Good Afternoon, Please see "This Week in Primary Care Policy" newsletter provided by KPCA Federal Policy Analyst, Colleen Meiman:
Here's this week's newsletter, with:
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. The Executive Order making English the official language of the United States will not impact CHCs' efforts to ensure access for persons with Limited English Proficiency. See p. 6.
2. CMS has rescinded the two Biden-era guidance's that outlined how state programs can use Medicaid funding to pay for Health-Related Social Needs, (HRSNs) such as housing and healthy meals for diabetics. However, CMS did not invalidate existing approvals for this type of spending and stated that it will consider states' future requests around HRSNs on a "case-by-case basis." See page 9.
3. FQHCs should expect to be reimbursed by Medicare for medical services provided via telehealth at least through the end of this year. Even if Congress fails to extend the legislative authorization for these payments (which currently expires on 3/31), CMS has used its regulatory authority to ensure that FQHCs will keep getting reimbursed for these services – at the current fee schedule rate – through 12/31/25. See page 9.
RECOMMENDED ACTION ITEMS
1. Please encourage your key staff contacts on Capitol Hill to participate in the briefing that NACHC has scheduled for next Tuesday from 9-10 in SVC 212-10. NACHC sent an invitation letter to all Hill staff earlier this week (attached), but a follow-up call from a constituent is often key to "sealing the deal." See page 3.
2. Encourage your staff to register as a NHSC advocate, and to participate in next Wednesday's (3/12) the national call-in day to advocate for NHSC mandatory funding, which expires on March 31. Registered advocates will receive an email reminder on Wednesday morning, with a number to call and a 30-second script. See page 3.
3. In preparation for a possible government shutdown starting next Saturday, PCAs and CHCs are encouraged to reach out to HRSA now with any issues that might require HRSA attention in the next few weeks. Also, here is an updated one-pager on what to expect if the government shuts down. Note that there are many more unknowns this time than usual, largely due to uncertainty about if, how many, and which HRSA/ HHS staff would be allowed to continue to work during a shutdown.
4. Please be aware that a recent court decision determined that CHCs – not FTCA – will be held liable in the event that a person's Personally Identifiable Information is stolen during a cyberattack. See page 7.
As always, please let us know how we can best support your work.
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Chuck O'Neal
Director of Operations
KPCA
Frankfort KY
(859) 575-0136
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