Tag: COVID-19

Initial Takeaways
Toyon is currently evaluating HHS’ new instructions and FAQs and will be providing comprehensive industry updates, as well as updates to our PHSSEF hospital workbook.  In the meantime, listed below are initial takeaways from HHS’ new reporting instructions:

• Period four indicates HHS plans on distributing remaining PHSSEF as early as July 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021.
• Providers now also report “Net Unreimbursed Expenses Attributable to Coronavirus”. It is possible, yet still undetermined, period one information may be used to determine need for future hospital funding. 
• Per the FAQs, HHS still permits “reimbursement of marginal increased expenses related to coronavirus provided those expenses have not been reimbursed from other sources or that other sources are not obligated to reimburse”. However, HHS has removed the example language using an $85 office visit during the pandemic (the “$85 FAQ”). 
• COVID-19 expenses, lost revenue and funding is now reported by quarter based on the period of availability (per table above).
• Through PHSSEF reporting, HHS is now collecting a survey on the impact of PHSSEF payments for each reporting period.

Action Requested – Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payments

Teaming with national healthcare leaders, Toyon seeks to work with HHS and CMS to amend policy surrounding Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment (AAP) recoupments. 

The Medicare program graciously loaned $83bn through Accelerated and Advance Payments (AAP) to hospitals across the country to help with cash-flow during the public health emergency (PHE).  Toyon first supports a delay and forgiveness of these loans. In the event hospitals do not receive relief on these loans, Toyon looks to work with CMS, HHS and other federal agencies toward:

Call to Action
Toyon respectfully requests your brief information below as a call to action requesting CMS, HHS and other federal agencies to address these important issues through policy amendment, development, etc.  To demonstrate a critical mass of support, Toyon will be providing CMS and HHS officials a list of signatures, once collected.  

Please contact Fred Fisher at 888.514.9312, fred.fisher@toyonassociates.com with any questions.  Thank you.     

Toyon is pleased to provide this update on COVID-19 funding for rural providers.