Welcome to the HealthPRO Heritage Blog
Waivers May Be Extended Through 2021
Posted on: January 28, 2021
7 Reasons Your Staff Should Be Confident in COVID-19 Vaccines
Posted on: January 18, 2021
Tags: COVID-19
SNFs – Are You Leveraging CMS 1135 Waivers
Posted on: January 11, 2021
Amidst Nationwide COVID-19 Surge: Staying Smart + Staying Safe + Building Sustainability
Posted on: November 2, 2020
Tags: COVID-19
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:
Read MoreTags: PDGM, Home Health Agency, COVID-19
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.
Read MoreTags: CMS, CMS Update 2020, COVID-19
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:
Read MoreTags: COVID-19
HHS Announcement: More Provider Relief Funding Available
Posted on: October 9, 2020
HHS announced $20 billion in new funding for providers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. This Phase 3 distribution was made possible through the bipartisan CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (which allocated $175 billion in relief funds to hospitals, skilled nursing, home health and other healthcare providers.) Skilled nursing & home health providers and others who have received Provider Relief Fund payments (and some who were previously ineligible providers) are invited to apply for additional funding to cover operating expenses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. |
Tags: snf, senior living, LTC, Home Health, CMS Update 2020, COVID-19
Home Health + COVID-19: Clinical and Financial Benefits
Posted on: September 15, 2020
While the medical industry learns to operate during COVID-19, HealthPRO Heritage at Home believes there has never been greater demand for home-based care options or recognition of the power and benefits of care delivered in the home, whether in person or through telemedicine.
The nationwide outbreak of COVID-19 has had a major impact on our healthcare system, and home health agencies across the country have been working hard to continue providing quality health care and services to their patients. Alongside the cost pressure of the 2020 Patient-Driven Groupings Model (PDGM) pressures, Medicare (CMS) continues to grow, with around 10,000 new individuals added to their roster every day.
Read MoreTags: PDGM, Home Health Agency, COVID-19