Good news for home healthcare organizations – .
has been signed by President Trump and will offer organizations much-needed assistance by extending some elements of the and providing additional stimulus money.
Home healthcare organizations will be directly impacted by several portions of the legislation and need to prepare for these new opportunities.
An Extension of the Moratorium on Medicare Sequestration Payment Reduction
While the moratorium of the 2% Medicare reimbursement reduction sequestration to last through the end of the public health emergency, it will definitely extend through the first quarter of 2021.
The moratorium has provided financial relief to providers suffering from lost revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic by halting the 2% across-the-board reductions in Medicare reimbursements, .
An Additional Investment in the Provider Relief Fund
Introduced in the CARES Act, was created to distribute funds to healthcare providers during the pandemic. Initially providing $175 billion, the federal government has added $3 billion to the support fund.
, with phase 3 distribution starting in December 2020. The deadline to register for funds has passed, but to attest a payment, request COVID-19 testing reimbursement or report use of funds
A Boost for Small Businesses
, created to provide loans to small businesses during the pandemic, has been reinstated after receiving $284 billion to distribute among qualified businesses. Known as the , it’s similar to the first round of loans in that the amount will be fully forgiven if at least 60% is used for payroll.
While the , the second draw is limited to up to $2 million per loan. Businesses that already received a PPP loan during the first rollout must meet certain specifications to participate in this round.
More business expense categories, like personal protective equipment and technology equipment, are now allowed under the second draw loans. .
Prioritizing COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution and Surveillance
will be , with at-risk healthcare workers . The legislation includes funding for vaccine production, distribution, testing, tracing, surveillance and containment, as well as a targeted investment in underserved and at-risk populations.
Extending Medicaid Programs and Enhancing Protection
Several Medicaid programs that have been extended, such as the protections against spousal impoverishment for partners of recipients of and the initiative, created to increase the use of HCBS.
will continue to be covered by Medicaid, that it will be , while protections for beneficiaries receiving HCBS have been enhanced.
Be an Advocate for Caregivers and Patients
These home healthcare provisions are only made possible by the tireless efforts of advocates who work with state and national representatives and champion the benefits and necessity of care in the home. to help ensure the future of healthcare is in the home.
