REINVESTMENT ALLOWANCE ADVANCES

Legislation allowing Texas nursing facilities to receive the Nursing Facility Reinvestment Allowance (NFRA) move forward Monday on a 6-2 vote in the House Human Services Committee.

Rep. Richard Pena Raymond, who chairs the committee, voted for the bill along with Rep. Rick Miller, Rep. Toni Rose, Rep. Ina Minjarez, Rep. Stephanie Klick, and Rep. Gene Wu.

House Bill 2766 will allow Texas to use funds available from the federal government to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for nursing facilities. Currently, facilities in 43 states use these funds to help pay for care of their residents.

The bill now heads to the House Calendars Committee, which has the responsibility of setting bills for consideration of the full House. That chamber will have to pass the bill, authored by Rep. J.D. Sheffield, by May 11.

If it does not pass by that time, the Senate version of the bill could still be considered until May 24.

 

LEGISLATURE MAY STUDY BED MORATORIUM

A modified version of House Bill 2570 is currently under consideration in the Texas House of Representatives.

As filed, the bill called for a four year moratorium on new Medicaid beds. That bill was heard in committee on April 3.

However, that legislation was held up in committee and its companion, SB 890, was not able to move in the Senate.

The bill has been changed to authorize a study on the control of Medicaid beds and make recommendations as to whether applicable rules should be modified.

The study will be conducted by a committee composed of two Senators appointed by the Lieutenant Governor and two House members appointed by the Speaker of the House. Each presiding officer would also appoint a public member to the committee.

THCA President and CEO Kevin Warren said that while he is disappointed a moratorium did not pass, a study would help move the issue forward.

“Our members did a great job this session educating legislators on the problems that over bedding has caused in this state,” Warren said. “A study will help that education continue and keep the issue alive long after this session ends.”

 

TEXANS PREPARE TO LOBBY CONGRESS FOR LONG TERM CARE

THCA members will participate in advocating for long term care at the federal level during AHCA’s 2017 Congressional Briefing in Washington DC on June 5-6.

The event gives long term care providers an opportunity to visit with members of Congress and their staff at the Capitol and learn about changes being considered in Washington.

You can learn more about Congressional Briefing on the AHCA website.

The advanced registration deadline is May 8.

Any Texas members who are interested in going may contact Scot Kibbe at skibbe@txhca.org.