HHSC requirements, EVV guidance, licensing, and Title 26 TAC Chapter 558.
12 articles
You can't bill STAR+PLUS until TMHP enrolls you. Get your NPI, PEMS application walkthrough, required documents, 30–45 day timeline, and ERA/EFT setup — all in one place. Updated September 2026.
HHSC requires liability insurance before issuing an HCSSA license. Here's the exact coverage stack — general liability, professional liability, workers' comp, and auto — with cost benchmarks for small Texas agencies. Updated September 2026.
What every Texas HCSSA owner needs to know about the complaint investigation process — who files complaints, how HHSC investigates, what a complaint-initiated survey looks like, and how to respond to protect your license. Updated August 2026.
What every Texas HCSSA agency owner must know about classifying caregivers as employees vs. independent contractors, Texas workers' compensation, TWC unemployment insurance, FLSA overtime, and federal payroll tax obligations. Updated August 2026.
Data-backed guide to Texas private pay home care hourly rates in 2026 — by metro, service type, and billing model. Includes how to set competitive rates, minimum-hour policies, and when and how to raise rates without losing clients. Updated August 2026.
The 2 most-cited HCSSA violations in Texas FY2023 are both documentation — not care delivery. Get the 10-day PoC clock and 6-area inspection checklist. Updated 2026.
Complete guide to Texas caregiver training requirements for HCSSA Personal Assistance Services agencies — attendant orientation topics, annual training rules, background checks, documentation, and what HHSC surveyors look for. Updated July 2026.
7 STAR+PLUS MCOs across 13 Texas service delivery areas — find which MCOs cover your county, the credentialing timeline (30–90 days), and the application sequence new agencies use to start billing within 90 days.
STAR+PLUS referrals don't come from clients — MCO service coordinators send them. Get the TMHP, EVV, and MCO credentialing steps with realistic timelines.
STAR+PLUS billing doesn't go to TMHP — it goes to 7 MCOs, each with its own credentialing portal and claim cycle. Get the enrollment sequence, HHAeXchange EVV requirements, and timeline that avoids 60–90 day payment delays. Updated June 2026.
Texas HCSSA license needs a pre-survey CBT before HHSC will process it — step most miss. 4 categories, document checklist, 60–90 day timeline. Updated 2026.
Complete guide to Texas Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) requirements for home care agencies. Covers required programs, the HHAeXchange aggregator, the 2025–2028 alternative device phase-out, and what to look for in EVV software.