The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released new and updated guidance to aid health care providers and hospitals in treating possible or confirmed patients with COVID-19. Resources for Hospitals and Healthcare Professionals Preparing for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 – Provides checklists highlighting key steps for hospitals and front-line healthcare providers…

Full summary available here. On March 25, 2020, the Senate released an updated version of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act – a package of bills intended to strengthen the federal government and health care system’s response to COVID-19, as well as provide economic relief to individuals and businesses. The House is…

In response to the COVID-19 national emergency, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a memorandum outlining new flexibilities available to qualified health plans (QHPs) participating in an Affordable Care Act (ACA) Exchange. Specifically, the memo details that, for the duration of the national emergency, CMS will permit QHPs on State and…

Bipartisan talks in the Senate continue this week after the chamber failed to clear a procedural threshold to move forward on H.R. 748, the legislative vehicle for Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Meanwhile, House Democrats are expected to unveil legislative text for their own proposal as soon as today after a…

Note: This is the third in a three-part blog series highlighting the 10th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) (see part I of the series here; and part II here). We invite you to visit ACA Now, the most comprehensive and user-friendly online resource summarizing key developments for every provision of the law over the…

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the “phase 3” coronavirus stimulus package on March 19, 2020. The Senate is expected to vote on the package early next week. In response, WHG has issued a summary of the health-related provisions that address medical supply shortages, coverage of COVID-19 diagnostic testing, support for health care providers,…

Last week, the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released highly anticipated final rules (here and here,respectively) that together lay out new standards for health care information sharing. The rules seek to implement policies that restrict data blocking, increase interoperability, and improve patient access as required…

COVID-19 Congress remains in session this week in an extraordinary effort to mitigate the health and economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The House acted last Friday to pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201), designed to guarantee free coronavirus testing, establish paid leave, enhance unemployment insurance, expand food security initiatives, and temporarily…

President Trump continues to face scrutiny over his administration’s efforts to contain the coronavirus outbreak. As expected, congressional Democrats are wielding their oversight authority aggressively. They have pressed the administration on a number of issues, including the availability of COVID-19 diagnostic tests, nursing home safety, and the impact of the administration’s expansion and promotion of…

Note: This is the second in a three-part blog series highlighting the upcoming 10th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) (see part I of the series here). We invite you to visit ACA Now, the most comprehensive and user-friendly online resource summarizing key developments for every provision of the law over the past decade.…