PHE Renewed for Another 90 Days Pushing it to April 2023

Published in Government Relations on January 11, 2023

On Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra announced an extension of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). This extension will last another 90 days from January 11. PHE declarations, and subsequent extensions such as this one, only last for 90 days at a time but can be further renewed as many times as necessary. The COVID-19 PHE has been renewed multiple times since early 2020. 

What PHE Extenstion Means For DMEPOS Suppliers 

There are several provisions which impact our industry that are tied to the duration of the PHE that will remain in place due to the extension of the PHE, including:  

  • Medicare’s 75/25 blended rates for non-rural, non-CBA areas (these increased reimbursement rates will no longer end immediately when the PHE is ultimately declared over) 
  • COVID-19 testing at no cost to the patient  
  • Waivers of certain telehealth restrictions  
  • Waivers related to Medicare medical policies (LCD)  

A full list of those waivers can be found here

Remember, the competitive bid areas (CBAs) continue with the existing payment methodology, known as the single payment amount (SPA); the PHE extension does not affect payments in these areas.  

Reimbursement rates are determined based on the beneficiary's permanent address on file with SSA.  

The next reconsideration for the PHE renewal will occur in April 2023. 

While the PHE has been renewed for another 90 days, it would be a suitable time for suppliers to begin preparations for the PHE to be terminated. This means running reports to look for claims that are still being submitted with the CR modifier and “COVID-19” in the claimed narrative. Also, be familiar with the patients living in the non-rural, non-CBA areas because these areas will be affected by the reimbursement rates changing (that decrease in reimbursement will likely happen at the end of 2023). We do know that HHS Secretary Becerra has stated that a 60-day notice will be announced prior to the termination of the PHE. We also know CMS will provide instructions near that 60-day notice of termination that will guide suppliers regarding the policies and waivers outlined above after the PHE has expired. 


TAGS

  1. hhs
  2. phe
  3. vgm
  4. vgm government

From Our Experts

The DMEPOS Relief Act Of 2025 – WE NEED YOUR HELP! thumbnail The DMEPOS Relief Act Of 2025 – WE NEED YOUR HELP! The DMEPOS Relief Act of 2025 (or H.R. 2005) is bipartisan legislation that was recently introduced in Congress designed to increase reimbursement for a large percentage of HME providers across the country. This bill establishes a higher reimbursement rate (known as the 75/25 blended rate) for durable medical equipment in nonrural/noncompetitive bidding areas under Medicare until Dec. 31, 2025. Champion Of Change: Lauryn Estrella Speaks On Tariffs Impacting HME Providers And Patients thumbnail Champion Of Change: Lauryn Estrella Speaks On Tariffs Impacting HME Providers And Patients Today, we shine a spotlight on Lauryn Estrella, the dedicated Executive Director of Home Medical Equipment and Services Association of New England (HOMES) and a true Champion of Change in the HME industry. Ensuring Access To Care: The Fight For Permanent Telehealth Flexibilities thumbnail Ensuring Access To Care: The Fight For Permanent Telehealth Flexibilities Americans utilizing telehealth services to access healthcare is at an all-time high. It's a convenient method without having to leave the home, giving access to healthcare professionals from anywhere. It expands a patient's choice of provider and enables the provider the ability to see more patients. SOAR Act Takes Flight: Bipartisan Push To Improve Supplemental Oxygen Access And Medicare Protections thumbnail SOAR Act Takes Flight: Bipartisan Push To Improve Supplemental Oxygen Access And Medicare Protections The Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act has been reintroduced in both the House and Senate. In the House, the bipartisan H.R. 2902 was introduced by Representatives David Valadao (R-CA), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Adrian Smith (R-NE), and Gabe Evans (R-CO). Meanwhile, in another show of bipartisan support, S1406, was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). Melanie Ewald Joins VGM Government Relations Team As VP Of Payer Relations And Reimbursement thumbnail Melanie Ewald Joins VGM Government Relations Team As VP Of Payer Relations And Reimbursement VGM Government Relations is proud to announce the addition of Melanie Ewald as Vice President Of Payer Relations And Reimbursement. VGM Host DME State Leaders Summit, NIV comment period closes this Thursday, Tariffs, Telehealth, Great Lakes Annual Conference thumbnail VGM Host DME State Leaders Summit, NIV comment period closes this Thursday, Tariffs, Telehealth, Great Lakes Annual Conference Last week, VGM had the privilege of hosting the State Leaders Summit 2025—a gathering that united passionate and dedicated leaders from across the country. These remarkable professionals, representing the very best of the DMEPOS industry, brought their energy, expertise, and compassion to the heart of the Midwest for an event that will be remembered for years to come. VGM Launches Tariff Tracking Resource & H.R. 2005 Gains Another Key Supporter thumbnail VGM Launches Tariff Tracking Resource & H.R. 2005 Gains Another Key Supporter VGM Government Relations is excited to announce the launch of a dedicated online page designed to serve as a centralized hub for all tariff-related information. This resource aims to provide our users with the tools and insights they need to stay informed and navigate tariff updates effortlessly. CAMPS Members Advocate For DME Industry At The Capitol thumbnail CAMPS Members Advocate For DME Industry At The Capitol On a pivotal day at the California State Capitol, members of the California Association of Medical Product Suppliers (CAMPS) gathered to advocate for the durable medical equipment (DME) industry. The delegation, led by CAMPS President Paul Ondrusek, engaged in a series of high-impact meetings with Assembly members and Senators.