COVID-19 Resource Center: Federal Announcements

Federal Announcements

Biden-Harris Administration Requires COVID-19 Vaccination for Health Care Workers

On November 4, 2021, the Biden-Harris Administration issued an emergency regulation requiring COVID-19 vaccination of eligible staff at healthcare facilities that participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. You can view the announcement, the interim final rule and an extensive list of frequently asked questions online.

Administration’s COVID-19 Plan to Require Vaccinations in Many ASCs

On September 9, the Biden Administration released a comprehensive COVID-19 Action Plan that contains a national strategy to combat the spread of the coronavirus. In it, the administration announces that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will take action to require COVID-19 vaccinations for workers in most health care settings that receive Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement, including…ASCs.

CMS Phase II Facility Re-Opening Recommendations

This document contains CMS recommendations for things to consider as facilities resume elective surgeries. This includes monitoring local COVID-19 metrics, routinely screening patients and staff, and establishing controls to comply with social distancing.

CMS Issues Recommendations for Resuming Elective Surgeries

This resource contains CMS recommendations for states or regions that have met the administration’s re-opening criteria and are considering resuming in-person care for non-COVID-19 patients.

Hospitals Without Walls Program

CMS Updates FAQs for Providers

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updates this Q & A regarding Medicare billing during the public health emergency. As of April 9, questions 3, 6, 7 and 8 in the “Hospital Services” section (begins on pg. 5) are of special interest to ASCs.

CMS Issues Guidance for ASCs Temporarily Enrolling as Hospitals

This guidance clarifies the process for ASCs to temporarily enroll as hospitals during the current COVID-19 public health emergency. This temporary billing privilege is part of the “Hospitals Without Walls” program announced on March 30.

CMS Updates Blanket Waivers for Healthcare Providers

CMS’ blanket waivers support rapid and aggressive COVID-19 response efforts.

Other Medicare/Federal Regulatory

CMS Suspends Advance Payment Program

CMS has announced the suspension of the Advance Payment Program (AAP) for Part B suppliers. The agency approved 24,000 applications and $40.4 billion in payments, but will not be accepting any new applications in light of the funds made available through the Provider Relief Fund of the CARES Act. Providers who did receive an AAP payment are expected to begin repayment 120 days after the payment was issued.

CMS Surveyors Employ New COVID-19 Prevention Resources

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has provided its surveyors with new COVID-19 infection control guidance for outpatient settings and a new survey tool focused on elements involved in the transmission of COVID-19.

ASCs Eligible for Financial Relief Under CMS Accelerated and Advance Payment Program

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced an expansion of its accelerated and advanced payment program for Medicare participating healthcare providers and suppliers, including ASCs.

Beware Fraudulent Coronavirus Tests, Vaccines and Treatments

A MedWatch Safety Alert cautions consumers about unproven products that claim to cure, treat or prevent COVID-19.

CMS Suspends Quality Reporting Requirements

ASCA has confirmed with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that ASC quality reports due May 15, 2020, for CY 2019 services are no longer mandatory, although any reports submitted voluntarily will be made public. No payment penalties will be assessed on ASCs that do not report.

CMS Adult Elective Surgery and Procedures Recommendations

CMS provides recommendations on adult elective surgery and procedures.