In order to provide you with critical information about the COVID-19 pandemic and how it affects your organization, we will regularly update this page with critical information and links to industry, state and federal resources.
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HRSA has published a HRSA COVID resource page regarding COVID-19 and 340B Compliance. Most topics of interest are addressed under the FAQ section of the page. Please continue to refer to this page for ongoing developments.
In addition, the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) resource page also contains up-to-date information concerning your operations during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Breaking News & Highlights
Trump Administration Acts to Ensure Coverage of Life-Saving COVID-19 Vaccines & Therapeutics https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCMSMEDICAID/bulletins/2a84ce7
NIH scientists discover key pathway in lysosomes that coronaviruses use to exit cells
Special 10/6 Medicaid Update Email
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCMSMEDICAID/bulletins/2a479f9
Medicaid Report on Using Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring for Pediatric Populations with Substance Use Disorder https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCMSMEDICAID/bulletins/299b9cc
Basic Health Program Funding Methodology Final Notice for Program Year 2021 https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCMSMEDICAID/bulletins/2999b1c
8/7 Medicaid Updates
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCMSMEDICAID/bulletins/2993fed
New OSHA Guidance Debunks Fears About Wearing Masks
CARES Act Provider Relief Fund: For Providers
https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/cares-act-provider-relief-fund/for-providers/index.html
HHS Telemedicine Training Sessions for Ambulatory Providers
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCMSMEDICAID/bulletins/296c355
Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Provider Relief Fund Distribution Update https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCMSMEDICAID/bulletins/2963ffd
NACHC New Medicaid COVID-Related FAQs
https://blog.nachc.org/new-medicaid-covid-related-faqs/
On-Demand Webinar. Drug and disease information resources during COVID-19 & beyond
Home and Community-Based Settings Regulation – Implementation Timeline Extension and Revised Frequently Asked Questions State Medicaid Director Letter
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCMSMEDICAID/bulletins/2959dd3
HHS Awards More Than $21 Million to Support Health Centers’ COVID-19 Response
HHS Announces Enhanced Provider Portal, Relief Fund Payments for Safety Net Hospitals, Medicaid & CHIP Providers
AP Investigate the State of the Nation’s Public Health Infrastructure as It Confronts the Challenge of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Contact Tracer Teams Growing Amid New Challenges
Hospitalists Take Triple Aim
Healthcare Moving Closer to Embracing Full Remote Care in 2020
COVID-19: Information from the States
https://naspa.us/resource/covid-19-information-from-the-states/
Hospitals push for the release of $50B more in COVID-19 funds
https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/hospitals-push-for-release-of-50b-more-in-covid-19-funds/579072/
In Case You Missed It: Health Affairs Blog by CMS Administrator Seema Verma – New CMS Payment Model Flexibilities For COVID-19 https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCMSMEDICAID/bulletins/28edfea
Possibly Hundreds of Millions of Dollars Annually in Lost 340B Savings Draw Closer in California
Webinar Series, Thursday, 4th June. Today with Macrae: Health Center Program Updates
https://hrsaseminar.adobeconnect.com/health_center_program_updates/
What’s New – HRSA.
https://grants.hrsa.gov/2010/WebEPSExternal/Interface/Common/News/News.aspx?controlName=ContentTabs
State Directed Payment Arrangements to Support Behavioral Health Services during COVID-19
Chicago hospitals blame 11th-hour legislation shakeup for ending $1B South Side project
https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/chicago-hospitals-end-plans-for-new-south-side-system/578673/
NYSHealth Webinar: ROC COVID-19: A Screening Tool for Communities
Healthcare Legal News: Coronavirus Edition
Reimagining Oral Health Care in Health Centers Beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic
https://blog.nachc.org/reimagining-oral-health-care-in-health-centers-beyond-the-covid-19-pandemic/
Americans favor medical care but not economic aid for undocumented immigrants affected by COVID-19
WebMD – Do you need to get an antibody test?
State Policy and COVID-19
Webinar Today with Macrae: Health Center Program Updates Thursday, June 4 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
https://hrsaseminar.adobeconnect.com/health_center_program_updates/
WebMD Coronavirus Special
State Network COVID-19 Resources
https://www.statenetwork.org/covid19/
Google sister-company Verily is launching an antibody research study for Covid-19
COVID-19: What Your Business Needs To Know
https://www.covid19.polsinelli.com/
What To Watch As COVID-19 Cash Crunch Fuels Hospital M&A
The Evidence Base for Telehealth: Reassurance in the Face of Rapid Expansion During the COVID-19 Pandemic
https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/telehealth-expansion/white-paper
Novel, High-Impact Studies Evaluating Health System and Healthcare Professional Responsiveness to COVID-19 (R01) https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HS-20-003.html
Healthcare Dive May 13, 2020
https://link.healthcaredive.com/view/5e1ddcaa91d15c3d5420d1a7c36yd.qhf/5efe3239
32 of 40 drugs deemed critical for COVID-19 in short supply
CBI Webinar Series – COVID Impact to Life Sciences – Finance, Tax, and Supply Chain Implications
https://ms.informaengage.com/COVID-Impact-Life-Sciences?partnerref=CBI
Today with Macrae: Health Center Program Updates Tuesday, May 19 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
https://hrsaseminar.adobeconnect.com/health_center_program_updates/
Polsinelli Webinar Series
HealthcareDive May 8, 2020 | Today’s news and insights for healthcare leaders https://link.healthcaredive.com/view/5e1ddcaa91d15c3d5420d1a7c22ow.syz/f4ec4d7d
Latest Coronavirus Updates for the Healthcare Community
CMS NEWS ALERT: May 11, 2020 (COVID-19)
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCMSMEDICAID/bulletins/28af3cf
HHS Awards More than Half Billion Dollars Across the Nation to Expand COVID-19 Testing
Technical Assistance Webinar for New COVID-19 Funding Opportunity Announcement https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USOPHSOMH/bulletins/28a3e7c
HHS Launches COVID-19 Uninsured Program Portal
Notes from the Hot Zone: Health Centers Launch Testing Sites at Food Processing Plants
WebMD Coronavirus 2020 Outbreak: Latest Updates
CMS NEWS ALERT: May 6, 2020 (COVID-19)
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCMSMEDICAID/bulletins/28a3b0d
Introducing 340B Health’s New Podcast!
Hospital Coronavirus Costs Will Soon Top $200B, AHA Says
CMS NEWS ALERT: May 5, 2020 (COVID-19)
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCMSMEDICAID/bulletins/28a1780
HRSA Primary Health Care Digest – Past Issues
https://bphc.hrsa.gov/phc-digest.html
WebMD Coronavirus Special:
Webinar Today with Macrae: Health Center Program Updates
https://hrsaseminar.adobeconnect.com/health_center_program_updates/
‘Free’ COVID-19 tests may come with a catch
Trump Administration Issues Second Round of Sweeping Changes to Support U.S. Healthcare System During COVID-19 Pandemic https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCMSMEDICAID/bulletins/2894a1b
Leveraging Medicaid Administrative Claiming for Health Centers
https://blog.nachc.org/leveraging-medicaid-administrative-claiming-for-health-centers/
10 Things You Need to Clean After Coronavirus or the Flu
NYS Health Foundation Resource Page
What COVID-19 Has Laid Bare
https://blog.nachc.org/what-covid-19-has-laid-bare/
Aggregating Counties To Hospital Referral Regions Shows That COVID-19 Is Everywhere
https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/hblog20200421.150893/full/
Mental Health Webinar Series – Heads Up: Coping through COVID-19
https://www.dartmouth-hitchcock.org/patient-education/mental-health-webinar-series.html
Coronavirus Regulations: A State-By-State Week In Review
NIH clinical trial shows Remdesivir accelerates recovery from advanced COVID-19
Webinar – With Macrae: Health Center Program Updates
https://hrsaseminar.adobeconnect.com/health_center_program_updates/
Only 3 of 14 antibody tests deliver reliable results, researchers find.
Supplemental Security Income Recipients, Act Now – Go to IRS.gov – A Message from Social Security Commissioner Andrew Saul https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases/2020/#4-2020-7
Live interview with Andy Slavitt, a former Medicaid and Medicare official, about the coronavirus’ effect on health care https://www.texastribune.org/2020/04/09/andy-slavitt-coronavirus-virtual-event/
CORONAVIRUS IN TEXAS You might be protected from eviction until Aug. 23.
https://www.texastribune.org/2020/04/22/texas-eviction-coronavirus-relief/
Messages from 6 hospital leaders to those resisting social distancing
WSJ: HHS chief’s missteps delayed COVID-19 response
CMS NEWS ALERT: April 23, 2020 (COVID-19)
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCMSMEDICAID/bulletins/28808a3
Telehealth in the States During COVID-19
https://blog.nachc.org/telehealth-in-the-states-during-covid-19/
CMS Releases Additional Blanket Waivers for Long-Term Care Hospitals, Rural Health Clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers and Intermediate Care Facilities
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCMSMEDICAID/bulletins/287e4b2
HRSA COVID 19 Resources
https://www.hrsa.gov/opa/COVID-19-resources
COVID-19 Toolkit
http://www.hcadvocacy.org/coronavirus/
Expert U.S. panel develops NIH treatment guidelines for COVID-19
Statement from Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) https://m.news.hfma.org/rest/head/mirrorPage/@8HlcMnV5dGks4bOjHJj6XHUi0NIoni9QunZ19Eq8e6M0IGaa3rFH6VGqjR8GDmWZZlyGpPBzQ6j-nliH3ZC6rC8kx6Kt3mlefuIqb3boSZX6zzR_.html?deliveryName=MEM_Aquisition_Express_FY20_20200420
CMS Issues Recommendations to Re-Open Health Care Systems in Areas with Low Incidence of COVID-19 https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCMSMEDICAID/bulletins/2877916
A Message from NACD
http://news.content.smithbucklin.com/nacd/042020.html#1112425
Vaccines in Development for COVID-19
Texas State Board of Pharmacy Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Resources
https://www.pharmacy.texas.gov/coronavirus/
COVID-19 Resources and Training for You
https://www.pharmacist.com/coronavirus/resources-training
HHS Statements on Authorizing Licensed Pharmacists to Order and Administer COVID-19 Tests
Using Telehealth to Care for Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic
https://www.aafp.org/patient-care/emergency/2019-coronavirus/telehealth.html
COVID-19 coding and guidance
https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/cpt/covid-19-coding-and-guidance
Webinar – Financial Preparedness in the Midst of a Crisis: Friday, April 17, 2020 3:30 pm ET
Trump Vows Openings By May, Blames WHO For Pandemic
Hospital Without Walls Webinar
Governors form compacts to coordinate reopening society
NYSHealth Commits $2 Million for COVID-19 Response Efforts
AHRQ Grant Announcements Update
https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-HS-20-009.html
Telehealth, COVID-19 & Health Centers
https://blog.nachc.org/telehealth-covid-19-health-centers/
4 Key Developments As Coronavirus Nears Possible Peak
CMS News Alert April 13, 2020
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCMSMEDICAID/bulletins/2864063
CMS News Alert April 9, 2020
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCMSMEDICAID/bulletins/285c21e
HHS Awards $1.3 Billion to Health Centers in Historic U.S. Response to COVID-19
Health Strategies Podcast
CMS NEWS ALERT: April 6, 2020 (COVID-19)
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCMSMEDICAID/bulletins/2851cca
NIDA Director outlines potential risks to people who smoke and use drugs during COVID-19 pandemic
Recordings for CMS National Stakeholder Calls on COVID-19
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCMSMEDICAID/bulletins/28470b9
AMA quick guide to telemedicine in practice
https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/digital/ama-quick-guide-telemedicine-practice
The Affordable Care Act Federal Upper Limits Have Been Updated
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCMSMEDICAID/bulletins/28457f1
HRSA Webinar, Audit Trends: Findings and Focus Points. Thursday, April 2nd.
https://secure.340bhealth.org/Shared_Content/Events/Event-Display-RT.aspx?EventKey=WEBAUD120
CMS Approves 38th Section 1135 Waiver
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCMSMEDICAID/bulletins/28400a6
HRSA – Manufacturer Notices to Covered Entities
https://www.hrsa.gov/opa/manufacturer-notices/index.html
UPDATED: HRSA Registration Period
The upcoming registration period will remain the same for now per HRSA OPA. However, HRSA is aware that COVID-19 issues may affect some hospitals ability to complete registration promptly. HRSA will evaluate requests to register outside of the quarterly dates on a case-by-case basis. All requests should be sent to 340B Prime Vendor at apexusanswers@340Bpup.com. For more information on registration guidelines visit https://www.hrsa.gov/opa/eligibility-and-registration/index.html.
UPDATED: Patient Definitions for COVID-19 Related Treatment
Based on recent enforcement through 340B audits, HRSA appears to be less focused on the location of the care and more focused on the relationship the hospital has with the patient. An abbreviated health record such as a single form or note page “may be adequate” during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Such records should still “identify the patient, record the medical evaluation and the treatment provided or prescribed.” HRSA also states that “emergency documentation should be generated” to make clear the relationship between volunteer health professionals and the CE.
UPDATE: HRSA Audit Updates
We understand that all HRSA audits scheduled over the next couple of months will be conducted virtually. Many audits have been postponed either to prepare for remote auditing or at the request of the covered entity. HRSA is moving towards conducting 340B Program audits remotely for the next several months. You may request a postponement or ask to keep your existing audit date. You do not need to provide a lengthy description of the issues your organization is facing that prompt the request for postponement. If you are currently involved in an audit, contact the Bizzell Group on the specifics of your request 340baudit@thebizzellgroup.com.
Health Insurance Providers Respond to Coronavirus (COVID-19) – AHIP
https://www.ahip.org/health-insurance-providers-respond-to-coronavirus-covid-19/
COVID-19 Search Intensity Monitoring
https://covid19map.uptodate.com/
HITAC to Seek Input on COVID-19 Task Force Priorities
https://www.modernhealthcare.com/information-technology/onc-advisory-group-add-covid-19-task-force
Trump Signs $2T Stimulus Package, Clearing $100B for Struggling Hospitals
CMS Approves 34th State Request for Medicaid Emergency Waivers
CHCs Receive $100M for COVID-19 Response
https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/community-health-centers-coronavirus-funding/574811/
GPO prohibition for 340B hospitals
Hospitals are still subject to GPO prohibition; however, an entity may attempt to purchase drug at WAC and if unable, the hospital may use a GPO if in public health emergency only, and only if, it notifies OPA. Contact 340Bpricing@hrsa.gov immediately in this situation.
Regarding Telehealth and COVID-19
HRSA recommends CEs outline the use of these modalities in their P&Ps and ensure auditable records are maintained for each eligible patient dispensed a 340B drug.
NACHC COVID-19 Webinar Series
National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) is hosting a webinar series on COVID-19. Find upcoming webinars and links to join or listen to recordings at http://www.nachc.org/coronavirus/.
Additional Industry, Federal and State COVID-19 Resources:
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions
Informational site for health centers by the Bureau of Primary Care, HRSA
https://bphc.hrsa.gov/emergency-response/coronavirus-frequently-asked-questions.html
340B Health has a COVID-19 Resource Center for Members
https://www.340bhealth.org/members/government-resources/covid-19-resources/
CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Whitehouse Coronavirus Guidelines for America
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/coronavirus-guidelines-america/
Guidance to 340B providers participating in relief efforts during the Public Health Emergency Declaration by the Secretary
https://www.hrsa.gov/opa/eligibility-and-registration/index.html
NCTRC Webinar – Telehealth and COVID 19 – YouTube, March 19, 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtMYM9zdqM0
White House Task Force. To keep up with the work the White Task Force is doing in response to COVID-19 go to Coronavirus.gov.
CMS has launched a dedicated, Medicaid.gov, COVID-19 resource page which is continually updated with relevant information.
The complete COVID-19 FAQs for State Medicaid and CHIP agencies, including those previously issued and those, just released, can be found here: https://www.medicaid.gov/state-resource-center/disaster-response-toolkit/covid19/index.html
A news alert with further information can be found here: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/covid-19-response-news-alert-cms-frequently-asked-questions-faqs-state-medicaid-and-childrens-health
Direct Relief- https://www.directrelief.org/
See what Direct Relief is doing in the US and across the globe https://www.directrelief.org/emergency/coronavirus-outbreak/
New York: https://nyshealthfoundation.org/resource/covid-19-resources-for-grantees/
Maine: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MEHHS/bulletins/2839dcb
Increased FMAP – Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Public Law 116-127)
https://www.medicaid.gov/state-resource-center/downloads/covid-19-section-6008-faqs.pdf
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