Modern Healthcare reported on Oct. 13, 2020, that 2020 Census undercounts would impact funding for more than 50 healthcare and healthcare-related programs, including Medicaid and Medicare Part B, according to an analysis by the George Washington Institute of Public Policy. The response rate for the 2020 census has declined because of the COVID-19 pandemic. A one percent undercount, for example, could cost states up to one dollar in federal Medicaid funds on every $100 spent, according to a 2018 report by Reamer.

The United States is “facing a whole lot of trouble” as coronavirus cases continue to surge across the country heading into the cold winter months, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, told CNBC on Monday. The U.S. reported more than 44,600 new cases on Sunday and the seven-day average rose to over 49,200 new cases per day, up more than 14 percent compared with a week ago, according to an analysis of data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. Average daily cases were up by more than five percent in 36 states and the District of Columbia.

On Oct. 8, 2020, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) issued interim final rule (IFR) guidance for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that includes small business loan forgiveness relief on amounts of $50,000 or less. In addition, the SBA created a new two-page application form, Form 3508S, and related instructions for borrowers with loans of $50,000 or less. A borrower using this form is exempt from both:

• Any reduction in its loan forgiveness amount on account of full-time equivalent reductions
• Any reduction in its loan forgiveness amount on account of reductions in employee salaries or wages

The rule does not exempt a borrower that is using Form 3508S from submitting the required documentation to substantiate payroll and nonpayroll costs. These requirements (including the requirement that at least 60 percent of the potential forgiveness amount was used for eligible payroll costs) are largely unchanged from the existing ones. A BKD CPAs & Advisors article provides more information on the additional guidance and new lender review responsibilities.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health released Pennsylvania Health Alert 531 – 10/8/20 – ADV on reporting point of care SARS-CoV-2 test results. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) for a number of COVID-19 point of care (POC) tests for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2. These POC tests may be used by both traditional healthcare providers (e.g., hospitals, outpatient providers) and by non-traditional settings that have appropriate CLIA Certificate to conduct this testing. All entities conducting these POC tests are required to report these results, including positive, negative and inconclusive/indeterminate, to public health authorities through PA-NEDSS. Click here to view all the 2020 PA Health Alerts, Advisories and Updates.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health released Pennsylvania Health Alert 532 – 10/8/20 – ADV on point of care antigen test use and interpretation. The availability and use of antigen tests to detect SARS-CoV-2 is increasing. The main advantage of using these antigen tests is the rapid turnaround time for results; however, these tests are not as sensitive as molecular tests. This guidance is designed to describe what an antigen test is and how it differs from PCR testing, some best practices for sites conducting these tests, when point of care (POC) antigen testing should be considered, and circumstances that should be considered when interpreting antigen test results. Click here to view all the 2020 PA Health Alerts, Advisories and Updates.