Skip to main content

VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO

Search GO

Search GO

VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO LEARN ABOUT VGM

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 27^th). 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

From Our Experts

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.

Ensuring Access To Care: The Fight For Permanent Telehealth Flexibilities thumbnail

Ensuring Access To Care: The Fight For Permanent Telehealth Flexibilities Americans utilizing telehealth services to access healthcare is at an all-time high. It's a convenient method without having to leave the home, giving access to healthcare professionals from anywhere. It expands a patient's choice of provider and enables the provider the ability to see more patients.

Give your business an advantage over the competition.

Become a Member