- THCA

Volume XXX, Number 6
June 2015

HHSC Develops New Cost Reporting System for 2015 Reports

For the 2015 Medicaid cost reporting cycle, the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has developed a new system with which providers are to submit their cost report information. The current Automated Cost Reporting & Evaluation System (ACRES) system will be replaced by a new web based system named the State of Texas Automated Information Reporting System (STAIRS).

Members of THCA’s Data / Reimbursement Committee have reviewed with HHSC staff a draft version of the STAIRS system and have provided them feedback in that regard. Although it appears that the STAIRS system will provide the agency with much greater functionality across the entire cost reporting spectrum, it appears that, at least initially, it may take providers longer to complete the cost report than in the past.

According to agency staff, instructions regarding the new system will be posted on its web site in early January. At that time, the agency also plans to provide “cross-walk” document that will show each line item of the 2014 ACRES cost report and map it to where it will be reported on the 2015 STAIRS cost report.

Later this year, HHSC staff will allow a limited number of THCA’s Data / Reimbursement Committee to assist in a final test of the new application. As always, THCA will keep you apprised of further developments as they occur.