Dear Clients, we would like to remind you that the EVV CDS Employer Training is required to be completed annually. To stay in compliance, please complete the training as soon as possible. You can do this by attending an EVV Policy training for CDS employers webinar or completing the appropriate training course on the HHS Learning Portal. Additionally, the EVV System training needs to be completed according to the employer’s Option selection on Form 1722. Please be sure to check the HHS Learning Portal regularly for the date of the next EVV Policy Training Webinar, and register as needed. Below are helpful resources to assist you in completing these tasks. Please find the links below for any information or help you may need. If you have further questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Thank you for your attention to this matter! HHS EVV Training Resources: Electronic-Visit-Verification/EVV-Training-Resources HHS Learning Portal: LearningPortal-HHS-Texas EVV Learning Portal Guide: EVV HHS-Learning-Portal-Guide Vesta EVV System Training: VestaEVV/Training *Please submit your certificate of completion to your CDS Consultant.

Winners of the contest from the 671 submissions across all age groups for original artwork, writing and photography will be announced prior to the reception and posted on the Texas System of Care Gallery webpage. The reception will feature remarks from HHSC executive leadership, a slideshow of the winners’ artwork, a poetry reading and a live question-and-answer panel with artists. https://gallery.txsystemofcare.org/winners/

Congrats to Accenture and HHAX! We want to assure our clients that no changes to our EVV vendor are expected. We will continue working with DataLogic/Vesta. For more information regarding this update, please visit the Texas HHSC article by following the link below. https://www.hhs.texas.gov/provider-news/2023/05/05/electronic-visit-verification-contract-awarded-accenture-hhaexchange

The celebration at the Texas State Capitol will feature a variety of activities and performances highlighting the importance of promoting children’s mental health, including musical performances, guest speakers and interactive exhibits. https://cmhaustin.weebly.com/

In-Home Attendant Services will be the Parent to Parent conference that is being held at El Paso on May 13, 2023. Come join the conference and meet us. West Texas Parent Conference Saturday, May 13, 2023 9 AM - 3:15 PM ESC Region 19 6611 Boeing Dr. El Paso, TX 79925

Texas has decided to resume the eligibility redeterminations for about 5.9 million Medicaid recipients, now that the federal Medicaid coverage requirement ended in the end of March. Federal guidance requires states to conduct a renewal determination for all Medicaid recipients over a 12-month period, and HHSC anticipates it will complete this process by May 2024. HHSC estimates Medicaid caseloads will return to levels in line with historical trends within the next two years. https://www.hhs.texas.gov/news/2023/04/hhsc-resumes-medicaid-eligibility-redeterminations-continuous-coverage-requirement-ends

On May 30 at 11 a.m, panelists will share workforce information, eligibility and the process to become a peer specialist and explore a day in the life of a peer specialist.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is reminding Medicaid recipients who received renewal packets in April to return their information to the agency to avoid potential gaps in coverage if they are still eligible. To make sure that all Medicaid recipients who received the renewal packets in April have at least 30 days to respond in time, HHSC has extended the deadline to return said packets from May 8 to May 15. https://www.hhs.texas.gov/news/2023/05/hhsc-reminds-medicaid-recipients-submit-renewal-packets

May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month and HHSC has decided to highlight a variety of opportunities and resources to raise awareness about mental health issues. https://www.hhs.texas.gov/news/2023/04/hhsc-recognizes-mental-health-awareness-month

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is recognizing Maternal Mental Health Week, which runs May 1-7, by highlighting a variety of services available to assist Texas women in identifying and treating maternal mental health conditions. Almost 1 in 5 women will experience a mental health condition during pregnancy or in the year after birth, according to the World Health Organization. Those conditions can include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar illness, substance use disorders and others. HHSC provides various services to assist Texas women experiencing maternal mental health challenges/issues. https://www.hhs.texas.gov/news/2023/05/hhsc-recognizes-maternal-mental-health-week-highlighting-mental-health-services

CDS Employers should have received an email with links to information needed to complete the application survey. This is required only if you wish to apply for these funds. You will have an opportunity to withdraw if you change your mind. Below is a link available to be part of the CDS Community Attendants - COVID-19 in Healthcare Relief funding. Unlike other recent grants, this grant has rules that require the CDS Employer to complete and submit. Unfortunately, the requirements do not allow IHAS to provide the usual assistance. Complete to the best of your knowledge and ability. The original deadline of September 19th before 10:30 am has been extended to September 26th. Please know that these funds, if approved, will come directly to you from the grantor in the form of a paper check. Be accurate in your application and use the funds as required. If the funds are not used as intended, you personally may experience a recoupment from the grantor. Please note that these funds do not replace Medicaid funds and Medicaid funds will not cover any grant recoupments for non compliance. Please see the email for the links below plus additional links. PDF (Questions in the Survey): https://apps.hhs.texas.gov/PCS/HHS0011792/HHS0011792-rfa-exhibit-c.pdf Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CSDCACOVID19 Once the survey is completed, you will receive the approved Notice of Award for further details. Please review the link Exhibit D for the Sample of Notice of Award (HHS0011792 – Exhibit D, Sample Notice of Award (PDF). This notification will include the terms agreed upon and allow you to withdraw within two business days after the award date.