AHPA continues to follow new COVID-19 regulations, guidance and other government actions. The updates below are the latest guidance and other developments since January 25, 2021 to help mitigate the impacts of COVID-19. For earlier COVID-19 regulations and guidance, visit the previous Policy Brief.

HHS Announces Special Enrollment Period

• HHS has announced a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for the Health Insurance Exchanges in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The SEP will allow prospective new enrollees to apply for coverage from February 15, 2021 through May 15, 2021.

PREP Act Declaration Amended to Increase Vaccine-Administration Workforce

• HHS has released an amendment to the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act), adding more categories for persons qualified to deliver COVID-19 vaccines.

White House Launches Federal Retail Pharmacy Program

• The Biden-Harris Administration has announced Phase One of the federal pharmacy program, which will launch next week to allow for more widespread inoculation.

California and Biden-Harris Administration to Partner on Community Vaccinations

Governor Newsom has announced that the state of California will partner with FEMA on a pilot project establishing community vaccination sites in Oakland and Los Angeles.