URGENT: Reminder for 9:00 am SHARS Public Hearing
- What
- URGENT: Reminder for 9:00 am SHARS Public Hearing
- When
- 7/30/2024, 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Dear Educational Leader,
Please be reminded of the scheduled public hearing today, July 30th, commencing at 9:00 am. The agenda focuses on proposed amendments to the SHARS policy for Personal Care Services (PCS), specifically concerning the proposed elimination of the group billing modifier. Your testimony, whether oral or written, is of substantial significance as the proposed modification will significantly impact the Texas SHARS program and, consequently, its funding.
The SHARS program in Texas is facing a potential 52% reduction in its overall return, equivalent to an estimated decrease of $441 million in program funding. This significant financial impact is a direct result of the decision to eliminate the group modifier, which puts 80% of the PCS segment at risk.
Please seize this opportunity to meticulously examine the accessible materials, including the hearing agenda, and prepare your oral testimony for the forthcoming session, which will commence at 9:00 a.m. CST.
Provided are essential scripts and talking points for your utilization during the public comment, along with supplementary documentation for enhanced comprehension. Kindly ensure the completion of the registration process via the designated link and select "Provide Testimony on Personal Care Services (PCS)."
Upon entry to the virtual hearing, participants will join a queue for speaking opportunities. It is important to note that if no testimony is provided for approximately 5-10 minutes, the HSSC will adjourn the hearing.
Attention to the following instructions is imperative: Timely attendance at 9:00 am CST is essential for securing a place in the queue and delivering a sufficient volume of testimony. This collective effort is aimed at advocating for the preservation of Personal Care Service concerning group billing—acknowledged as a substantial funding source for this program and your district.
Further instructions are provided in our attached MSB Scripts and Talking Point Public Comment Support Tool.
If you cannot participate in the public hearing and deliver virtual oral testimony, you have the alternative to submit written testimony as per the instructions provided below. The number of testimonies holds considerable significance in our joint endeavor to advocate our concerns about the proposed rule change, set to be effective from October 1, 2024.
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: (512) 730-7400
Fax
Attention: Provider Finance at (512) 730-7475
Your attentive participation is sincerely appreciated as it will significantly enrich the deliberation and decision-making process. Thank you.
Sincerely Your SHARS partner,
MSB School Services
MSB Scripts & Talking Points - Public Comment Support Tool