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Public Health Emergency Extended Another 90 Days

Published in Government Relations on January 14, 2022

On Friday, January 14th, 2022, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra announced an extension of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). This extension will last another 90 days from January 16, 2022. Any PHE declaration 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 territories (CBA) continue with 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 April 2022. 

You can see the official announcement of the extension here: https://www.phe.gov/emergency/news/healthactions/phe/Pages/default.aspx. 

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