January 7th, Health and Human Services Secretary, Alex Azar, renewed the Public Health Emergency (PHE) related to COVID-19 through his determination that a PHE exists and has existed since January 27, 2020, nationwide.
This renewal extends the PHE through April 21, 2021.
Included items of importance in effect through the Public Health Emergency (4/21/21) are noted below:
- Staffing and Telehealth Waivers: Section 1135 National, Blanket Waiver remains in place.
- 3-Day Stay and Spell of Illness Waivers: Section 1812(f) Waiver also remains in place. This covers the waiver of the 3-Day Stay requirement and the waiver of the Spell of Illness.
- Medicaid Add On: Because of the CARES Act statutory link to the PHE, the Medicaid increased FMAP continues until the end of the quarter in which the PHE ends. Therefore, the increased FMAP will flow to the states until June 2021. More information is available here.
A link to the official announcement is available here: https://www.phe.gov/emergency/news/healthactions/phe/Pages/covid19-07Jan2021.aspx
Let’s Get to the Point:
Wishing you all the best and hoping this can provide ongoing relief as you care for our most vulnerable. Please let us know if we can be of help.
Let us know if our QRM reimbursement team members can be of assistance.
