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Public Health Emergency Renewed for Another 90 Days, Takes us to October

Published in Government Relations on July 15, 2022

On Friday, July 15th, 2022, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra announced an extension of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). This extension will last another 90 days from July 15, 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.

HHS has indicated that there will be a 60 day notice prior to the termination of the PHE. VGM will continue to monitor the PHE and share any news to our members as we hear any news.

The next reconsideration for renewal is October 2022.

You can see the official announcement of the extension here

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