COVID-19, Medicaid and Medicare - Health Care Compliance Brief

HIMSSCast: The need for home care continues

Healthcare It News

APRIL 29, 2024

One way hospitals dealt with staffing shortages and the need for beds during COVID-19 was to use flexibilities allowed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to treat acute care patients at

COVID-19

COVID-19 Medicaid Medicaid Nurses

Achieving Economic Security for Disabled People During COVID-19 and Beyond

Bill of Health

MARCH 15, 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the pervasive inequities experienced by historically marginalized communities, including people with disabilities. Although disabled people have always experienced inequities concerning economic security, these disparities have grown substantially throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19

COVID-19 ADA Medicaid Medicaid

Biden signs debt deal, clearing path for $27B in COVID-19 clawbacks

Healthcare Dive

JUNE 5, 2023

Some of the funding is healthcare-related, and major programs like Medicaid and Medicare emerged unscathed after weeks of negotiations between Republicans and Democrats.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Medicaid Medicaid Medicare

Prison Health Care is Broken Under the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy

Bill of Health

JANUARY 26, 2022

As a first step to protecting incarcerated individuals’ right to health, Congress should repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy (MIEP). The MIEP, established in 1965, prohibits Medicaid from covering incarcerated individuals, despite any prior eligibility. Specifically, states that have expanded Medicaid could save $4.7

Medicaid

Medicaid Medicaid COVID-19 Public Health

Strategic Maneuvers in Response to COVID-19 Denialist Laws and Policies

Bill of Health

FEBRUARY 23, 2023

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, now entering its fourth year in 2023, legislators, executives, and judges at every level of government have sought measures to derail efficacious public health interventions. And most relate solely to COVID-19 interventions, which sunset permanently as states withdraw their emergencies.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Public Health COVID-19 Vaccine Governance

The Supreme Court’s Rulings on COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates, Explained

Bill of Health

JANUARY 18, 2022

The Court decisions each addressed questions of whether federal agencies — the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) — have authority to set these vaccination-related requirements. The Court placed COVID-19 in the latter category. The CMS Case.

COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 Vaccine COVID-19 Medicaid Medicaid

Carceral Health Care Is Designed to Fail

Bill of Health

SEPTEMBER 9, 2022

COVID-19 is not the first pandemic within prisons. Like these earlier carceral pandemics, the over 620,000 COVID-19 infections and 3,100 related deaths among incarcerated individuals to date simply expose how U.S. By Andrea C. health law and policy fails to protect people in custody. One of the largest failures of U.S.

COVID-19

COVID-19 COVID-19 Vaccine Medicaid Medicaid

COVID-19 as Disability Interest Convergence?

Bill of Health

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

Some have suggested that the COVID-19 pandemic could be a moment of what critical race theorist Derrick Bell called “ interest convergence ,” where majority interests align with those of a minority group to create a critical moment for social change. Why Haven’t Interests Converged During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

COVID-19

COVID-19 ADA Public Health Nursing Homes

Billing Medicare Telehealth during COVID-19 PHE

Medisys Compliance

MAY 19, 2022

During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), reimbursements for telehealth continue to evolve. The federal government, state Medicaid programs, and private insurers have expanded coverage for virtual health care services. See this list of telehealth services from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Medicare Medicare Medical Billing

Who doesn’t text in 2022? Most state Medicaid programs

Healthcare It News

APRIL 15, 2022

Postal Service and an online account this summer to connect with Medicaid enrollees about the expected end of the covid public health emergency, which will put many recipients at risk of losing their coverage. State Medicaid agencies for months have been preparing for the end of the public health emergency.

Medicaid

Medicaid Medicaid US Department of Health and Human Services Public Health

As COVID-19 Public Emergency Ends, So Do Vaccination Mandates

Health Law Advisor

JULY 27, 2023

The federal government’s announcement that the COVID-19 public health emergency (“PHE”) declaration would end on May 11, 2023 marked the end of various federal mandates and benefits. Perhaps most importantly, numerous COVID-19 vaccination requirements are being rescinded. See [link].

COVID-19

COVID-19 COVID-19 Vaccine Medicaid Medicaid

Ending of Federally Mandated COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements, COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

Jackson Lewis

MAY 3, 2023

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced that, at the end of the day on May 11, 2023, it will end COVID-19 vaccination requirements for federal employees, federal contractors, and international air travelers. The COVID-19 public health emergency also will end on the same day. Read more.

COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 Vaccine COVID-19 Public Health Medicaid

COVID-19 puts a spotlight on new pop health demands

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

APRIL 8, 2020

Jaan Sidorov, CEO of the Population Health Alliance in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a network of 152 independent community-based providers, says he and his colleagues are quickly learning how the COVID-19 crisis will change their practice patterns. A changing landscape. They will learn otherwise, Sidorov cautioned.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Telemedicine Medicaid Medicaid

OCR will ease restrictions on telehealth tech during COVID-19

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

MARCH 18, 2020

"This exercise of discretion applies to telehealth provided for any reason, regardless of whether the telehealth service is related to the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions related to COVID-19."

COVID-19

COVID-19 HIPAA Nursing Homes Medicare

Churntables: A Look at the Record on Medicaid Redetermination Plans

Bill of Health

APRIL 13, 2022

The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) expires at the end of this week, with Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra expected to renew the PHE once more to extend through mid-July. By Cathy Zhang. This policy improves coverage and helps reduce churn , which is associated with poor health outcomes.

Medicaid

Medicaid Medicaid COVID-19 Public Health

President Biden Announces the End of the COVID-19 Emergencies: The Health Care Industry Has Less Than Four Months to Prepare

Health Care Law Brief

FEBRUARY 2, 2023

After multiple extensions over the past three years, on Monday, January 30, 2023, President Biden announced that the COVID-19 national emergency and public health emergency (“ PHE ”) will officially end on May 11, 2023.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Medicare Medicare Medicaid

President Biden Signs End-of-Year Legislation Including Telehealth, Medicare & Medicaid, Mental Health, Pandemic Preparedness, and Other Health Care Provisions

C&M Health Law

JANUARY 25, 2023

Notably, the Act neither fulfilled the Biden Administration’s request for additional COVID-19 response funding nor included the Verifying Accurate Leading-edge In Vitro Clinical Test (IVCT) Development (VALID) Act, which proposed updating the current diagnostic testing regulatory framework.

Medicaid

Medicaid Medicaid Medicare Medicare

CMS COVID-19 Vaccination, Testing Requirements to Formally End This Summer

Jackson Lewis

JUNE 5, 2023

The Biden-Harris Administration announced on May 1, 2023, that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) would soon be eliminating COVID-19 vaccination requirements for healthcare providers. On May 31, 2023, CMS issued the awaited Final Rule. Read more.

COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 Vaccine COVID-19 Medicaid Medicaid

Nationwide Preliminary Injunction on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Enforcing COVID-19 Vaccine Rule

Jackson Lewis

DECEMBER 1, 2021

District Court for the Western District of Louisiana has granted a preliminary injunction enjoining the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) from enforcing its COVID-19 vaccine mandate nationwide. Louisiana et al. Becerra et al. , 3:12-CV-03970 (W.D. This injunction takes immediate effect.

COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 Vaccine COVID-19 Medicaid Medicaid

COVID-19 presents a new chance to make telehealth accessible to the underserved

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

JUNE 8, 2020

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, regulatory, reimbursement and technological changes have all helped trigger a massive and rapid expansion of telehealth accessibility. " David Smith, Medicaid Transformation Project Executive Director.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Medicaid Medicaid Telemedicine

COVID-19 Fell Out of Top 5 Telehealth Diagnoses Nationwide in February 2022

HIT Consultant

MAY 9, 2022

What You Should Know: – After two months in the top five telehealth diagnoses nationally and in every US census region, COVID-19 fell out of that ranking nationally and in every region in February 2022, according to FAIR Health’s Monthly Telehealth Regional Tracker. Telehealth Utilization Decline. percent in February.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Medicare Medicare Medicaid

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Barred From Enforcing Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccine Rule in 10 States

Jackson Lewis

NOVEMBER 30, 2021

Ten states filed a lawsuit challenging CMS’ Interim Final Rule (IFR) requiring COVID-19 vaccination amongst a wide range of staff working at Medicare- and Medicaid-certified providers and suppliers.

COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 Vaccine COVID-19 Medicaid Medicaid

Statements from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Interoperability Flexibilities amid the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

Electronic Health Reporter

APRIL 23, 2020

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), in conjunction with the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) announced a policy of enforcement discretion […].

COVID-19

COVID-19 Public Health Medicaid Medicaid

Medicare & Medicaid Facilities Are Put On Notice: Employees Must Be Vaccinated

Health Law RX

SEPTEMBER 14, 2021

Medicare and Medicaid certified facilities will be required to ensure that their employees are vaccinated for COVID-19, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced on September 9, 2021. The CMS Vaccine Mandate. CMS will accept public comments after the rule is published.

Medicaid

Medicaid Medicaid Medicare Medicare

Physicians Practicing in the Age of COVID-19: Lower Incomes, More Telehealth

Health Populi

AUGUST 24, 2020

The Physicians Foundation surveyed 3,513 physicians in July 2020 on their perspectives on COVID-19 and how the pandemic has impacted practices and patients. Part 2 will cover the impact of COVID-19 on physician well-being, and Part 3, on the impact of the coronavirus on the health care system.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Telemedicine Doctors Medicare

CMS Discontinues Prior Guidance on Visitation Restrictions and Rescinds COVID-19 Focus Infection Control Survey Procedures

Health Law Advisor

FEBRUARY 11, 2022

First, CMS rescinded the prior guidance, issued originally on March 23, 2020, and updated on December 30, 2020, regarding use of the focused infection control survey tool developed to emphasize specifically infection prevention and control practices for combating COVID-19.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Public Health Medicaid Medicaid

CMS launches Acute Hospital Care at Home program to help with COVID-19 surge

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

NOVEMBER 25, 2020

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Wednesday took several new steps to help U.S. hospitals manage the crush of new patients as the COVID-19 crisis worsens. Among them are new allowances for telehealth and remote monitoring, for what CMS is calling the Acute Hospital Care at Home program. WHY IT MATTERS.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Hospitals Nurses Medicaid

HHS & DOJ FY 2022 Enforcement Targeted Fraud in COVID-19, Telemedicine, Opioid and Prescription Drugs, and Substance Use Treatment Centers, Among Other Initiatives

Healthcare Law Blog

DECEMBER 1, 2023

The FY 2022 report highlighted a number of key enforcement initiatives including telemedicine fraud and exploitation, unnecessary COVID-19 testing and services along with fraudulently obtained COVID-19 relief funds, and opioid and prescription drug abuse. for every $1.00 expended.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Fraud Telemedicine Medicaid

CMS Guidance Ends Waivers for COVID-19

Foster Swift

APRIL 14, 2022

On April 7, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued an update to the COVID-19 emergency declaration blanket waivers for specific providers. Read More › Tags: Alerts and Updates , Health Care Reform , Hospitals , Medicare , Medicare/Medicaid.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Health Care Reform Medicaid Medicaid

Updated CMS Guidelines for COVID-19 Tests and Booster Shot

Medisys Compliance

APRIL 20, 2022

Billing and coding guidelines for various medical specialities are constantly getting updated due different COVID-19 variants. In fact, concerned authority extended the current COVID-19 pandemic telehealth waivers for five months beyond the end of the public health emergency. Shop & Stop, Walgreens and Walmart.

COVID-19

COVID-19 COVID-19 Vaccine Medical Billing Medicare

Who ‘Deserves’ Health, Who ‘Deserves’ Freedom? A Recurrent Divide in SCOTUS Vaccine Mandate Cases

Bill of Health

MARCH 9, 2022

Biden ( Missouri ), the Court by a 5-4 vote refused to stay a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) rule requiring health care workers in facilities that participate in Medicare or Medicaid to be vaccinated against COVID-19 (subject to legally-required exemptions) in order to protect patients.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Public Health Medicaid Medicaid

Physicians Beware! Groups Providing DME, Prosthetic Devices, and Other Medical Supplies to Their Medicare Patients Risk Violating the Strict Liability Stark Law Since the Expiration of COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

Health Law Advisor

AUGUST 14, 2023

During the COVID-19 PHE, CMS issued temporary waivers, including a waiver of the “location requirement” of the In-Office Ancillary Services (“IOAS”) exception. The IOAS exception does NOT apply.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Medicare Medicare Public Health

NYC elder care provider using FCC funds for telehealth, protecting seniors from COVID-19

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

AUGUST 25, 2020

Social distancing is a key factor in reducing the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, and tele-visits can be a safe and secure means for providers to deliver certain types of care for their patients. The area continues to face an increase in severe COVID-19 cases that require hospitalization – overwhelming many hospitals.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Elder Care Nursing Homes Nurses

Trust My Doctor and Fear the Office: The Telehealth Opportunity in and Beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic

Health Populi

MAY 21, 2020

However, as patients continue to be concerned about exposure to COVID-19, 3 in 5 are concerned about being at-risk to the virus in their doctor’s office, according to research from the Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP) and AMCP , the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Doctors Health Insurance Medicare

Agencies Call on Group Health Plan Sponsors to Extend Special Enrollment Period for Medicaid Redeterminations

Compliance Now

AUGUST 10, 2023

As background, according to federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) rules, individuals have 60 days from losing CHIP and Medicaid eligibility to elect coverage under their group plan. A flyer employers can share with employees who are enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP and may lose their coverage.

Medicaid

Medicaid Medicaid Compliance Health Insurance

The Median Hospital Charge In the U.S. for COVID-19 Care Ranges From $34-45K

Health Populi

JULY 16, 2020

The median charge for hospitalizing a patient with COVID-19 ranged from $34,662 for people 23 to 30, and $45,683 for people between 51 and 60 years of age, according to FAIR Health’s research brief, Key Characteristics of COVID-19 Patients published July 14th, 2020. One in five were diagnosed somewhere else.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Hospitals Health Insurance Medicare

A Different Future Was Possible: Reflections on the US Pandemic Response

Bill of Health

SEPTEMBER 29, 2022

But to focus on these failures risks forgetting the collective framing and collective policy response that dominated the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic. This dangerously obscures what went wrong and limits our political imagination for the future of the COVID-19 pandemic and other emerging crises.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Public Health Federal Policy Medicaid

Several COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Blanket Waivers Expiring

Healthcare Compliance Blog

MAY 12, 2022

On April 7, 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a memorandum announcing the termination of several emergency declaration blanket waivers. These waivers initially went into effect to provide healthcare providers with extra flexibilities for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Nurses Medicaid Medicaid

CMS Issues Revised COVID-19 Nursing Home Visitation Guidance

Med-Net Compliance

OCTOBER 4, 2022

On September 23, 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued revised COVID-19 nursing home visitation guidance. If the nursing home’s county COVID-19 community transmission is high, everyone in a healthcare setting should wear face coverings or masks. cannot wear source control).

Nursing Homes

Nursing Homes COVID-19 Nurses Medicaid

10 Tips for Improving COVID-19 Employee Immunization Initiatives

HIT Consultant

OCTOBER 20, 2021

The rise of the COVID-19 Delta variant and new immunization mandates creates concerns and complexities for hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care and other providers. No reimbursement from Medicare/Medicaid unless all workers are fully vaccinated.) Immunizing that population in itself is a significant undertaking.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Nursing Homes COVID-19 Vaccine Hospitals

The Supreme Court Blocks a COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for 84-Million Workers, but Upholds a COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for Healthcare Workers

Health Law Attorney

JANUARY 13, 2022

In June 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“ OSHA ”) issued an Emergency Temporary Standard (“ ETS ”) that would require, amongst other things, employers with 100 or more employees to adopt a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy. OSHA’s mandatory vaccination policy would affect approximately 84 million employees.

COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 Vaccine COVID-19 Nursing Homes Medicaid

Fifth Circuit Grants, In Part, Motion to Stay Nationwide Preliminary Injunction on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid COVID-19 Vaccine Rule

Jackson Lewis

DECEMBER 16, 2021

On December 15, 2021, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals granted, in part, the federal administration’s motion to stay the nationwide preliminary injunction enjoining the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (“CMS”) from enforcing its COVID-19 vaccine mandate nationwide as to non-plaintiff states. Louisiana et al v.

COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 Vaccine COVID-19 Medicaid Medicaid

Countercyclical Aid Is Not Enough to Fix the Broken US Approach to Public Health Financing

Bill of Health

SEPTEMBER 9, 2022

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s failed responses to COVID-19, ranging from “testing to data to communications,” have prompted a call to reorganize the agency. Even as thousands of Americans continued to die from COVID, the Health Resources and Services Administration stopped accepting claims submitted under this program.

Public Health

Public Health COVID-19 Public Health Professionals Governance

CMS’ Contract Year 2023 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Programs

Healthcare Law Blog

JANUARY 10, 2022

On January 6, 2022 , the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) issued the proposed rule on Contract Year 2023 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Programs (the “Proposed Rule”).

Medicare

Medicare Medicare COVID-19 Medicaid

HIMSSCast: The need for home care continues

Achieving Economic Security for Disabled People During COVID-19 and Beyond

Trending Sources

Biden signs debt deal, clearing path for $27B in COVID-19 clawbacks

Prison Health Care is Broken Under the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy

Strategic Maneuvers in Response to COVID-19 Denialist Laws and Policies

The Supreme Court’s Rulings on COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates, Explained

Carceral Health Care Is Designed to Fail

COVID-19 as Disability Interest Convergence?

Billing Medicare Telehealth during COVID-19 PHE

Who doesn’t text in 2022? Most state Medicaid programs

As COVID-19 Public Emergency Ends, So Do Vaccination Mandates

Ending of Federally Mandated COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements, COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

COVID-19 puts a spotlight on new pop health demands

OCR will ease restrictions on telehealth tech during COVID-19

Churntables: A Look at the Record on Medicaid Redetermination Plans

President Biden Announces the End of the COVID-19 Emergencies: The Health Care Industry Has Less Than Four Months to Prepare

President Biden Signs End-of-Year Legislation Including Telehealth, Medicare & Medicaid, Mental Health, Pandemic Preparedness, and Other Health Care Provisions

CMS COVID-19 Vaccination, Testing Requirements to Formally End This Summer

Nationwide Preliminary Injunction on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Enforcing COVID-19 Vaccine Rule

COVID-19 presents a new chance to make telehealth accessible to the underserved

COVID-19 Fell Out of Top 5 Telehealth Diagnoses Nationwide in February 2022

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Barred From Enforcing Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccine Rule in 10 States

Statements from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Interoperability Flexibilities amid the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

Medicare & Medicaid Facilities Are Put On Notice: Employees Must Be Vaccinated

Physicians Practicing in the Age of COVID-19: Lower Incomes, More Telehealth

CMS Discontinues Prior Guidance on Visitation Restrictions and Rescinds COVID-19 Focus Infection Control Survey Procedures

CMS launches Acute Hospital Care at Home program to help with COVID-19 surge

HHS & DOJ FY 2022 Enforcement Targeted Fraud in COVID-19, Telemedicine, Opioid and Prescription Drugs, and Substance Use Treatment Centers, Among Other Initiatives

CMS Guidance Ends Waivers for COVID-19

Updated CMS Guidelines for COVID-19 Tests and Booster Shot

Who ‘Deserves’ Health, Who ‘Deserves’ Freedom? A Recurrent Divide in SCOTUS Vaccine Mandate Cases

Physicians Beware! Groups Providing DME, Prosthetic Devices, and Other Medical Supplies to Their Medicare Patients Risk Violating the Strict Liability Stark Law Since the Expiration of COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

NYC elder care provider using FCC funds for telehealth, protecting seniors from COVID-19

Trust My Doctor and Fear the Office: The Telehealth Opportunity in and Beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic

Agencies Call on Group Health Plan Sponsors to Extend Special Enrollment Period for Medicaid Redeterminations

The Median Hospital Charge In the U.S. for COVID-19 Care Ranges From $34-45K

A Different Future Was Possible: Reflections on the US Pandemic Response

Several COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Blanket Waivers Expiring

CMS Issues Revised COVID-19 Nursing Home Visitation Guidance

10 Tips for Improving COVID-19 Employee Immunization Initiatives

The Supreme Court Blocks a COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for 84-Million Workers, but Upholds a COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for Healthcare Workers

Fifth Circuit Grants, In Part, Motion to Stay Nationwide Preliminary Injunction on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid COVID-19 Vaccine Rule

Countercyclical Aid Is Not Enough to Fix the Broken US Approach to Public Health Financing

CMS’ Contract Year 2023 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Programs

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