Texas Health and Human Services Commission

Notice of Public Hearing on Proposed Medicaid Payment Rates for the Quarterly Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Update for 2019 Novel Coronavirus Real Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Test Panels

Hearing. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will conduct a public hearing on March 23, 2020, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 10:00 a.m., to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for the Quarterly HCPCS Update for 2019 Novel Coronavirus Real Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Test Panels (COVID-19 test panels).

The public hearing will be held in conference room 2301 of HHSC's Brown-Heatly Building, located at 4900 North Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas. Entry is through security at the main entrance of the building, which faces Lamar Boulevard. The hearing will be held in compliance with Texas Human Resources Code §32.0282, which requires public notice of and hearings on proposed Medicaid reimbursements.

Only testimony related to the Medicaid reimbursement rates for the COVID-19 test panels will be accepted during the public hearing.

Proposal. The payment rates for the COVID-19 test panels are proposed to be effective February 4, 2020.

Methodology and Justification. The proposed payment rates were calculated in accordance with Title 1 of the Texas Administrative Code:

Section 355.8061, which addresses outpatient hospital reimbursement;

Section 355.8085, which addresses the reimbursement methodology for physicians and other practitioners;

Section 355.8441, which addresses the reimbursement methodologies for Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) services (known in Texas as Texas Health Steps); and

Section 355.8610, which addresses the reimbursement for clinical laboratory services.

Briefing Packet. A briefing packet describing the proposed payments rates will be available at https://rad.hhs.texas.gov/rate-packets on March 13, 2020. Interested parties may obtain a copy of the briefing packet on or after that date by contacting Rate Analysis by telephone at (512) 730-7401; by fax at (512) 730-7475; or by e-mail at RADAcuteCare@hhsc.state.tx.us. The briefing packet will also be available at the public hearing.

Written Comments. Written comments regarding the proposed payment rates may be submitted in lieu of, or in addition to, oral testimony until 5:00 p.m. the day of the hearing. Written comments may be sent by U.S. mail to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Attention: Rate Analysis, Mail Code H-400, P.O. Box 149030, Austin, Texas 78714-9030; by fax to Rate Analysis at (512) 730-7475; or by e-mail to RADAcuteCare@hhsc.state.tx.us. In addition, written comments may be sent by overnight mail or hand delivered to Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Attention: Rate Analysis, Mail Code H-400, Brown-Heatly Building, 4900 North Lamar Blvd, Austin, Texas 78751.

Persons with disabilities who wish to attend the hearing and require auxiliary aids or services should contact Rate Analysis at (512) 730-7401 at least 72 hours before the hearing so appropriate arrangements can be made.

TRD-202001073

Karen Ray

Chief Counsel

Texas Health and Human Services

Filed: March 10, 2020