HHS Extends COVID-19 PHE
The public health emergency, as well as the regulatory relaxations and reimbursement guidelines associated with it, will continue for another 90 days.
Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra has declared that he will renew the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) for another 90 days.
The renewal becomes effective on April 16 and expires on July 16.
The American Association for Homecare outlined the key exemptions and reimbursement guidelines that will continue due to the PHE extension:
- The 75/25 blended rate in non-rural/non-CB areas will remain in effect until at least July 16.
- NCD/LCD flexibility allowing expanded use of home-based respiratory products/therapy, as well as infusion and anticoagulation devices.
- Waiver of face-to-face requirements for many products; allows use of telehealth for items that are not included in the waiver such as PMD.
- 6.2 percent increase in Medicaid FMAP match (will remain in effect through the end of the quarter the PHE expires, so this relief will run through at least September).
- State Medicaid waivers and flexibilities tied to the PHE (states may, however, end flexibilities they have granted at their discretion).
- TRICARE reimbursement increases tied to the Medicare rate relief.