AHPA continues to follow new COVID-19 regulations, guidance and other government actions. The updates below are the latest guidance and other developments since July 30, 2021, to help mitigate the impacts of COVID-19.

Hospital Inpatient Payment Rule Increases COVID-19 Treatment Payments
CMS’ final rule governing inpatient payments for hospitals authorizes additional payments for diagnostics and therapies to treat COVID-19. CMS has extended the New COVID-19 Treatment Add-on Payment (NCTAP) for eligible discharges through the end of the fiscal year in which the public health emergency ends.

FDA Amends EUA for COVID-19 Vaccines to Allow for Third Dose
The FDA has amended the Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to allow for an additional dose in immunocompromised populations. CMS will pay for additional dose administration as outlined in the amended EUAs.

CMS Announces Emergency Regulation Requiring Staff Vaccination at Nursing Homes
CMS and the CDC have announced that they are currently developing an emergency regulation requiring staff vaccinations in Medicare and Medicaid-participating nursing homes. The regulation text has not yet been released.