Who Do You Trust to Go With Your Child?
Parents or guardians who are not able to go with their children to Medicaid-related visits with the doctor, dentist, or therapist must fill out a Parent Authorization Form (PDF) and send it in. The form identifies which adults are authorized by the parent to go with the child to Medicaid-related health visits when the parent can’t make the trip. If you have questions or need a form sent to you, please call the Medical Transportation Program at 1-877-633-8747 or the TMHP Contact Center at 1-800-925-9126. Both calls are toll-free.
Remember, if you set up a ride through the Medical Transportation Program, the adult you choose must be present when the child is picked up and dropped off. That person must show a photo ID to the driver.
HHSC Budget Request
HHSC has submitted its 2014-2015 Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR). The baseline request for the upcoming biennium totals $48.8 billion. The LAR also includes 30 exceptional items. [LAR 2014-2015]
Texas Women’s Health Program
The state finalized rules for the Texas Women’s Health Program, which provides low-income women with family planning services, related health screenings and birth control.
- New rules: Questions and answers about the final rules. [Rules Q and A]
- For women: If you need help finding a Texas Women’s Health Program provider, call 1-800-335-8957. You can get more information about the program or learn how to apply at the Women’s Health Program website.
Health Technology Advisory Committee Seeks New Members
HHSC is seeking new members for the Electronic Health Information Exchange Advisory Committee, which advises the agency on projects and programs relating to health information technology. Applications are due by 5 p.m. May 10. [Application and more information]
Health Care Quality and Efficiency Report
The Texas Institute of Health Care Quality and Efficiency has submitted its first report to the Legislature. The report provides recommendations on how to improve and best use health data, how to support the collection and analysis of data, and how to provide health data to consumers. [Health Care Quality Report]
Medicaid Managed Care Initiatives
HHSC has begun the process of making managed care services available for a larger number of people enrolled in Texas Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).[Medicaid Managed Care Initiatives]
IMPROVE Gives New Voice to Providers
Attention Medicaid Providers: HHSC wants to hear from you. Do you have an idea, issue, concern, or suggestion about Texas Medicaid? If so, check out the IMPROVE system.
Information for grandparents raising grandkids
HHSC has a new booklet about the benefits available to grandparents raising their grandchildren. The booklet is available at HHSC benefit offices throughout the state and can be downloaded and printed using your computer. Download the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren brochure (PDF)
PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader software to view.
You can report suspected waste, fraud or abuse in health and human services programs to the HHSC Office of Inspector General online or by calling 800-436-6184. You may also make a report to the Texas State Auditor's Office by calling 800-TX-AUDIT.
