VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO
Full Menu Search

Public Health Emergency Extended 90 More Days, Will This be the Final Time?

Published in Government Relations on October 14, 2022

On Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra announced an extension of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). This extension will last another 90 days from October 13, 2022. Anytime there is a PHE declaration, it can only last for 90 days at a time but can be extended or renewed. It has already been renewed multiple times. 

There are several provisions tied to the duration of the PHE that will remain in place due to the extension of the PHE, including: 

  • Medicare’s 75/25 blended rates for non-rural, non-CBA areas 
  • Medicare’s 50/50 blended rate for rural areas 
  • COVID-19 testing at no cost to the patient 
  • Waivers of certain telehealth restrictions 
  • Waivers related to Medicare medical policies (LCD) 

Remember, the competitive bid areas (CBA) continue with the existing payment methodology, known as the single payment amount (SPA); the PHE extension does not affect payments in these areas.  

Reimbursement is based on the beneficiary's permanent address on file with SSA. 

The next reconsideration for renewal is in January 2023.  

While the PHE has been renewed for another 90 days, it would be a suitable time for suppliers to begin preparations for the PHE to be terminated. This means running reports looking for claims that are still being submitted with the CR modifier and “COVID-19” in the claimed narrative, looking to see what the CR is still being appended. Also, be familiar with the patients living in the non-rural, non-CBA areas because these areas will be affected by the reimbursement rates changing post-PHE. We do know that HHS Secretary Becerra has stated that there will be a 60-day notice prior to the termination of the PHE. We also know CMS will provide instructions near the 60-day notice of termination that will guide suppliers on the next steps. 

Here is other important information from Ronda Buhrmester, Sr. Director of Payer Relations and Reimbursement with VGM & Associates, that you DON'T want to miss! 

Ronda Vlog: Update on Sleep Studies for New CPAP Patients 
Live Chat with Ronda: Open Mic Live Chat Oct. 28 
Ronda Podcast: A Chat With Ronda Buhrmester About Important Reimbursement Updates and Getting Paid Faster
Ronda’s next appearance: Speaking at Medtrade East in Atlanta – October 2022

Get Connected

Stay up-to-date on the latest resources and news provided by VGM & Associates.

Sign Up for Email

From Our Experts

August of Action is Over, But the Work Continues thumbnail August of Action is Over, But the Work Continues The VGM Government Relations team had one mission this August of Action, which was to work with members and assist them in connecting with as many elected officials as possible in their home states and districts. The primary focus of these meetings was to ask for support of HR. 5555 and S. 1294. [BREAKING NEWS] The DMEPOS Relief Act of 2023 is Introduced in the House thumbnail [BREAKING NEWS] The DMEPOS Relief Act of 2023 is Introduced in the House Reps. Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and Tonko (D-NY) introduced the DMEPOS Relief Act of 2023, H.R. 5555. Jeremy Stolz and Industry Leaders Collaborate with Representative Cathy McMorris-Rodgers to Enhance Healthcare System thumbnail Jeremy Stolz and Industry Leaders Collaborate with Representative Cathy McMorris-Rodgers to Enhance Healthcare System Jeremy Stolz, President of VGM & Associates and VGM Fulfillment, joined forces with fellow industry leaders in a momentous meeting with Representative Cathy McMorris-Rodgers (R-WA) on Aug. 17, 2023, in Sun Valley, ID. Uncovering Denials: OIG Reports Reveal Alarming Trends in Medicaid Managed Care Plans thumbnail Uncovering Denials: OIG Reports Reveal Alarming Trends in Medicaid Managed Care Plans In 2022, the OIG released a report outlining their findings which concluded that Medicare Advantage plans were routinely denying authorizations requests and claims for items that would be covered by traditional Medicare Fee For Service (FFS). Understanding the 75/25 Blended Rate and Why We Need Legislative Action! thumbnail Understanding the 75/25 Blended Rate and Why We Need Legislative Action! In 2020, amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the healthcare industry witnessed the introduction of the 75/25 blended rate through the passage of the CARES Act. Craig Douglas and Ronda Buhrmester recently released a podcast going into a deep explanation of the 75/25 blended rate and why keeping them in place is so important. Read the article and listen to the podcast to learn more! Ronda Vlog: Make it a Priority - A Plea to Check Surety Bonds thumbnail Ronda Vlog: Make it a Priority - A Plea to Check Surety Bonds Listen below, Ronda Buhrmester, Sr. Director of Payer Relations and Reimbursement, makes a plea for everyone to check their surety bonds before it is too late. August of Action: Making an Impact on Legislation thumbnail August of Action: Making an Impact on Legislation With summer coming to an end, the political landscape is heating up with August of Action in full swing. Advocates and activists across the nation are seizing the opportunity to engage with their legislators as they are home in their congressional districts. Find out how VGM Government Relations is kicking off our August of Action! August of Action is Fast Approaching - Act Now! thumbnail August of Action is Fast Approaching - Act Now! Every year, the House of Representatives and the Senate take a break for most of August and the first part of September, allowing elected officials to return to their home constituencies. It's a crucial time to connect with your legislators and schedule meetings to inform and update them on the current issues in the home medical equipment (HME) industry.

Give your business an advantage over the competition.

Become a Member