Hearing. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will conduct a public hearing on October 31, 2016, at 9:00 a.m., to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for Anesthesia Services.

The public hearing will be held in the Public Hearing Room of the John H. Winters Building at 701 West 51st Street, Austin, Texas. Entry is through security at the front of the building facing West 51st Street. 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.

Proposal. The payment rates for Anesthesia Services are proposed to be effective January 1, 2017.

Methodology and Justification. The proposed payment rates were calculated in accordance with Title 1 of the Texas Administrative Code §355.8085, which addresses the reimbursement methodology for physicians and other practitioners.

Briefing Package. A briefing package describing the proposed payment rates will be available at http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/rad/rate-packets.shtml on or after October 17, 2016. Interested parties may obtain a copy of the briefing package prior to the hearing by contacting HHSC 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 package 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 the 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 in advance, so appropriate arrangements can be made.

TRD-201604857

Karen Ray

Chief Counsel

Texas Health and Human Services Commission

Filed: September 19, 2016