CHESTGuidelines & Topic CollectionsPublicationsWashington WatchlineGovernment Actions of Note to CHEST Members

Government Actions of Note to CHEST Members

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JUNE 2020


Government Actions of Note to CHEST Members

Many changes in Washington related to healthcare access and payment as well as general economic policies have been announced on a nearly daily basis. Below are just some of those relevant to your practice:

Telemedicine/Coding

https://www.chestnet.org/Guidelines-and-Resources/COVID-19/Updates-and-Resources#PracticeManagementResources

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

The Small Business Administration Payroll support program with forgivable loans, 2.5 months.

https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program

Provider Relief Fund

Health Resources Service Administration (HRSA) of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/cares-act-provider-relief-fund/index.html

EIDL Economic Injury Disaster Loan (Also an SBA program)

https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Information/EIDLLoans

CMS advance payments

This is not a new program but may be activated during disasters. It calls for accelerated and advanced payment programs under Medicare. It is suspended after $175 billion paid to providers and is an advance that must be paid back.

https://www.cms.gov/files/document/accelerated-and-advanced-payments-fact-sheet.pdf 

HRSA Program for Uninsured COVID-19 Patients

This program was funded under the same provision of the CARES Act. It is intended for treating uninsured patients with Covid-19 diagnosis to reimburse testing and care of the uninsured at Medicare rates.

https://www.hrsa.gov/CovidUninsuredClaim


IN THIS ISSUE



Introduction to the New Health Policy and Advocacy Committee

Home Mechanical Ventilators’ Removal from Competitive Bidding 2021 Represents a Big Win for Respiratory Patients

CHEST’s Cooperative Involvement Related to COVID-19

Support for Healthcare Infrastructure and Accessibility

Telehealth Changes

CHEST Responds to Need for Clinicians in Hard-hit Areas with Unique Matching System

Government Actions of Note to CHEST Members