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(Added 09/15)
To be successfully reimbursed, Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP) vendors must follow the HHSC DHHS STAP reimbursement process. STAP vendors must:
- supply only new specialized telecommunications equipment or services that were purchased by the STAP vendor directly from a supplier;
- include all supporting documentation (see 5.7.2 Supporting Documentation);
- not submit the reimbursement request before 10 calendar days from the date of the voucher exchange or before the specialized telecommunications equipment or service is delivered; and
- submit the reimbursement request within 120 calendar days of the date of the voucher exchange or proven delivery of the specialized telecommunications equipment or service.
STAP vendors cannot receive reimbursement for:
- used equipment;
- equipment paid for directly by a customer;
- vouchers on which the vendor or vendor employee is named as the authorized certifier, without prior approval by HHSC DHHS;
- vouchers that are not properly completed or redeemed in accordance with the voucher terms, conditions, and instructions; or
- returned equipment and services that the voucher recipient has requested to terminate.
The HHSC DHHS/STAP Administrative Support contractor reimburses the STAP vendor:
- no later than 45 calendar days after receiving the copy of the voucher for payment from the vendor;
- from the Texas Universal Service Fund (TUSF);
- at the lowest reimbursement amount, out of the possible amounts below:
- HHSC DHHS established reimbursement amount;
- STAP vendor’s advertised purchase price for a voucher properly exchanged for specialized telecommunications equipment or a service for which a voucher recipient exchanges the voucher; or
- voucher value established by HHSC DHHS for the voucher category of the specialized telecommunications equipment or service exchanged.
STAP vendors seeking reimbursement for the sale of specialized telecommunications equipment or services from an additional source (such as Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance) in conjunction with a voucher exchange may not receive more than the total price of the specialized telecommunications equipment or services from all sources.
Vouchers will not be reimbursed for partial exchanges. All specialized telecommunications equipment or services must be exchanged as authorized on the voucher.
STAP vendors will not be reimbursed for voucher exchanges that are made during any time the STAP vendor is noncompliant, suspended, ineligible, debarred, or inactive.