Tag: Public Health Emergency

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...

WASHINGTON – Xavier Becerra, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, has extended the public health emergency for another 90 days.  The PHE, which was set to expire April 21, is now good through July 21. The PHE was initially declared on Jan. 31.  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...

LAFAYETTE, La. – Viemed Healthcare has published a study that shows non-invasive ventilation at home improves survival and decreases health care utilization in Medicare beneficiaries with COPD with chronic respiratory failure.  “This study is the first of its kind published in the U.S. and represents a significant milestone in our mission of educating the medical community on the benefits of NIVH,” said Casey Hoyt, Viemed CEO. “The data supports...

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has extended the public health emergency for another three months. On Jan. 7, HHS Secretary Alex Azar announced the extension of the PHE, which was set to expire Jan. 21. HHS extended the PHE, originally declared on Jan. 31, 2020, multiple times last year. There are several HME-related provisions tied to the PHE, including Medicare’s 75/25 blended reimbursement rates in non-rural, non-competitive bidding areas; and...

WASHNGTON - Alex Azar, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, has renewed the COVID-19 national public health emergency.The renewal is effective Oct. 23 for another 90 days. The PHE has been in place since Jan. 27.Several relief efforts related to HME are tied to the duration of the PHE, including:50/50 blended reimbursement rates for rural areas;75/25 blended reimbursement rates for non-rural, non-bid areas; andthe elimination of the coverage criteria and face-to-face requirements...

PITTSBURGH - Highmark Health recently expanded its Home Recovery Care program to two more hospitals in its network, boosted by the ongoing public health emergency that has increased the value of home care. HRC originally launched at Allegheny Health Network in late 2019 as part of a joint venture between the payer and Contessa; it provides inpatient care in the home through telemedicine, providers and Contessa's technology for coordinating care. “HRC gives us the opportunity to give individuals...