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Texas Statutes (Last Updated: January 4, 2014) |
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HUMAN RESOURCES CODE |
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Title 2. DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND DEPARTMENT OF PROTECTIVE AND REGULATORY SERVICES |
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Subtitle C. ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS |
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Chapter 32. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM |
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Subchapter B. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS |
Sec. 32.029. METHODS OF PAYMENT
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(a) The department may prescribe a method of payment for medical assistance claims by establishing a direct vendor payment program that is administered by the department, or by an insurance plan, a hospital or medical service plan, or any other health service plan authorized to do business in the state, or by a combination of those plans.
(b) The department may use any fiscal intermediary, method of payment, or combination of methods it finds most satisfactory and economical. The department may make whatever changes it finds necessary from time to time to administer the program in an economical and equitable manner consistent with simplicity of administration and the best interest of the recipients of medical assistance.
(c) If the department elects to make direct vendor payments, the payments shall be made by vouchers and warrants drawn by the comptroller on the proper account. The department shall furnish the comptroller with a list of those vendors entitled to payments and the amounts to which each is entitled. When the warrants are drawn, they must be delivered to the department, which shall supervise the delivery to vendors.
(d) If at any time state funds are not available to fully pay all claims for medical assistance, the board shall prorate the claims.
(e) The department or its designee must notify providers of health care services in clear and concise language of the status of their claims on any claim not paid or denied within 30 days of receipt by the payor.