Skip to main content

VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO

Search GO

Search GO

VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO LEARN ABOUT VGM

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

From Our Experts

Mike Hamilton Of ADMEA Honored With The Mal Mixon Advocate Award thumbnail

Mike Hamilton Of ADMEA Honored With The Mal Mixon Advocate Award Last week, during the 2025 AAHomecare Washington Legislative Conference, Mike Hamilton, Executive Director of ADMEA, was honored with the prestigious Mal Mixon Advocate Award.

VGM Senior Leaders Engage in Advocacy at AAHomecare Legislative Conference thumbnail

VGM Senior Leaders Engage in Advocacy at AAHomecare Legislative Conference This week, VGM leaders attended the AAHomecare Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., a premier event dedicated to advancing healthcare policy and advocacy. AAHomecare provided attendees with valuable insights, equipping them with key discussion points and strategies for effective meetings with legislators.

Champion of Change: Paula Vineyard of Elana Health & Loop Medical Leads Healthcare Advocacy in West Virginia thumbnail

Champion of Change: Paula Vineyard of Elana Health & Loop Medical Leads Healthcare Advocacy in West Virginia On Thursday, May 8, Paula Vineyard, owner of Elana Health & Loop Medical, took a pivotal step in healthcare advocacy by hosting a meeting with Tyler Ohrn, Field Representative for Congresswoman Carol Miller of West Virginia's First District. The hour-long discussion centered on the pressing need for congressional support of H.R. 2005.

Manufacturer Survey On Tariffs thumbnail

Manufacturer Survey On Tariffs The American Association for Homecare and VGM Group are seeking valuable insights from durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) manufacturers and vendor partners regarding tariffs imposed on certain countries.

Key Payers Denied Your Application Citing Their Network Is Closed – Now What? thumbnail

Key Payers Denied Your Application Citing Their Network Is Closed – Now What? This experience has increasingly become one of the most common questions we receive from our provider members as more and more payers move to narrow their provider networks. The reasons payers seek to narrow their networks are simple. Payers are highly motivated to achieve their goals while doing less work and are not required to allow providers into their networks unless there is a patient access issue. For those of you fortunate enough to be a part of a narrow network, this may not be much of

Congress Returns: Medicaid Cuts Take Center Stage thumbnail

Congress Returns: Medicaid Cuts Take Center Stage Congress is back in session after a two-week recess. Number one on the docket is figuring out the budget. The house is tasked with coming up with a $1.5 trillion reduction and a key committee is in the spotlight.

The DMEPOS Relief Act Of 2025 – WE NEED YOUR HELP! thumbnail

The DMEPOS Relief Act Of 2025 – WE NEED YOUR HELP! The DMEPOS Relief Act of 2025 (or H.R. 2005) is bipartisan legislation that was recently introduced in Congress designed to increase reimbursement for a large percentage of HME providers across the country. This bill establishes a higher reimbursement rate (known as the 75/25 blended rate) for durable medical equipment in nonrural/noncompetitive bidding areas under Medicare until Dec. 31, 2025.

Champion Of Change: Lauryn Estrella Speaks On Tariffs Impacting HME Providers And Patients thumbnail

Champion Of Change: Lauryn Estrella Speaks On Tariffs Impacting HME Providers And Patients Today, we shine a spotlight on Lauryn Estrella, the dedicated Executive Director of Home Medical Equipment and Services Association of New England (HOMES) and a true Champion of Change in the HME industry.

Give your business an advantage over the competition.

Become a Member