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PHE End Brings Changes for Telehealth, Billing, and Medicaid
Nearly 3 million Texans have benefitted from continuous Medicaid enrollment throughout the pandemic; unfortunately, the continued coverage requirement ended March 31. States are now in the process of re-determining Medicaid eligibility and disenrolling patients who no longer qualify, a process that also affects everyone enrolled in Medicaid, totaling more than 5.9 million Texans. Here's how to prepare. Continue reading
Health Alert: Confirmed Cases of Malaria
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is collaborating with two U.S. state health departments with ongoing investigations of locally acquired mosquito-transmitted Plasmodium vivax malaria cases. There is no evidence to suggest the cases in the two states (Florida and Texas) are related. In Florida, four cases within close geographic proximity have been identified, and active surveillance for additional cases is ongoing. Mosquito surveillance and control measures have been implemented in the affected area. Continue reading
Nine Deaths in Eight Days Attributed to Laredo's Recent Record-Tying Heat Wave
Nine people in eight days died due to the heat wave in Webb County. County Medical Examiner Dr. Corinne Stern said she hoped to bring awareness to the recent trend so that residents can combat heat stroke and heat exhaustion as temperatures remain high. Residents are recommended to stay home if possible as it's apparent no one is safe from succumbing to heat-induced illnesses. Dr. Stern encouraged people to check on others — family members, friends, neighbors and even folks walking down the street. Read more
Physician-Led Results: Medicaid Rate Increase
For physicians who take care of young people and women giving birth, the wait is over. Lawmakers approved a 6% boost to Medicaid payment rates to "improve access by children to physician and clinical services, especially well child visits," according to House Bill 1, the vehicle for Texas' 2024-25 budget. This increase affects physicians treating children and young people ages 0 to 20. The budget also adds a 6% increase in Medicaid payment rates for labor and delivery, including cesarean sections and any other surgeries performed in the course of a delivery. Read more
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