Safety Net Feels Strain of COVID |
The coronavirus pandemic and the economic downturn it has caused disproportionately affects the neediest Marylanders and communities of color.
Even as some restrictions on business and social activity are lifting, the economy is slow to bounce back. Just last week the number of first-time unemployment claims in Maryland nearly doubled.
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Pre-COVID (Feb. 2020)
3.3%
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With recovery seemingly stalled, data show more people in Maryland and nationwide have come to rely on our country’s social and health care safety net during this crisis. That includes Medicaid—the country’s largest and fastest growing safety net program—as well as nutritional assistance and unemployment insurance.
Data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services show that between February—the month before a public health emergency was declared—and June, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollment nationwide rose by more than 4 million, or almost 5.7%. Adult enrollment in Medicaid jumped by 7.2%, and child enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP climbed 4.1%.
The impact in Maryland has been less severe than in other states, yet there is cause for concern.
In June, Gov. Larry Hogan proposed eliminating a planned 4% rate increase for Maryland’s Medicaid providers. This proposal was ultimately punted to the legislature for consideration in 2021. MHA will strenuously oppose such a takeaway. It is an MHA legislative priority to enhance access, improve health equity, and support a robust health care workforce through these critically important state investments.
Our health care practitioners remain hard at work on the front lines of a global pandemic. They should not have the added burden of inadequate payment for delivering care to families in need.
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Bob Atlas
President & CEO
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New Phase of Provider Relief Fund Opens for Applications |
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Providers can apply for the latest round of Provider Relief Fund (PRF) support. Applications will be considered regardless of whether your organization was previously eligible for, applied for, received, accepted, or rejected prior PRF payments. For this newest phase, funding will be allocated to providers based on assessed financial losses and changes in operating expenses caused by COVID-19. For more information, visit the Provider Relief Fund webpage.
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New Repayment Terms for Accelerated and Advance Payment Program |
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Recent passage of the federal Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act modified the repayment terms for the Accelerated and Advance Payment (AAP) Program. CMS released a fact sheet detailing the new terms of repayment. Instead of beginning August 2020, repayment will begin one year from the date each provider was issued an accelerated or advance payment. After a year, Medicare will automatically recoup 25% of the payments owed to the provider for 11 months. Recoupment will increase to 50% for the next six months. If the provider is unable to repay the total amount of the AAP during this 29-month period, CMS will issue letters requiring repayment for the balance which will be subject to a 4% interest rate. An Extended Repayment Schedule (ERS) can be requested by providers experiencing financial hardship. Additionally, provider relief funds can be used to repay the loan. CMS will contact each provider in the coming weeks regarding the repayment terms and amounts owed.
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MHA General Assembly Communication Overview |
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MHA will host a General Assembly Communication Overview on Oct. 15 from 9 a.m. to noon. The 2021 session of the Maryland General Assembly will be primarily virtual, with fewer “chance” meetings and in-person opportunities to speak to legislators. To support your hospitals during session, MHA plans to bolster messaging—and messengers—to better tell the story of your organizations and their life-saving work during the COVID-19 crisis. At the meeting, we’ll get your input and provide information about how we can work collectively to prevent “bad bills” and advance legislation that supports your hospitals, health systems, and workforce.
Invitations were sent to public relations and government affairs leads. To inquire about attendance, or for questions, contact [email protected].
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MHA Continues to Advocate for Audio-Only Service Coverage |
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MHA submitted a letter Oct. 5 to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in support of continued coverage of audio-only telehealth services. CMS sought public input on payment strategies to cover audio-only services for Medicare beneficiaries after the termination of the federal public health emergency. Members indicated audio-only services are instrumental during the pandemic to care for patients and expand access to vulnerable populations and could have prolonged benefits after state and federal health emergency declarations end. In addition to federal advocacy on this issue, MHA will push for permanent coverage and reimbursement flexibilities for audio-only services during the 2021 Maryland legislative session. For additional information, contact Diana Hsu.
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Virtual Human Trafficking Training Nov. 12 |
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MHA will host a free 90-minute human trafficking training in partnership with the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force, University of Maryland SAFE Center and Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center. Subject matter experts will cover the basics of human trafficking and provide an overview of Maryland’s recently updated Human Trafficking Guidelines for Health Care Providers. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and exchange ideas with hospital-based human trafficking champions from across the state. This training is open to all hospital employees, but registration is required. Continuing Education Units will be available. Please contact Jane Krienke with any questions.
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MHA Members Offered Free Attendance to Compassion Tribe Virtual Conference |
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MHA members are eligible free registration to the Compassion Tribe Virtual Conference: Pivoting to the Future, hosted by the Maryland Healthcare Education Institute and the Healthcare Experience Foundation.
The event, Oct. 29-30 is focused on supporting, encouraging and building resilient teams. Session topics include:
- Why Compassion Matters
- Leading into an Uncertain Future
- Courageous Conversations
- Maintaining People Centeredness
- Communicating Up, Listening Down
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The Conversation on Race: Combating Systemic Racism in Healthcare |
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The Maryland Healthcare Education Institute is hosting several virtual programs aimed at combating systemic racism in health care. Sponsored by MHA, the series runs through early November.
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MHA Celebrates 50th Anniversary |
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MHA is celebrating 50 years advancing health and health care—it is a privilege to advocate and educate on your behalf. To commemorate this milestone by sharing news and information throughout the next month or two, including:
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