Tag: Public Health Emergency

WASHINGTON – The Department of Health and Human Services has extended the public health emergency for another 90 days, until July 16, 2022. There are a number of HME-related provisions that are tied to the PHE, including Medicare’s 75/25 blended reimbursement rates for non-rural, non-competitive bidding areas, and waivers of certain telehealth restrictions and other waivers and policy changes. The PHE was initially declared on Jan. 27, 2020.   

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has extended the current public health emergency for another 90 days, effective Jan. 16. There are a number of HME-related provisions that are tied to the PHE, including Medicare’s 75/25 blended reimbursement rates for non-rural, non-competitive bidding areas, and waivers of certain telehealth restrictions and other waivers and policy changes. The PHE was initially declared on Jan. 27, 2020.  

ARLINGTON, Va. – Certified assistive technology professionals that were unable to fulfill the work experience requirement for re-certification as a result of the ongoing public health emergency and are scheduled to be recertified between Sept. 1, 2021 – April 1, 2022, may apply for an exception from the RESNA Professional Standards Board, which will make decisions on a case-by-case basis. ATPs can submit their recertification application (RESNA Recert Application 2021.pdf) as soon as...

WASHINGTON – Xavier Becerra, the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, has extended the COVID-19 public health emergency for another 90 days from Oct. 18. There are a number of HME-related provisions tied to the PHE, including Medicare’s 75/25 blended rates for non-rural, non-competitive bidding areas, and telehealth and other policy waivers. Becerra will next consider an extension in January 2022.  

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Seema Verma, former CMS administrator and a new member of WellSky’s board of directors, shares her thoughts on everything from health care software to PHE-related flexibilities to competitive bidding.   HME News: Can you talk about the role that providers of health care software, analytics and services play in improving health care efficiency and outcomes?   Seema Verma: Providers of health care software are on the frontlines, as they create the tools...

WASHINGTON – Xavier Becerra, secretary for the Department of Health and Human Services, on Monday extended the public health emergency from July 20 for another 90 days.  There are several HME-related provisions tied to the PHE, including:  Medicare’s 75/25 blended reimbursement rates for non-rural, non-competitive bidding areas  Waivers of the coverage criteria and face-to-face requirements for respiratory therapy  Reimbursement for telehealth services...

WASHINGTON – The Department of Health and Human Services last week updated guidance on Provider Relief Fund reporting, including that the PRF Reporting Portal will be open for providers to submit information on July 1. Other key updates in the revised “Post-Payment Notice of Reporting Requirements,” according to VGM Government Relations:  The period of availability of funds is based on the date the payment is received. Previous guidance indicated that all payments...

WASHINGTON – The Clinician Task Force and NCART have launched a survey to collect data and examples that can be used to educate Congress and other policy makers on the importance of physical and occupational therapists retaining the ability to provide telehealth services.  “These folks need to hear real-life examples of how PT and OT telehealth has been a benefit to people with disabilities who use CRT, so they can understand the need to designate PTs and OTs as permanent...

WASHINGTON – Members of the Government Accountability Office testified before Congress last week saying, while Medicare beneficiaries and providers have benefitted from program waivers and other flexibilities, their continued use beyond the pandemic increases risks and raise considerations.  Among those risks and considerations:  Increased spending: Telehealth waivers can increase spending in both Medicare and Medicaid, if telehealth services are furnished in addition...

WASHINGTON – Home respiratory care providers have played a crucial role amid the ongoing public health emergency and lawmakers should support policies that ensure long-term reimbursement stability in the market, the Council for Quality Respiratory Care stated in testimony to the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health.  The CQRC submitted the testimony as part of a recent hearing on “The Long Haul: Forging a Path Through...