- CMS: Medicare and Medicaid Programs: CY 2026 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; and Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program
- Public Inspection: CMS: Medicare and Medicaid Programs: CY 2026 Payment Policies under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; and Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program
- CMS: Medicare Program; Implementation of Prior Authorization for Select Services for the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model
- Public Inspection: CMS: Medicare Program: Implementation of Prior Authorization for Select Services for the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction Model
- CMS: Secretarial Comments on the CBE's (Battelle Memorial Institute) 2024 Activities: Report to Congress and the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services
- HHS: Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: Marketplace Integrity and Affordability
- Public Inspection: HHS: Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: Marketplace Integrity and Affordability
- Increased Risk of Cyber Threats Against Healthcare and Public Health Sector
- HRSA Announces Action to Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs for Life-Saving Medications at Health Centers Nationwide
- Announcing the 2030 Census Disclosure Avoidance Research Program
- Eight Hospitals Selected for First Cohort of Rural Hospital Stabilization Program
- CMS: Medicare Program; Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals and the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System and Policy Changes and Fiscal Year 2026 Rates; Requirements for Quality Programs; and Other Policy Changes; Correction
- CMS: Medicare Program; Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals and the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System and Policy Changes and Fiscal Year 2026 Rates; Requirements for Quality Programs; and Other Policy Changes; Correction
- CMS: Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Contract Year 2026 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, Medicare Cost Plan Program, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly; Correction
- CMS: Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Contract Year 2026 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, Medicare Cost Plan Program, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly; Correction
New Telehealth Resource Collection Published
The Technical Assistance and Services Center (TASC), a program of the National Rural Health Resource Center (The Center), has created a specialized collection of telehealth resources.
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines telehealth as the use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to support and promote long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, public health, and health administration.
Telehealth is especially critical in rural and other remote areas without the full range of health care services and providers. The types of telehealth services have expanded over the past 20 years to increase access to health care. The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly accelerated both the use and acceptance among patients, providers, and payers.
This collection of resources is tailored to the use and coverage of telehealth by rural providers. Within the collection are current and timely resources from federal agencies and organizations with a rural focus. Content is reviewed and updated regularly as relevant resources are published, and telehealth regulations change.
Commerce Department’s NTIA Announces $288 Million in Funding Available to States to Build Broadband Infrastructure
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced the availability of $288 million in grant funding for the deployment of broadband infrastructure. Grants will be awarded to partnerships between a state, or political subdivisions of a state, and providers of fixed broadband service.
NTIA’s Broadband Infrastructure Program was established by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In the priority order defined by the Act, NTIA will accept applications for projects that are designed to:
- Provide broadband service to the greatest number of households in an eligible service area;
- Provide broadband service to rural areas;
- Be most cost-effective in providing broadband service; or
- Provide broadband service with a download speed of at least 100 Mbps and an upload speed of at least 20 Mbps.
NTIA will group applications based on the priority above that each application addresses, and will sequence its review of application groups in the statutory order listed above.
“As a former governor, I know that state and local leaders have the best understanding of the gaps in their broadband infrastructure. This program will allow states and localities to partner with providers to target this funding toward the areas where it is most needed and can do the most good,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “While these grants will lay the foundation, we know that we need even bolder investments in broadband expansion to finish the job. President Biden’s American Jobs Plan will provide the resources to continue these broadband infrastructure buildouts until one hundred percent of Americans have access to high-speed, affordable, and reliable broadband.”
“NTIA has built durable partnerships with the states through our State Broadband Leaders Network, and with local governments and their broadband initiatives through our technical assistance offerings and other efforts,” said Acting NTIA Administrator Evelyn Remaley. “We are eager to put these relationships to work to ensure a successful program that expands broadband infrastructure in communities that need it most.”
More information about the program, including requirements for grant applications, can be found in the Notice of Funding Opportunity published today on grants.gov. NTIA is also holding a series of webinars to further inform the public about the program. The next Broadband Infrastructure webinars will be held on June 9 and 10.
Cognitive Impairment: Medicare Provides Opportunities to Detect & Diagnose
Do you have a patient with a cognitive impairment? Medicare covers a separate visit for a cognitive assessment so you can more thoroughly evaluate cognitive function and help with care planning.
3 Things You Need to Know:
- If your patient shows signs of cognitive impairment at an Annual Wellness Visit or other routine visit, you may perform a more detailed cognitive assessment and develop a care plan.
- The Cognitive Assessment & Care Plan Services (CPT code 99483) typically start with a 50-minute face-to-face visit that includes a detailed history and patient exam, resulting in a written care plan.
- Any clinician eligible to report Evaluation and Management (E/M) services can offer this service, including: physicians (MD and DO), nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and physician assistants.
Effective January 1, 2021, Medicare increased payment for these services to $282 (may be geographically adjusted) when provided in an office setting, added these services to the definition of primary care services in the Medicare Shared Savings Program, and permanently covers these services via telehealth.
Get details on Medicare coverage requirements and proper billing at cms.gov/cognitive.
HRSA Orders Drug Manufacturers to Resume 340B Sales for Contract Pharmacy Dispensing
On May 17, 2021, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) sent letters to six drug manufacturers stating that their policies placing restrictions on 340B Program pricing to covered entities that dispense medications through pharmacies under contract have resulted in overcharges and are in direct violation of the 340B statute. In it’s letter HRSA is requiring each manufacturer to:
- Immediately begin offering its covered outpatient drugs at the 340B ceiling price to covered entities through their contract pharmacy arrangements and
- Refund or credit all covered entities for overcharges that resulted from the manufacturers’ policies regarding drugs dispensed by contract pharmacies.
The 340B Program Ceiling Price and Civil Monetary Penalties (CMP) final rule states that any manufacturer participating in the 340B Program that knowingly and intentionally charges a covered entity more than the ceiling price for a covered outpatient drug may be subject to a Civil Monetary Penalty not to exceed $5,000 for each instance of overcharging. Assessed CMPs would be in addition to repayment for overcharging.
HRSA stated that it had determined that these policies have resulted in 340B ceiling price overcharges and are in direct violation of the 340B statute. HRSA’s letter states: “[The drug manufacturer] must immediately begin offering its covered outpatient drugs at the 340B ceiling price to covered entities through their contract pharmacy arrangements, regardless of whether they purchase through an in-house pharmacy. [The drug manufacturer] must comply with its 340B statutory obligations and the 340B Program’s CMP final rule and credit or refund all covered entities for overcharges that have resulted from [this] policy. . . . Continued failure to provide the 340B price to covered entities utilizing contract pharmacies, and the resultant charges to covered entities of more than the 340B ceiling price, may result in CMPs as described in the CMP final rule.”
The full text of the letters can be found by visiting www.hrsa.gov/opa/index.html.
PA Health Department Seeking Comments on Draft 2021 ALS, BLS Statewide Protocol Update
As part of the 2021 statewide protocol update process, the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has posted the draft ALS and BLS protocols on its website for public review and comment. The draft documents will remain posted until June 6, 2021. Recommendations for additions/changes, which are not grammatically or formatting in nature, must be supported by medical evidence. The EMS Information Bulletin 2021-06 can be found at www.pehsc.org
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Open Comment Period Announced on Pediatric Dental Caries Prevention
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is seeking public comments on a draft recommendation statement and draft evidence review, “Screening and Interventions to Prevent Dental Caries in Children.” The Task Force recommends primary care clinicians use fluoride varnish and fluoride supplementation in young children to prevent cavities. There is not enough evidence to recommend for or against screening for cavities in primary care. The draft recommendation statement and draft evidence review are available for review and public comment from until June 7.
Pennsylvania Awards Millions of Dollars in Pandemic Relief to Restaurants and Hospitality Industry
The $145 million COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP) launched by Pennsylvania Governor Wolf’s administration is successfully providing pandemic financial relief to Pennsylvania’s restaurant and hospitality industry. Gov. Tom Wolf announced the program early this year after his administration secured a transfer of $145 million for grants to support the hospitality industry.
“These state-funded grants provide the critical relief that family-owned and local businesses across the state need to recover from the pandemic and build our economy stronger,” said Gov. Wolf. “Millions of dollars in immediate relief has gone to business owners to help them get back on their feet, hire employees and support local economies. If the grants are still available in your county; I urge you to apply.”
The state has worked with counties and economic development partners to quickly disburse millions to the hospitality industry with several already announcing at least $50 million in grants. Most recently awarding funding to restaurants, bars, and other businesses in various counties across the state including: $15 million to Allegheny County, $6.5 million in York County, $4.1 million to Lehigh County, $3.5 million to Northampton County, $3.4 million in Luzerne County, $3.3 million in Berks County, $3 million in Erie County, $3 million in Dauphin County, more than $2 million to Washington County, $1.8 million in Centre County, $1.2 million in Lycoming County, more than $1 million to Adams County, and nearly $900,000 to Clearfield County.
Following the creation of the program, the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) acted quickly to disburse the $145 million in the form of block grants to all 67 counties based on population.
Counties administer the funding through one or more designated Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) or Community Economic Development Organization (CEDO), which began processing applications from businesses in each county on March 15. Funding must be provided to businesses by July 15, 2021.
For more information on the program, including eligibility requirements and application procedures visit COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP) or reach out to one or more Certified Economic Development Organizations or Community Development Financial Institutions.
Pennsylvania’s Administration Visits Mushroom Farm Mobile Vaccine Clinic, Acknowledges Workforce Dedication to Food Security
Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Governor’s Advisory Commission for Latino Affairs Executive Director Luz Colon visited a vaccine clinic at Giorgio Mushrooms in Berks County where more than 600 farmworkers received their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The clinic was available through a mobile vaccine and testing unit operated in partnership by the Latino Connection and Highmark Blue Shield.
“These frontline workers have accepted risk and worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to ensure the availability of food,” said Redding. “Now, as the COVID-19 vaccine is available, we see they’re not only dedicated to feeding Pennsylvania, but they’re dedicated to doing their part to ensure of a safer, healthier commonwealth.
“Thank you for saying ‘yes’ to agriculture and ‘yes’ to a brighter, healthier future. Your commitment to community makes Pennsylvania a better place,” added Redding.
In August 2020, a unique partnership between the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Latino Connection, and Highmark Blue Shield initiated a first-of-its-kind mobile Community-Accessible Testing & Education (CATE) unit to strategically reach underserved, diverse populations and meet their COVID-19 testing needs. Now, it’s used to administer COVID-19 vaccinations in coordination with community partners. So far, more than 1,500 agricultural and migrant farmworkers have been successfully vaccinated through the CATE mobile unit.
“We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has created great hardship and anxiety for Latino families that face barriers, especially with all of the misinformation out there,” said Colon. “This unique partnership makes the COVID-19 vaccine 100% accessible by meeting the Latinx community where they are.”
Pennsylvania is home to more than 60,000 farmworkers – both citizen and migrant – who work to ensure Pennsylvania’s farms run efficiently and produce food to feed the nation. Pennsylvania’s mushroom industry leads the nation in production, with nearly 60% of all mushroom production occurring in southeast Pennsylvania. The industry supports nearly 9,000 jobs and contributes $1.1 billion to the economy.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Pennsylvania’s nation-leading mushroom industry stepped up to the plate to both feed America and keep their workers safe. These farmworkers became eligible for vaccine as part of the commonwealth’s expanded special initiative to vaccinate frontline workers.
Essential workers who get the COVID-19 vaccine are protecting themselves, their family, their co-workers, and their community. In addition to this, farmworkers who choose to protect their health with the vaccine are also protecting the availability and accessibility of food.
Pennsylvania to Increase Indoor and Outdoor Events and Gatherings Maximum Capacity on May 17
Pennsylvania’s administration announced that event and gathering maximum occupancy limits will be increased to 50 percent for indoor events and gatherings and 75 percent for outdoor events and gatherings effective Monday, May 17 at 12:01 AM.
“As more Pennsylvania adults get vaccinated and guidance from the CDC evolves, we can continue to move forward with the commonwealth’s reopening efforts,” said Governor Wolf. “We recognize the significant strain businesses have faced during COVID-19 mitigation efforts. Throughout the last year and half, we have seen businesses continue to put the safety of their patrons first and I believe they will continue to do so even with this capacity increase.”
This update will not prevent municipalities, school districts, restaurants and venues from continuing and implementing stricter mitigation efforts. Based on current CDC guidance, social distancing is strongly recommended for municipalities, school districts, restaurants, and venues.
An event or gathering is defined as a temporary grouping of individuals for defined purposes, that takes place over a limited timeframe, such as hours or days. For example, events and gatherings include fairs, festivals, concerts or shows and groupings that occur within larger, more permanent businesses, such as shows or performances within amusements parks, individual showings of movies on a single screen/auditorium within a multiplex, business meetings or conferences, or each party or reception within a multiroom venue.
Face coverings are still to be worn indoors and outdoors if you are away from your home. In accordance with the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, fully vaccinated Pennsylvanians are not required to wear a mask during certain activities. The current order requiring Pennsylvanians to wear masks will be lifted when 70 percent of Pennsylvanians age 18 and older are fully vaccinated.
“As we continue implementing our reopening plan as quickly as possible, the safety of Pennsylvanians remains at the forefront of our decision making,” said Gov. Wolf. “During the pandemic, all Pennsylvanians have worked collaboratively to stop the spread of COVID-19. We must continue that same mindset during our reopening efforts. I urge each eligible Pennsylvanians to get vaccinated to help protect your neighbors and loved ones as we work to safely reopen our beloved commonwealth communities.”
Currently, maximum occupancy is 25 percent for indoor events and gatherings and 50 percent for outdoor events and gatherings, regardless of venue size and only if attendees and workers are able to comply with the 6-foot physical distancing requirement.
All Pennsylvanians ages 16 and older are eligible to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine. To find a vaccine provider, visit vaccines.gov. Pennsylvanians with questions about the vaccination process can call the Department of Health’s hotline at 1-877-724-3258.
USDA Rural Development Releases New Rural Vaccine Confidence Community Toolkit
A Tool to Increase Vaccine Confidence in Rural Areas
The White House launched the Rural Community Toolkit to increase confidence in the COVID-19 vaccines while reinforcing basic prevention measures in rural communities. This toolkit features tailored materials you can use to educate rural residents about the vaccines.
This material is intended for all organizations that communicate directly with rural audiences. Access the user guide to learn how to use it in your community.