VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO
Full Menu Search

Public Health Emergency (PHE) Renewed for Another 90 Days

Published in Government Relations on October 15, 2021

On Friday, October 15, 2021, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra announced an extension of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). This extension will last another 90 days from October 18, 2021. The COVID-19 PHE was initially declared on January 31, 2020 (with acknowledgment that it has existed since January 27th). 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 25/75 blended rates for non-rural, non-CBA areas
  • An increase to the federal government’s matching funds for Medicaid programs (approximately 6.2% increase)
  • ACO shared loss paybacks to CMS
  • COVID-19 testing at no cost to the patient
  • Waivers of certain telehealth restrictions and other policy changes or waivers

The next reconsideration for renewal is January 2022. For more information, visit:https://www.phe.gov/emergency/news/healthactions/phe/Pages/COVDI-15Oct21.aspx

TAGS

  1. phe
  2. vgm government

Get Connected

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

Sign Up for Email

From Our Experts

MAMES Succeeds In Improving Coverage For Breast Pumps And Lactation Services In Nebraska thumbnail MAMES Succeeds In Improving Coverage For Breast Pumps And Lactation Services In Nebraska MAMES has successfully advocated for enhanced coverage of breast pumps and lactation services in Nebraska. Working closely with the Medicaid Director, MAMES ensured the implementation of these changes would be effective and beneficial. The new coverage aligns with other Medicaid programs in the Midwest. A Tribute to John Gallagher: A Journey of Dedication and Memories thumbnail A Tribute to John Gallagher: A Journey of Dedication and Memories When I started working for John Gallagher 12 years ago, I often heard the phrase, “baptism by fire.” I quickly learned what that meant. At the time, the team consisted of John Gallagher, Mark Higley, and Tom Powers, and they were all constantly on the road. I would get a phone call from John saying, “The ESRD was just released, look it up and write up a summary, we need to get this to our members ASAP. I'm hopping on a plane…get it out before the end of the day.” Rep Mariannette Miller-Meeks Introduces The Veterans Supporting Prosthetics Opportunities and Recreational Therapy (“SPORT”) Act thumbnail Rep Mariannette Miller-Meeks Introduces The Veterans Supporting Prosthetics Opportunities and Recreational Therapy (“SPORT”) Act Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), who, along with proving to be a champion of DMEPOS related legislation, serves as chair on the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health. Recently she introduced H.R. 9478, The Veterans Supporting Prosthetics Opportunities and Recreational Therapy (“SPORT”) Act. Congress Passes, President Signs Continuing Resolution thumbnail Congress Passes, President Signs Continuing Resolution As you know by now, Congress passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government operating for another three months. Signed by President Joe Biden, this resolution will only fund critical government operations through March 31, 2025. Breaking: Year-End Package Update thumbnail Breaking: Year-End Package Update As lawmakers race to avert a government shutdown ahead of this Friday's deadline, we have learned that the provision to reinstate and extend the 75/25 blended rate will not be included in the proposed continuing resolution that is expected to fund the federal government until March 14, 2025. Despite exhaustive bipartisan efforts from all reaches of the HME community, including providers and stakeholders, there was not enough support to get it included in the package. CMS Releases CPI-U Adjustments For DMEPOS In 2025 And Fee Schedule Q1 thumbnail CMS Releases CPI-U Adjustments For DMEPOS In 2025 And Fee Schedule Q1 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) adjustments for the Calendar Year 2025 Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) fee schedule. BREAKING – Rep. Guthrie Tapped To Lead Energy And Commerce Committee thumbnail BREAKING – Rep. Guthrie Tapped To Lead Energy And Commerce Committee The House Republican Steering Committee recommended Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY) on Monday to be the next chairman of the Energy And Commerce Committee. The Energy And Commerce Committee has jurisdiction over a broad range of policy issues and federal departments, including healthcare, the Department Of Energy, the Food And Drug Administration, and more. Guthrie has sat on five of the panel's six subcommittees and is chair of its health subcommittee. Action Needed: Support DME Legislation As The 118th Congress Concludes thumbnail Action Needed: Support DME Legislation As The 118th Congress Concludes As the 118th Congress draws to a close, we urgently need your help. Congressional negotiations are currently underway to determine the scope of end-of-year health and budget legislation. We are optimistic that the DME Legislation (H.R. 5555 and S. 1294) will be included in the final legislative package, but your support is crucial to ensure this happens!

Give your business an advantage over the competition.

Become a Member