COVID-19 PHE RENEWED

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra renewed the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) yesterday. This renewal extends the PHE through mid-April 2023 and has implications for Medicare telehealth, COVID-19 testing, and other waivers. HHS has reiterated its promise to give a 60 days’ notice before letting the PHE expire.

While many telehealth flexibilities are tied to the PHE, it is important to note that the recently passed Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, does ensure certain ones will remain in effect through Dec. 31, 2024, regardless of PHE status. More information may be found in MGMA Government Affairs’ newly updated telehealth resource.

CMS PROPOSES FIVE NEW MVPS FOR 2024

2023 is the first year clinicians may voluntarily report under a MIPS Value Pathway (MVP), with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) having finalized 12 MVPs for 2023. On Monday, as part of the “MVP Candidate Feedback Process,” CMS announced it is accepting comments on the following five draft MVPs under consideration for 2024:

1.   Quality Care in Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder

2.   Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Disorders Including Hepatitis C and HIV

3.   Musculoskeletal Care and Rehabilitative Support

4.   Quality Care for Otolaryngology

5.   Focusing on Women’s Health

Comments on these five draft MVPs will be accepted through Feb. 8, 2023. CMS will display feedback it received for each MVP on the Quality Payment Program website, but won’t respond to those submitting feedback directly. If you would like to provide feedback on any of the draft MVPs, additional information may be found here.

For more information on MVPs, check out MGMA Government Affairs’ newly updated resource.

PRF REPORTING PORTAL OPEN FOR REPORTING PERIOD 4

The Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Reporting Portal is now open for reporting on use of funds in Reporting Period 4. Providers who received one or more PRF (General or Targeted) and/or American Rescue Plan Rural payments exceeding $10,000, in the aggregate, during the fourth Payment Received Period (July 1 to December 31, 2021) must report on their use of funds by March 31, 2023. First time reporters can get started by registering in the PRF Reporting Portal. If a reporting entity has previously reported, they do not need to register again and may log into the Portal with their username, TIN, and password. For more information visit the PRF Reporting webpage.