Tag: CoVID-19

Happy New Year! Given that 2021 is finally upon us, MGMA Government Affairs would like to invite all of you to the next session of our GovChat Live series to discuss the latest issues we are following in the new Congress and incoming administration.

We will focus on the government funding and emergency COVID-19 relief package that was signed into law late last month that made changes to several programs including Medicare payment, the Provider Relief Fund, the Paycheck Protection Program, and also introduced new rules around surprise billing. We will also discuss the issues on our radar with the incoming Biden Administration and how we will approach advocacy this year.

When: Jan 14, 2021 02:00 PM Eastern Time
Topic: GovChat Live: COVID-19 Relief Package & Advocacy in 2021

Register in advance for this webinar: mgma.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6w-BBIZsRcubBwe7TXPFOQ

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

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Cigna Coronavirus (COVID-19) Interim Billing Guidance for Providers for Commercial Customers. Updated October 30, 2020 – Highlighted text indicates updates.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we appreciate that providers across the country are on the front line to offer dedicated care to our customers and help protect local communities.

As federal guidelines continue to evolve in support of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have again extended our interim coverage accommodations for commercial Cigna medical services, as follows:

• The cost-share waiver for COVID-19 diagnostic testing and related office visits is extended until January 21, 2021.
• The cost-share waiver for COVID-19 related treatment is extended until December 31, 2020.
• Some other interim accommodations (e.g., for credentialing and authorizations) are extended through December 31, 2020, as outlined on this page.
• The interim COVID-19 virtual care guidelines as outlined on this page are in place until December 31, 2020. Beginning January 1, 2021, we will implement a new Virtual Care Reimbursement Policy. Please visit CignaforHCP.com/virtualcare for additional information about this new policy.

To view the complete article

Below are this month’s topics:

• COVID-19 Impact on Native American and Hispanic Populations
• COVID-19 Provider Resources
• CAHPS Corner – Vaccination Focus
• October is Liver Awareness Month

Click to View the October Newsletter

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HHS Secretary Alex Azar has officially renewed the COVID-19 public health emergency, resulting in a continuation of the telehealth waivers and other flexibilities that have allowed medical groups to care for patients during the pandemic. The renewed PHE determination is effective Friday, Oct. 23, and will terminate 90 days later on Thursday, Jan. 21. 

Announcement from: Matt Devino
Associate Director, Government Affairs MGMA
Washington DC

From MGMA

Today, HHS has announced that applications will be accepted beginning on Monday, Oct. 5 for $20 billion in new funding under Phase 3 of the PRF General Distribution allocation. Under this new phase, providers that have already received Provider Relief Fund payments will be invited to apply for additional funding that considers financial losses and changes in operating expenses caused by the coronavirus. Previously ineligible providers, such as those who began practicing in 2020 will also be invited to apply, and an expanded group of behavioral health providers will also be eligible for relief payments.

Deadline: Providers will have from Monday Oct. 5 through Nov. 6 to apply, however HHS is encouraging early application to “expedite [its] review process and payment calculations.”

Eligibility

• Providers who previously received, rejected or accepted a General Distribution Provider Relief Fund payment. Providers that have already received payments of approximately 2% of annual revenue from patient care may submit more information to become eligible for an additional payment.
  • Importantly, even if you already received payments of approximately 2% of annual revenue from patient care, you may submit more information to become eligible for an additional payment.
• Behavioral Health providers, including those that previously received funding and new providers.
• Healthcare providers that began practicing January 1, 2020 through March 31, 2020. This includes Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, dentists, assisted living facilities and behavioral health providers.

Payment Methodology

1. All provider submissions will be reviewed to confirm they have received a Provider Relief Fund payment equal to approximately 2 percent of patient care revenue from prior general distributions. Applicants that have not yet received Relief Fund payments of 2 percent of patient revenue will receive a payment that, when combined with prior payments (if any), equals 2 percent of patient care revenue.
2. With the remaining balance of the $20 billion budget, HRSA will then calculate an equitable add-on payment that considers the following:
   1. A provider’s change in operating revenues from patient care
   2. A provider’s change in operating expenses from patient care, including expenses incurred related to coronavirus
   3. Payments already received through prior Provider Relief Fund distributions.

We (MGMA) expect to see more information released by HHS over the coming days which we expect will be posted to the Provider Relief Fund website. We will communicate those details to members as they are made available.

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