Proposed Payment Rates for the Breast and Cervical Cancer Services (BCCS) Program Agenda

Hearing. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will conduct a public hearing to receive public comments on proposed payment rates updates for the Breast and Cervical Cancer Services (BCCS) Program.

This hearing will be conducted online. To join the hearing from your computer, tablet, or smartphone, register for the hearing in advance using the following link:

Registration URL:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1955212489642655066

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Instructions for dialing-in by phone will be provided after you register.

If you are new to GoToWebinar, please download the GoToMeeting app at https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/626873213 before the hearing starts.

Members of the public may access a live stream of the meeting at https://hhs.texas.gov/about-hhs/communications-events/live-archived-meetings. For the live stream, select the “North Austin Complex Live” tab. A recording of the hearing will be archived and can be accessed on demand at https://hhs.texas.gov/about-hhs/communications-events/live-archived-meetings under the “Archived” tab. The hearing will be held in compliance with Texas Human Resources Code Section 32.0282, which requires public notice of and hearings on proposed payment rates.

Proposal.  The effective date of the proposed BCCS payment rates presented during the rate hearing is September 1, 2024.

Methodology and Justification. The BCCS program follows the guidance of Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 26, Part 1, Chapter 371, Breast and Cervical Cancer Services, which specifies requirements and policies for the access and delivery of the BCCS program as well as payment guidelines.

The specific administrative rules that guide the establishment of the fees in this proposal include in the following TAC rules:

Section 355.8061, Outpatient Hospital Reimbursement;

Section 355.8085, Reimbursement Methodology for Physicians and Other Practitioners; and

Section 355.8641 - Reimbursement Methodology for the Women's Health Program.

Rate Hearing Packet. A briefing packet describing the proposed payment rates will be made available at https://pfd.hhs.texas.gov/rate-packets on or after July 1, 2024. Interested parties may obtain a copy of the briefing packet on or after that date by contacting Provider Finance by telephone at (737) 867-7817; by fax at (512) 730-7475; or by e-mail at PFDAcuteCare@hhs.texas.gov.

Written Comments.  Written comments regarding the proposed payment rates may be submitted instead of, or in addition to, oral testimony until 5 p.m. the day of the hearing. Written comments may be sent by U.S. mail, overnight mail, special delivery mail, fax, or e-mail:

U.S. Mail
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Attention: Provider Finance, Mail Code H-400
P.O. Box 149030
Austin, Texas 78714-9030

Overnight mail or special delivery mail
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Attention: Provider Finance, Mail Code H-400
North Austin Complex
4601 W Guadalupe St.
Austin, Texas 78751

Phone number for package delivery: (737) 867-7817

Fax 
Attention: Provider Finance at (512) 730-7475

E-mail
PFDAcuteCare@hhs.texas.gov.texas.gov

Preferred Communication.  For quickest response please use e-mail or phone if possible for communication with HHSC related to this rate hearing.

Persons with disabilities who wish to participate in the hearing and require auxiliary aids or services should call Provider Finance at (737) 867-7817 at least 72 hours before the hearing so appropriate arrangements can be made.