, consumer advocacy groups, provider associations and other agency stakeholders.

    This alert is a gentle reminder that DADS is interested in maximizing the agency's ability to communicate with its constituents and would like to hear from you! We are committed to supporting a broad cross-section of agency stakeholders to have an effective voice in agency matters. Our goal is to create an environment of continuous, balanced input to inform DADS policy and operational decisions. Specifically, DADS would like to gather information concerning the kinds of agency communication forums you participate in and find helpful, and what needs you may have that are not currently being met by our agency. We would also be interested in receiving your ideas regarding how DADS can best meet the needs of our stakeholder community in an efficient and productive manner for all.

    We are conducting a brief survey using Survey Monkey to collect this information in a format DADS can use to evaluate our current efforts and to prioritize focal areas in which survey results indicate an opportunity for the agency to address unmet needs. The survey is available online at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CSBWPJ8.

    This survey will remain available through Aug. 31, 2011; it should take approximately 15 minutes to complete. DADS would greatly appreciate your participation in this survey and looks forward to partnering with constituents toward the goal of continuous quality improvement in DADS communications with our stakeholder community.

    For questions regarding this survey or the DADS initiative, please contact Cheryl Craddock-Melchor, CLASS Operations manager, at cheryl.craddockmelchor@dads.state.tx.us or Misti Ackermann, Billing and Payment manager, at misti.ackermann@dads.state.tx.us.

    (8/19/2011)

    Transition Update: Star+Plus Contiguous Counties Expansion -- community based alternatives reassessments for service plans with an expiration date of October 31, 2011 or later to be completed by the managed care organization

    Attention: Home and Community Support Services Agencies

    Effective with the September 1, 2011 implementation of STAR+PLUS in the STAR+PLUS contiguous counties, the consumer selected/designated Managed Care Organization has the responsibility to complete all case action activities related to STAR+PLUS Waiver (SPW) members who transition from the DADS Community Based Alternative (CBA) program. This includes, but is not limited to reassessments for SPW (formerly CBA) service plans with an expiration date of October 2011 or later. Home and Community Support Services Agencies (HCSSAs) no longer have that responsibility.

    As early as August 22, 2011, and as late as September 1, 2011, LTSS providers can access the MCO name and Plan Code of the consumer selected/designated MCO in the TexMedConnect - Medicaid Eligibility Service Authorization Verification (MESAV) application, under the managed care tab. Please refer to Information Letter 11-08, Expansion of the STAR+PLUS Program into Contiguous STAR+PLUS Service Areas, for the MCO Plan Codes and the MCO contact information. With the implementation of STAR+PLUS in the contiguous counties, all consumer-related questions should be directed to that MCO. In addition Information Letter 11-04, Billing Procedures for Individuals Who Move Between Fee-for-Service and STAR+PLUS Service Areas can be used as a reference regarding the letter subject matter.

    STAR+PLUS Program Contact Information

    If you have general questions about the DADS components of the STAR+PLUS contiguous counties expansion initiative, please contact Rhonda Pratt via email at rhonda.pratt@dads.state.tx.us or telephone at 512-438-5813.

    For more information regarding this STAR+PLUS expansion, please refer to the STAR and STAR+PLUS Contiguous County Expansion Summary,http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/medicaid/CCES.shtml

    (8/19/2011)

    DADS stakeholder survey available through Aug. 31

    Attention individuals who receive services from DADS and families, providers, consumer advocacy groups, provider associations and other agency stakeholders.

    DADS is interested in maximizing the agency's ability to communicate with its constituents and would like to hear from you!

    We are committed to supporting a broad cross-section of agency stakeholders to have an effective voice in agency matters. Our goal is to create an environment of continuous, balanced input to inform DADS policy and operational decisions. Specifically, DADS would like to gather information concerning the kinds of agency communication forums you participate in and find helpful, and what needs you may have that are not currently being met by our agency. We would also be interested in receiving your ideas regarding how DADS can best meet the needs of our stakeholder community in an efficient and productive manner for all.

    We are conducting a brief survey using Survey Monkey to collect this information in a format DADS can use to evaluate our current efforts and to prioritize focal areas in which survey results indicate an opportunity for the agency to address unmet needs.

    Here is a link to the survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CSBWPJ8. This survey will remain available through Aug. 31, 2011; it should take approximately 15 minutes to complete. DADS would greatly appreciate your participation in this survey and looks forward to partnering with constituents toward the goal of continuous quality improvement in DADS communications with our stakeholder community.

    For questions regarding this survey or the DADS initiative, please contact Cheryl Craddock-Melchor, CLASS Operations manager, at cheryl.craddockmelchor@dads.state.tx.us or Misti Ackermann, Billing and Payment manager, at misti.ackermann@dads.state.tx.us.

    (8/9/2011)

    Managed Care Expansion -- Upcoming Long-term Services and Supports (LTSS) Provider Training Meetings

    ATTENTION: LTSS Providers Currently Providing Medicaid Services

    The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is hosting a series of LTSS provider meetings in the Contiguous Counties Managed Care Expansion service areas. These meetings will allow HHSC and the health maintenance organizations (HMOs) to present information ensuring a successful implementation of the STAR+PLUS program expansion. LTSS providers will be given an opportunity to have questions answered relevant to operational activities due to the implementation on September 1, 2011. This will allow providers to make an informed decision on executing contracts with the HMOs.

    The following training sessions have been scheduled for the Jefferson service area. Counties in the Jefferson service area include: Chambers, Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Newton, Orange, Polk, San Jacinto, Tyler, and Walker. Pre-registration is not required to attend.

    Location -- Beaumont
    Wednesday, July 6, 2011
    1 pm - 3 pm
    Health & Human Services Commission
    20th Floor Conference Room
    285 Liberty Street
    Beaumont, Texas

    Location - Port Arthur
    Thursday, July 7, 2011
    1 pm - 3 pm
    The Medical Center of Southeast Texas
    2555 Jimmy Johnson Blvd.
    Classrooms 3 & 4
    Port Arthur, Texas

    For more information regarding these training sessions, please contact: Diane Eberhart, HHSC at diane.eberhart@hhsc.state.tx.us or contact Rhonda Pratt via email at rhonda.pratt@dads.state.tx.us or telephone at (512) 438-5813.

    Information on the STAR+PLUS Medicaid Managed Care Expansion is posted at: http://www.tmhp.com/Pages/PCCM/STAR_Expansion.aspx

    (6/15/2011)

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    Updated: April 19, 2013