COVID-19 Update #251

HFAM Update - Supplemental Budget Medicaid Rate Increase

Governor Hogan, Speaker Jones, and President Ferguson just completed their press conference on the supplemental budget.

In addition to the legislated, planned, and state-implemented 4 percent FY21 increase on July 1, 2020, Governor Hogan advanced our planned FY22 4 percent increase to January 1, 2021. As a result, from January 1 to June 30, 2021, we have an 8 percent increase.

The Maryland Supplemental Budget just announced includes an additional 2 percent rate increase. Today Governor Hogan, House Speaker Jones, and Senate President Ferguson exhibited bold bi-partisan leadership by increasing Medicaid rates to nursing homes in the supplemental budget.

This incremental increase will significantly impact continued access to quality care for Marylanders in need and is deeply appreciated.

Be well,

Joe DeMattos

President and CEO

CDC Provides Updates on Interim Infection

Prevention and Control Recommendations

This week, the CDC updated its interim infection prevention and control recommendations to prevent COVID-19 spread in nursing homes.

The updates include:

Merging of two prior guidance documents: “Responding to COVID-19 in Nursing Homes” and “Performing Facility-wide COVID-19 Testing in Nursing Homes.

Visitation and physical distancing measures.

Health department notification criteria to be consistent with Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologist guidance for reporting.

Additions to recommendations include:

Information on importance of vaccinating resident and healthcare personnel (HCP) with appropriate links.

Proper use and handling of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Universal PPE use to align with the interim infection prevention and control guidance for HCP.

A description of when it may be appropriate for a resident with a suspected COVID-19 infection to “shelter-in-place”.

Considerations for situations when it might be appropriate to keep the room door open for a resident with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection.

Management of residents who had close contact with someone with COVID-19 infection, including a description of quarantine recommendations (resident placement, recommended PPE, and duration of quarantine).

Addressing circumstances when quarantine is recommended for residents who leave the facility.

Responding to newly identified COVID-19 infected resident or HCP.

Addressing quarantine and work exclusion considerations for asymptomatic residents and HCP who are within 90 days of resolved infection.

Even as nursing homes resume normal practices and begin relaxing restrictions, nursing homes must sustain core IPC practices and remain vigilant for COVID-19 infection among residents and HCP in order to prevent spread and protect residents and staff.

Other COVID-19 Updates

IRS Issues Third Round of Economic Impact Payments

The IRS began issuing the third round of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs), which aim to support Americans and provide some financial relief.

PPE Burn Rate Calculator - Version 2 Now Available

The PPE Burn Rate Calculator- Version 2 is available to download now.

HHS Provides Data Visualizations and Tables of COVID-19 Funding

On HHS' COVID-19 funding page, there are now data visualizations and tables that represent the list of providers that received a payment from the General Distribution, High Impact Targeted Allocation, Rural Targeted Allocation and/or the Skilled Nursing Facility Targeted Allocation of the Provider Relief Fund (PRF).

Antigen POC Test Updates: Abbott Now Available and BD Price Drop

The Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card rapid antigen test is now available for purchase through Medline and McKesson.