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Today, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released updated information on recent actions and resources specific to the COVID-19 pandemic.
CMS Continues to release waivers for the health care community that provide flexibilities needed to take care of patients during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The additional blanket waivers are provided here.
CMS updated a video that answers commonly asked questions about the expanded Medicare telehealth services benefit.
They also published an MLN Matters article which provides information for pharmacies and other suppliers that wish to enroll in Medicare temporarily as independent clinical diagnostic laboratories, to assist with addressing needs for COVID-19 testing.
Additional flexibilities offered to states to address the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to the following waivers, a toolkit was developed to expedite the application and review of each request.
ANCOR is partnering with the National Council of Behavioral Health to get the eligibility cap lifted for nonprofits providing I/DD, Substance Abuse, and Mental Health services. Here’s the ANCOR/NatCon issue brief with the “ask” we sent to Congress.
As nonprofit providers of intellectual and developmental disability services and supports, you are on the front lines of the novel, COVID-19 pandemic. While Congress has been making strides to support small businesses, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act excluded from eligibility for the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) nonprofits who employ more than 500 employees.
This exclusion has led to your organizations having to make hard decisions, ranging from furloughs, reducing services, experiencing exploding costs with no assurance of reimbursement. This is unacceptable – people with disabilities cannot be forgotten at this time of crisis. Now is the time to act.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 11, 2020
Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman today reminded businesses of the importance of complying with Governor Tom Wolf and Department of Health Secretary Rachel Levine’s orders – for counties in both the red and yellow phases.
In addition to the critical public health objectives, Commissioner Altman warned non-compliant businesses defying the governor and secretary’s business closure orders that many insurance policies contain provisions that exclude coverage for businesses or individuals engaging in illegal acts or conduct. These exclusions may apply to property coverage, liability coverage, advertising injury coverage, and a host of other essential coverages.
“Businesses and residents rely on insurance coverage to protect them from liability, pay for covered losses, and compensate those who may be injured or harmed,” said Altman. “It is the duty of every business and resident in Pennsylvania to ensure that they and the public at large are provided with the maximum level of protection afforded by insurance. Any actions that could potentially create coverage gaps are the antitheses of the civil duty required of all residents during these times of emergency.”
This reminder is offered to all Pennsylvania businesses and residents, regardless of in what county they reside. The department strongly encourages businesses or residents who have questions or concerns regarding insurance coverage during the phased reopening of businesses in this commonwealth to reach out to their insurance carrier to discuss concerns.
Find more information on Gov. Wolf’s latest orders here.
FAQs for businesses in each phase can be found here.
MEDIA CONTACT: Thaisa Jones, thajones@pa.gov
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Late this afternoon, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued new guidance to inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) that provides additional clarification on flexibilities being afforded in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and also confirms that team meetings can be performed virtually. CMS will allow all forms of social distancing precautions when holding interdisciplinary team meetings and stressed electronic or virtual team meetings would be the safest during this pandemic.
In addition to CMS exercising their regulatory flexibility to waive the 60 percent rule, they are also waiving IRF coverage and classification requirements if the following criteria are satisfied:
CMS also provides additional information on the codes that should be used when IRFs are utilizing flexibilities that CMS has issued. CMS directs IRFs to add the following letters at the end of the unique hospital patient identification number (or medical record number in the IRF) to identify the patients eligible for each waiver:
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved temporary changes to the Community HealthChoices and OBRA 1915(c) waivers due to COVID-19. The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) is extending the same flexibilities to the Act 150 Program. The changes described may be implemented immediately and apply to all counties, including those that changed from red phase to yellow phase on May 8, 2020.
If you have questions about the information in these documents, please contact the OLTL Provider Helpline at 800-932-0939.
Technology is not only a tool for connecting older adults with family and friends, but can also be used to deliver health services, prevent social isolation and loneliness, and enhance communication between caregivers, organizations, and communities. This webinar will present the latest scientific developments in technologies available for older adults, address the myths of older adults and technology use, discuss how to mitigate the effects of normal aging on technology use, and demonstrate how people can utilize technology to help older adults address feelings of loneliness.
This webinar will take place Wednesday, May 27 from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET. Learn more here.
The Department of Human Services has issued updated guidance and a consumer-facing notice regarding the Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP) in light of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Governor Tom Wolf was joined by Attorney General Josh Shapiro today to announce that he signed an executive order that protects Pennsylvanians from foreclosures or evictions through July 10. The action builds on a Pennsylvania Supreme Court order which closed court eviction proceedings until May 11 and ensures no renter or homeowner will be removed from their home for 60 more days.
“At a time when people need to stay home to protect their heath, they should not have to worry about losing their homes,” said Governor Wolf. “Ensuring that people can remain in their homes will help them to better protect their loved ones. It gives families the comfort of knowing they will have a place to live while all of us work together to fight COVID-19 and prepare to move Pennsylvania forward.”
“I commend the Governor for his decision to delay eviction and foreclosure proceedings. We know it’s critical for public health, and for our economic recovery, that people stay in their homes during this emergency,” said Attorney General Shapiro. “This order gives people struggling with lost income something they can count on — a roof over their heads.”
In almost all circumstances, renters and homeowners are required to continue making monthly payments. If you are a Pennsylvanian struggling to make your monthly payments, you should contact your landlord or mortgage servicer immediately.
The Wolf Administration provided recommendations last week to stem foreclosures, evictions and help people experiencing homelessness. The Department of Human Services activated the commonwealth’s Sheltering Taskforce and is working with local and state partners to coordinate resources for people without housing. The Department of Community and Economic Development is also accepting applications for Emergency Solutions Grants to assist with the rapid rehousing of people experiencing homelessness, street outreach, homelessness prevention, and emergency shelter activities.
PHFA is also taking action to help homeowners and renters. The agency has stopped foreclosures and evictions and is offering forbearances with late fee waivers to homeowners with a PHFA mortgage who are experiencing a financial hardship because of COVID-19. PHFA also developed a list of renters’ rights and responsibilities to clarify the situation for apartment residents and is working with landlords and property managers to distribute it to renters. PHFA is also encouraging Low-Income Housing Tax Credit building managers to be flexible on rent payments and to waive late fees for tenants whose employment has been affected by the crisis.
“During the past few weeks, we’ve had great cooperation from Pennsylvanians who understand that staying home is not just about protecting themselves, it’s about protecting everyone in the community,” said Gov. Wolf. This executive order takes one more burden off people who are struggling and gives them more time to get back on their feet.”
More helpful information is available from the following: