COVID-19
This page contains resources you need to stay updated on the coronavirus. This is a resource page for VGM & Associates and all communities, including complex rehab (U.S. Rehab), Women's Health (Essentially Women), Orthotics & Prosthetics (OPGA), and Home Modifications (Live at Home).
Please click an icon below for specific COVID-19 resources, or scroll down for the most recent updates.
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Recent Updates:
States’ COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Declarations and Mask Requirements
February 10, 2022
This resource from NASHP describes each state’s latest emergency orders and actions designed to safeguard residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Public Health Emergency Extended Another 90 Days
January 14, 2022
On Friday, January 14th, 2022, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra announced an extension of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). This extension will last another 90 days from January 16, 2022. Read more.
HHS Officially Extends Public Health Emergency For An Additional 90 Days
April 19, 2021
On Thursday, April 15, 2021, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra announced an extension of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). This extension will last another 90 days from April 21, 2021. Read more.
Paycheck Protection Program Extended Until May 31
April 5, 2021
The application window for Paycheck Protection Program loan applications has been extended. President Biden has signed the PPP Extension Act of 2021 into law, which extends the application deadline for the popular Paycheck Protection Program for an additional two months. The deadline to submit applications was previously March 31, 2021, but because of the extension, the deadline is now May 31, 2021. In addition to the 2-month extension for applications, the Act also provides the SBA with an additional 30-day period to process applications that are still pending once that window does officially close. Read more.
Updated Health Plan Policy Changes
March 24, 2021
Click here for the latest policy changes to private payers (health plans) due to COVID-19.
Changes Made To PPP And EIDL Programs By $1.9T American Rescue Plan
March 17, 2021
The newly passes $1.9T American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 included some changes to two very popular SBA programs; the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Get the details here.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Tax Treatment For Federal & State Taxes
March 1, 2021
Mark Higley, vice president of Regulatory Affairs has analyzed the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Tax Treatment for Federal and State Taxes. Click here for the summary of the federal taxes. For the full analysis and commentary, please click here.
Paycheck Protection Program To Focus On Businesses With 20 Or Fewer Employees
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
According to a White House press release the Paycheck Protection Program will, for a period of 14 days, only be available to businesses with fewer than 20 employees. The 2-week period is scheduled to begin Wednesday, Feb. 24. Get more details here.
Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution By State
Thursday, January 14, 2021
We are continuing to collect information from our VGM members, state associations, and other sources on the COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Click here to see the data currently collected of how individual states are handing the distribution and whether HME providers are currently able to receive the vaccination.
If you have information that is not on this spreadsheet regarding availability to HME providers, or any resourceful links, please send to emily.harken@vgm.com.
Requiring COVID-19 Shots? Employers Advised to Follow EEOC Guidance Carefully
December 28, 2020
According to an article from Post-Acute Advisor, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has provided new guidance for employers considering requiring COVID-19 vaccinations—guidance that attorneys advising employers say needs to be studied carefully. Read more from Post-Acute Advisor.
How Employers Can Defend Themselves Against A COVID-19 Claim
December 18, 2020
SmartBrief recenly released an article that VGM members can use as a refence to protect themselves from COVID-19 claims. Read more.
EEOC Issues Guidance On Mandatory Vaccinations
December 17, 2020
In an update from Law360, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued new guidance Wednesday, Dec. 16, outlining a road map for employers that want to require workers to get COVID-19 vaccinations. Read more.
State Vaccination Plans
December 17, 2020
States have begun their rollout efforts after the FDA announced the approval of the first COVID-19 vaccine. To view the each state's plan, visit this page from stateside.com.
Vaccine And PPE Distribution - Take Action Today!
December 15, 2020
VGM Government, along with many others, are following the news and waiting for information regarding the release of the COVID-19 vaccination. We are hopeful that HME providers will be included in the priority group, as well as for continued PPE distribution. Read more.
[Infographic] From the CDC: This holiday season do what's best for you and your loved ones
November 20, 2020
The CDC has released an infographic that helps explain the importance of social distancing during the holidays. Download it here.
Pfizer applies for COVID-19 vaccine emergency approval
November 20, 2020
Becker's Hospital Review reported that Pfizer submitted an application for an emergency use authorization of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate to the FDA Nov. 20. If approved, Pfizer said it would be ready to distribute the vaccine within hours of authorization, which could allow the first Americans to be vaccinated by mid-December. It's not clear how long the FDA will take to review the application. Read more.
Communication is key, say business owners
November 20, 2020
What lessons has the COVID-19 pandemic taught HME business leaders? How to communicate, and then communicate some more, they say. Read more from HME News.
Philips World COPD Day survey reveals care challenges, telehealth adoption, and increased global awareness surrounding respiratory health
November 17, 2020
In an article from Philips Respironics, a survey confirms that the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the ability of COPD patients and informal caregivers to receive and administer care, but it brought increased awareness to the disease. Read more.
HomeCare Survey: Older Adults Feeling Strain of Pandemic Isolation
November 17, 2020
Independa, innovators of the award winning TV-based social engagement, education and care platform, today announced the results of a commissioned U.S. consumer survey, finding COVID-19 has had a critical impact on older adults' mental health and physical health. Read more.
How COVID-19 Will Change Aging and Retirement
November 15, 2020
As the pandemic wreaks havoc on our mental and physical health, it is also quietly reshaping how Americans will face retirement and old age in the years to come. Read more from the Wall Street Journal
COVID-19 Healthcare Data Insights: Bringing together key data sets to help answer critical questions pertinent to COVID-19
November 10, 2020
The COVID-19 outbreak caused by the novel coronavirus has a profound impact on our healthcare delivery and support systems, our economy, safety, and overall way of life. Using data from various sources can help answer key questions about COVID-19, including questions on who’s at risk for COVID-19, which areas of the country have adopted telehealth strategies, and more. Read More
Similarities and Differences between Flu and COVID-19
October 6, 2020
The CDC explains how Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a new coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2) and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. Read more.
HIDA Daily Clips
August 3, 2020
A recent update from Health Industry Distributors Association (HIDA) included updates on the public health emergency (PHE) and where the healthcare industry stands. Some articles to note include:
Read the full message from HIDA.
Updated Economic Stimulus Programs Tool
July 13, 2020
We have updated our summary level descriptions of six main economic programs with supplemental information provided in case you want to dive deeper into any of them. Click here for details.
On March 30, CMS announces new waivers and rules to help healthcare providers. See information below:
Key Health Organizations Recommend:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If a tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Practice social distancing