SHARS FFY 2025 Cost Report: Deadline Extension to July 3
The deadline for the federal fiscal year (FFY) 2025 School Health and Related Services (SHARS) cost report, accessible through the State of Texas Electronic Provider System (STEPS), has been extended to July 3, 2026.
Accessing STEPS
To access the STEPS system, users must register through IAMOnline. IAMOnline is a State of Texas identity and access management platform that serves as the single-entry point to STEPS and other HHSC systems. Users must log in through IAMOnline to access STEPS.
PEC in PEMS
The Primary Entity Contact (PEC) listed in the Provider Enrollment and Management System (PEMS) must reflect the entity’s current PEC. HHSC cannot update a PEC designation on behalf of an entity in PEMS or STEPS.
In the STEPS system, only the PEC of an entity can assign Financial Contacts (FCs). The PEC or the FC can assign a preparer for cost report submission after the preparer has completed the required training. The PEC is identified based on the approved primary email address associated with the entity’s National Provider Identifier (NPI) in the Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) PEMS.
Entities should review their PEC information to ensure it is current. If updates are needed, Section 5, page 10 of the STEPS General System Guide provides instructions for editing the PEC list. Entities are responsible for reviewing available guidance and ensuring they complete all required actions on time.
Required Trainings in STEPS
All preparers, FCs, and PECs submitting or certifying a cost report must complete mandatory training for the SHARS program within STEPS. Preparers must successfully complete the training before the PEC can assign them as a preparer for a cost report.
Support and Assistance
If you are unable to complete the registration process after following the STEPS External IAMOnline User Guide, contact the HHSC Enterprise Service Desk for assistance at (512) 438-4720 or (855) 435-7181 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., CDT, Monday-Friday.
IMPORTANT: Registered users must log in to IAMOnline at least once every 90 days to maintain access, or the account will be disabled. If an account is disabled, contact the HHSC Enterprise Service Desk to reactivate your account at (512) 438-4720 or (855) 435-7181 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., CDT, Monday-Friday.
Contact Information
For questions about STEPS functionality or issues with STEPS, contact HHSC using one of the following:
For questions about PEMS, contact TMHP using one of the following:
- Call the TMHP Contact Center at (800) 925-9126 or the TMHP-CSHCN Services Program Contact Center at (800) 568-2413
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Email TMHP to request assistance with enrollment maintenance
For questions regarding this notice, email the HHSC SHARS staff or call (512) 730-7400.
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