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

Published in Government Relations on July 15, 2022

Breaking News

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


TAGS

  1. vgm
  2. vgm government

From Our Experts

VGM Submits Comments Regarding the Section 232 National Security Investigation On Medical Imports thumbnail VGM Submits Comments Regarding the Section 232 National Security Investigation On Medical Imports VGM has submitted formal comments to the U.S. Department of Commerce in response to its Section 232 National Security Investigation into the importation of personal protective equipment (PPE), medical consumables, and medical equipment and devices. Senate Backs DME Relief Act with Bipartisan Support thumbnail Senate Backs DME Relief Act with Bipartisan Support In a significant development for the durable medical equipment (DME) industry and Medicare beneficiaries, the U.S. Senate has introduced S.2951, the companion legislation to H.R. 2005, known as the DMEPOS Relief Act of 2025. The Senate bill is being led by Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and has gained bipartisan support with Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) joining as a co-sponsor. Gov't Shutdown: What It Means for Providers thumbnail Gov't Shutdown: What It Means for Providers As expected, Democrats and Republican members of the Senate was unable to agree on terms in passing a continuing resolution (CR) ahead of the October 1st deadline, resulting in a government shutdown. But how did we get here? Oppose DMEPOS Bidding Expansion – Take Action Now thumbnail Oppose DMEPOS Bidding Expansion – Take Action Now A critical Congressional Sign-On Letter is now circulating in the House of Representatives, led by Reps. Neal Dunn (R-FL) and Greg Murphy (R-NC). This bipartisan letter calls on CMS to stop the proposed expansion of the durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program to include ostomy and urological supplies. Gov't Shutdown & Telehealth Flexibility Expiration thumbnail Gov't Shutdown & Telehealth Flexibility Expiration September 30 represents an important date for HME providers for two reasons: 1) The potential of a government shutdown and how that affects HHS and CMS, and 2) the expiration of Telehealth Flexibilities unless a Continuing Resolution (CR) is agreed upon in time. Josh Turek Visits VGM to Champion Accessibility & Advocacy thumbnail Josh Turek Visits VGM to Champion Accessibility & Advocacy Waterloo, IA — On Monday, VGM Group hosted the first of our “Meet The Candidate” forums by welcoming Iowa State Representative Josh Turek, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate seat soon to be vacated by Senator Joni Ernst. VGM & NCART Rally in D.C. to Defend CRT & HME Access thumbnail VGM & NCART Rally in D.C. to Defend CRT & HME Access Washington, D.C. – September 2025 — A powerful few days of advocacy wrapped up in the nation's capital as representatives from VGM Group, NCART, AAHomecare, and other key stakeholders in the Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) and Home Medical Equipment (HME) industries met with lawmakers to address urgent policy concerns. Igniting Champions Of Change During August Recess thumbnail Igniting Champions Of Change During August Recess This August recess, DME suppliers across the country seized the opportunity to engage with lawmakers and advocate for critical DMEPOS legislation. Their efforts are helping to build momentum and expand the network of congressional supporters.