Quick recap

The team discussed ongoing payment delays from HHSC and Be Well, with Noelle proposing legislative solutions for automatic advances and Barbara highlighting critical impacts on cash flow and payroll. They addressed challenges with Medicaid placements, CMBHS audits, and insurance verification issues, while noting concerns about delayed authorizations and admissions. The conversation ended with updates on upcoming visits and legislative trips, along with discussion of a technical glitch requiring immediate attention.

Next steps

• Noelle: Reach out to Dr. Laguna (and JGC) today to determine the status of HHSC payments and payment glitches, and emphasize the critical cash flow impact on agencies.

• Noelle: Bring up the issue of delayed payments and the suggestion of automatic advances/mandated payment timelines in the legislative group for potential legislative action.

• Luci.Silva: Email Noelle with a detailed explanation of the Medicaid/private insurance authorization issue for forwarding to Dr. Laguna for clarification and possible resolution.

• Luci.Silva: Resubmit CCMS measures by 5pm tomorrow due to system glitch, as notified during the meeting.

• Noelle: Follow up with the group once a response is received from Dr. Laguna regarding payment issues.

• Noelle: Visit Santa Maria on December 1st (and potentially other Houston area organizations) as scheduled.

• All members: Sign up for member accounts on the website to access member-only content and meeting signups (as announced by Noelle).

  
  

Summary

Delayed Payments and Legislative Solutions

Noelle, Barbara, and Luci discussed ongoing issues with delayed payments from HHSC and Be Well, with Barbara emphasizing the critical impact on cash flow and payroll. Luci mentioned a recent payment for a MOUD contract but noted delays in processing other claims. Noelle proposed bringing up the idea of automatic advances for delayed payments as a legislative mandate, which Barbara and Luci supported. Quincy inquired about the status of voucher payments, and Barbara reported no response from HHSC despite reaching out. Noelle said she would contact Dr. Laguna for clarification and further updates.

Cash Reserve and Payment Concerns

Barbara reported that a $200,000 cash reserve was used to meet the November 14th payroll, and Noelle noted this pattern would continue for the next two weeks. Barbara also mentioned that over $300,000 remains unpaid from the previous fiscal year, despite a VPA approval in May, and Noelle expressed concern about the timeline and lack of response from Dr. Laguna regarding payment issues.

CMBHS Audit and Insurance Challenges

The team discussed ongoing challenges with CMBHS, including an upcoming audit by OIG scheduled for Monday. They also addressed issues with Medicaid and private insurance verification, noting that even after removing private insurance from TMHP's system, MCOs may not honor the change, leading to delayed authorizations and admissions.

Medicaid Placement and Legislative Updates

Luci Silva raised concerns about losing 14 days in November due to Medicaid placement issues, highlighting bureaucratic challenges with HHSC. Noelle requested Luci to email the details for clarification and will forward it to Dr. Laguna for an answer. Noelle also informed the group about her upcoming visits to Houston and Santa Maria, and invited them to a legislative trip to Washington D.C. on December 3-5. Luci mentioned a CCMS measures glitch that requires resubmission by 5 PM the next day.