FDA, CMS, HHS Improve COVID-19 Testing, Vaccination; Provider Relief Fund Deadlines Extended
Government organizations including the FDA, CMS, and HHS are working to expand COVID-19 testing and vaccine access while HHS also announces an extension of Provider Relief Fund deadlines.
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By - To improve access to COVID-19 testing and vaccination, FDA, CMS, and HHS are increasing vaccine supplies, vaccination sites, and funding. Meanwhile, HHS extended key reporting deadlines for the Provider Relief Fund, easing the burden on smaller providers.
Senate Bill Aims to Extend Telehealth Flexibilities
A bill introduced to the Senate this week seeks to improve access and coverage of telehealth services. The Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act would allow payment parity for audio-only telehealth services when clinically appropriate, permanently waive geographic restrictions in Medicare coverage so patients can be treated at home, and allow critical access hospitals to directly bill for telehealth services. According to Joe Manchin (D-WV), one of the Senators who introduced the bill, it would also permanently allow rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers to serve as sites for telehealth services and expand coverage for asynchronous telehealth. READ MORE
FDA Increases COVID-19 Vaccine Availability via J&J Vaccine Supply Increase
On June 11, the FDA announced the authorization of two batches of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine. The FDA deemed these batches safe to use after thorough review, allowing the drug to be used in the US or exported to other countries. READ MORE
CMS Increases Payments to At-Home COVID-19 Vaccinations
As part of a continued effort to bolster vaccination rates and keep seniors safe, CMS announced additional payments for COVID-19 vaccines administered at home to Medicare beneficiaries. Medicare will pay an additional $35 per dose for the COVID-19 vaccine when administered in a patient’s home. For a two-dose vaccine, providers could receive up to $150 for administration. READ MORE
HHS Announces Funding to Rural Health Clinics, Community-Based COVID-19 Efforts
HHS announced $424.7 million in funding to rural health clinics. Funds through the American Rescue Plan will go toward aiding over 4,200 rural health clinics in the continued fight against COVID-19. This includes support for testing rural residents for the disease and expanding access to testing options. READ MORE
Through the American Rescue Plan, HHS has also announced $125 million in awards to 14 non-profit, community-based organizations to support local COVID-19 vaccination efforts. Organizations were awarded the funds to help build confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine and increase vaccination rates. READ MORE
Revised Reporting Requirements for Provider Relief Fund Payments
HHS announced revisions to the required reporting for Provider Relief Fund Payments after pushback from providers. The funding, aimed to supplement lost revenue during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic and help provider organizations invest in key technologies for success throughout the pandemic, also had required reporting and deadlines to use the payments by.
Some other key updates include:
- Period of availability of funds based on the date payment was received
- Required reporting for providers receiving $10,000 or more in total payments
- 90-day period to complete reporting
The updated reporting guidelines aim to reduce reporting burden on smaller providers. READ MORE
