Public health officials are concerned about an anticipated surge in COVID cases this winter.
The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), which represents more than 14,000 nursing homes and assisted living communities across the nation, sent a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services secretary Xavier Becerra, asking him to extend the Public Health Emergency (PHE), ahead of winter.
The request stems from public health officials' concerns over an anticipated surge in COVID cases this winter. In the letter, AHCA/NCAL says that extending the PHE will ensure that long-term care providers have the resources they need to provide care to vulnerable patients.
The PHE is currently set to expire on January 11, 2023.
"While we have come a long way from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the virus remains a threat, especially to older adults and those with underlying health conditions," the letter read.
The AHCA/NCAL letter specifically states concerns about the aftermath of the holiday season, and the need to be prepared and adapt quickly to handle a possible influx of cases, and requests that HHS "extend the PHE declaration and maintain the related Section 1135 and Section 1812(f) waivers, enhanced Medicaid FMAP to states, and state Medicaid policy flexibilities, especially the waiver for Medicaid redeterminations."
"We are gravely concerned that states are not prepared for this historic influx of Medicaid redeterminations and that millions of seniors and individuals with disabilities will experience coverage disruptions for the lifesaving care they desperately need," the letter said.
Jasmyne Ray is the revenue cycle editor at HealthLeaders.