Blog | HealthPRO Heritage

What is Next for 1135 Waivers?

Posted on: April 15, 2021

With almost 90 days since the last formal extension of the CMS 1135 waivers, many are asking the status of these waivers as they offer providers a much-needed opportunity to leverage the advantages of waivers related to the 3-day hospital stay requirement, skilling in place and the 60-day wellness break (Please see HealthPRO Heritage’s prior communication here for details.) While the industry interpreted the extension of the waivers as welcomed news, that same announcement also indicated there could be a termination of the PHE (and therefore an end to the full use of the 1135 waivers) at any time with 60 days notification.

CDC Releases Guidance for Those Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19

Posted on: March 8, 2021

With over 90 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine administered in the United States since December, and an additional 2.2 million doses given each day, many find them themselves asking what they or their loved ones, can and can’t do.

Waivers May Be Extended Through 2021

Posted on: January 28, 2021

A surprising message from HHS announced a likely extension of CMS' waivers through the end of 2021.

7 Reasons Your Staff Should Be Confident in COVID-19 Vaccines

Posted on: January 18, 2021

For more than 10 months, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected your staff in countless ways.

SNFs – Are You Leveraging CMS 1135 Waivers

Posted on: January 11, 2021

L ast week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services extended the Public Health Emergency (set to expire on January 21) thru April 21.

Important COVID-19 Vaccine Update

Posted on: December 8, 2020

Good News!

Amidst Nationwide COVID-19 Surge: Staying Smart + Staying Safe + Building Sustainability

Posted on: November 2, 2020

Amidst an unfortunate nationwide rise in COVID-19 cases, HeatlhPRO Heritage is relaunching several resources (and sharing new updates, too!) to reinforce our company's key strategies to:

In a Year of Tricks, CMS Drops a TREAT with Home Health Final Rule

Posted on: October 30, 2020

CMS released the 2021 home health final rule on Thursday, October 29, 2020. HealthPRO Heritage at Home sorted through the mixed bag and found more treats than tricks!

There were minimal changes compared to the home health proposed rule that was released in July 2020. Probably the best news in the rule was the 1.9% aggregate increase (or $390 million) in reimbursement that agencies will realize in 2021. Although the increase was less than the original 2.6% increase that was in the proposed rule.

Other highlights from the final rule are as follows:

CMS Announcement: New Repayment Terms for COVID-19 Medicare Loans

Posted on: October 12, 2020

From CMS' press release on October 8, 2020 there are amended terms for repayment on Accelerated and Advance Payment (AAP) Program. This allows CMS to make advance payments to providers and are typically used in emergencies.

COVID-19 Vaccine Priorities from NASEM

Posted on: October 12, 2020

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have made recommendations to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services about who should get priority for SARS-CoV-2 vaccines when they become available. (NASEM’s recommendations are usually followed.) You can buy a copy of this detailed document for $70 at the link below. These are the proposed phases of rollout as recommended by NASEM: