Policy Council for Children and Families works to improve the coordination, quality, efficiency and outcomes of services provided to children with disabilities and their families through the state’s health, education and human services systems. Members:
| Dr. Ebony Beaudoin Physician Representative HoustonLawanda Brown Family Representative Rosharon Dr. Thelma Green Jessica Gutierrez Dr. Lana Harder Laura Kender Krystal LaDay Patricia Longoria |
Lizeth Olivarez Faith-based Organization Representative LaredoJolene Pohl Family Representative Hutto Bianca Ramirez Leah Seyoum-Tesfa Kimberly Shoulders Dr. Shailen Singh Stephanie Tower Elizabeth Tucker |
- Welcome, call to order, roll call, and introductions. The meeting was convened by Elizabeth Tucker, presiding officer.
- Consideration of March 12, 2026, draft meeting minutes
The minutes were approved as drafted
Summary. HHSC Provider Finance presented changes effective Sept 1, 2025 implementing new attendant service rates across multiple LTSS programs per Rider 23.
Rider 23 rate assumptions included an average attendant wage of $13/hour plus 14% (community) or 15% (residential) for payroll taxes/benefits, and an added $0.24/hour administrative component. The prior base wage requirement of $10.60/hour ended Aug 31, 2025 and rules were amended accordingly.
The new requirement states that at least 90% of attendant service revenue must be spent on attendant and attendant-like compensation. No minimum base wage is required, and providers may use wages, overtime, and bonuses. HHSC will calculate the 90% threshold using biennial cost reports (with pre-populated revenue/units and provider-entered attendant expenses) and report annually by Nov 1 on providers below 90% to state leadership and via public posting.
HHSC plans to align “direct care worker” definitions with CMS access rule guidance and is modifying cost reports to allow clinical supervision reporting but rates won’t be adjusted until impacts can be evaluated.
Costs excluded from the attendant cost center for the 90% ratio included required training, travel/mileage, etc.
Click HERE to download the full report.