Government Actions of Note to CHEST Members
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