A Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) spokesperson announced on Twitter last week that HHS will extend the Public Health Emergency currently slated to end July 24. The extension likely will be for 90 days, ending around Oct. 22. FQHCs will continue to be eligible for Medicare reimbursement for telehealth services as long at the Public Health Emergency is in effect. In addition to the waiver of telehealth restrictions, some other notable policies attached to the Public Health Emergency include increased federal Medicaid matching rates and requirements that insurers cover COVID-19 testing without cost-sharing. In a letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar, NACHC President and CEO Tom Van Coverden underscored the critical importance of the extension.
