July 27, 2020

HHS Extends Public Health Emergency Declaration

On July 23, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, Alex Azar, . The PHE was set to expire on July 25, but will now be extended for another 90 days.

The 新澳门六合彩官网® has been in of extending the PHE declaration and advocated for the renewal. PHE status has allowed necessary flexibilities and protections to physicians during a time when patients need access to care.

There are various regulatory and payment policy implications surrounding this declaration, which include:

  • Requirements that insurers cover COVID-19 testing without cost-sharing;
  • Telehealth waivers and reimbursement;
  • Adjustments made to the Medicare Shared Savings Program surrounding shared losses; and
  • Medicare inpatient 20% add-on payment for COVID-19 patients.

Those policies that are contingent on PHE status will remain in effect.