KDOA's Message on Rate Cuts

Payment Reduction

Effective with dates of service on and after January 1, 2010, payments
issued by the KHPA Medical Plans will reflect a 10 percent reduction due
to budget shortfall requirements as directed by the governor's office.
This payment reduction is not a reduction on the current KMAP fee
schedule but a reduction on the final payment amount. Additional
information will be published in the Kansas Register and in future KHPA
communications.
 
This reduction includes the nursing facility program.  Beginning with dates of service for January
 1, 2010, providers will see a 10% reduction to the net payment amount determined for each claim.  The reduction will be imposed after patient liability has been subtracted.

KHCA Notes

We spoke with Secretary Kennedy today about this message.  And I will attempt to simplify what was said above...

You will still receive your normal per diem, the resident liability will be subtracted, the 10% reduction will be taken on your net  amount.

Example;   Daily Rate                 $ 125.00 (case mix adjusted)
                                                         X       30  days
                                                       __________________
                                                        $3750  total reimbursement to facility
                                                         -  700   resident liabilty (obligation)
                                                        __________________
                                                        $3050   submit to state for reimbursement
                                                         X .90      reduction in payment
                                                         ___________________
                                                        $2745    amount paid to facility by state which reflects 10% adjustment

According to Secretary Kennedy this reflects a reduction in payment instead of a reducation in overall rates.  We are working with our reimbursement consultants to evatulate the impact of this methodology.

This will be the same methodology for NF/Mh's also.

Let us know if you have any questions.  cluxem@klhca,org

[ Return to top]

 
  KDOA Eliminating Services to HCBS resdients

KDOA will also be cutting specific services to HCBS clients (residents).

The following services will be impacted;  Dental, Sleep Support, Assistive Technology, and Comprehensive Supports (hours will be reduced).  In speaking with KDOA they  understand the natural tendency will be to bill more hours but they cautioned, please be aware it might not be advantageous because it could lead to more reductions.

The HCBS rates will be reduced the same as the other medicaid providers, it will be an adjustment on your payments.

[Return to top]

 
  What Providers NEED to DO!

In the next week, all KHCA/KCAL providers will be receiving information for advocacy about the cuts and potential revenue opportunities.  In the meantime, if you go to http://capwiz.com/ahca/ks/home/ you can find out who your Kansas Legislators are and begin to reach out to them for a visit to your home.

You will have talking points in your email next week.

Hang in there! You mean the world to us and we are going to fight this together.

[Return to top]

 
  Do You Need Seasonal Flu Vaccines?

Respondents to AHCA/NCAL’s survey regarding seasonal influenza vaccine shortages today received a  direct communication from FFF about purchasing vaccine and an email memorandum from AHCA, which is duplicated below.  If any of your members are in need of seasonal  influenza vaccine, they should contact FFF as quickly as possible, per the information below. Don’t hesitate to contact me with questions. 

As previously reported in the December 3, 2009 edition of Capitol Connection, respondents to AHCA/NCAL’s survey entitled, “Long Term Care Needs for Seasonal Influenza Vaccine,” can expect to be contacted directly by FFF, a major distributor of the seasonal vaccine. 

All respondents should have recently received an e-mail directly from FFF explaining that a limited amount of Sanofi Pasteur’s Fluzone is now available in vials on a first come, first served basis. 

If you responded to the survey, but did not receive an e-mail from FFF and still need seasonal influenza vaccine, please contact FFF Customer Care at (800) 843-7477 as soon as possible.

[Return to top]

 
  Kansas Fire Marshal update

The Kansas State Fire Marshal sent the following document about changes in their exit interviews starting January 1, 2010.

[Return to top]