The Covid-19 public health emergency ended May 11, which will affect employer-sponsored insurance in several ways, said Jeff Levin-Scherz, population health leader of Willis Towers Watson. This includes the coverage Covid-19 tests and vaccines.
During an interview at the AHIP Medicare, Medicaid, Duals and Commercial Markets Forum held Tuesday in Washington, D.C., CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure discussed CMS' key focus areas for 2023. This includes the end of the public health emergency, health equity and prescription drug costs.
Munck Wilson Mandala Partner Greg Howison shared his perspective on some of the legal ramifications around AI, IP, connected devices and the data they generate, in response to emailed questions.
The Covid-19 public health emergency waived a rule that required a practitioner to conduct an in-person medical exam before prescribing controlled substances via telemedicine. Once the public health emergency ends on May 11, those with substance use disorder could be greatly affected, experts are warning.
About 51% of U.S. adults are in favor of the Covid-19 public health emergency still in effect, while 39% said it is no longer needed, a recent Morning Consult survey found. Americans’ opinions varied based on political party, generation, race/ethnicity and location.
In a letter addressed to President Joe Biden, 25 governors argued that the Covid-19 public health emergency should end in April. An estimated 18 million people could lose Medicaid coverage if that happens, according to a recent report.
Of these 18 million people, 3.8 million people will become completely uninsured, according to the Urban Institute’s report. The estimate is higher than HHS' August prediction of 15 million people losing coverage after the public health emergency.
At the Abarca Forward conference earlier this year, George Van Antwerp, managing director at Deloitte, discussed how social determinants of health and a personalized member experience can improve medication adherence and health outcomes.
When asked if they had heard about their state returning to Medicaid renewals once the public health emergency ends, 62% said they haven't heard anything, a new report found. Only 5% said they've heard a lot about it.
If telehealth flexibilities are not protected once the public health emergency expires, many Americans will lose their access to virtual care. To prevent this, the healthcare industry must advocate for the extension of these benefits for at least two years following the end of the emergency, with guardrails placed around two key areas — the prescription of addictive medications and audio-only visits.
Providers, health systems and patient groups who want to see telehealth survive beyond the federal public health emergency need to engage their lawmakers and associations now to demonstrate the need and utility for continued telemedicine.
HHS is partnering with nonprofit Global Health Investment Corporation to launch a health security fund. The fund will be used to invest in technologies that can help prevent or respond to public health emergencies, like future pandemics.
We will highlight Build My Health's revenue practice management tools, which could help physician practices add up to $250,000 to their practices.
As Texas reels from a devasting winter storm, HHS is issuing several waivers to help hospitals continue to provide care amid mounting challenges. These waivers allow non-compliance with certain HIPAA provisions and other federal regulations.