The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) are extending telehealth flexibilities that allow providers to prescribe controlled substances. While the extension is in place, the DEA indicated that it will be further evaluating its recently proposed rules for post-COVID-19 public health emergency telemedicine prescription of controlled
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Medicare Advantage Plan Requirements Post-PHE: Ensuring a Smooth Transition
Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are facing both regulatory and business risks following the conclusion of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). What are the major MA flexibilities and requirements related to the pandemic, and have they ended along with the PHE? Read more here.
The post Medicare Advantage Plan Requirements Post-PHE: Ensuring a Smooth Transition…
May Trending in Telehealth
Numerous states—including Illinois, Hawaii, Tennessee, Montana, New Hampshire and Indiana—have been busy finalizing rulemaking and legislation impacting interstate compacts, professional practice standards and COVID-19 licensure flexibilities. What have these states been up to over the last month? Learn more here.
The post May Trending in Telehealth appeared first on EMPLOYEE BENEFITS BLOG.
Preparing for the End of the COVID-19 Emergency: Deadline Tolling
The Biden administration previously announced its intent to end the COVID-19 National Emergency (NE) and the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023 (read our series introduction for more information). On April 10, 2023, President Biden signed a resolution moving up the end of the NE to April 10, 2023 (the PHE ended…
Ending Free COVID Tests Risks Worsening the Pandemic
By Amy Kelbick
The end of the COVID-19 public health emergency also means the end of coverage of self-administered, over-the-counter COVID tests. In this MedTech Dive opinion article, McDermott+Consulting’s Amy Kelbick and Eric Zimmerman argue that insurers, including Medicare, should continue to cover COVID tests at no cost and without requiring a prescription even after the public health…
Federal Government to Wind Down Vaccination Mandates
The Biden administration has announced that the federal government will wind down its remaining COVID-19 vaccination mandates (including those for federal workers, contractors and international air travelers) effective May 11, 2023. This action coincides with the conclusion of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). Additionally, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will…
Preparing for the End of the COVID-19 Emergency: High-Deductible Health Plans and Health Savings Accounts
The Biden administration originally announced its intent to end the COVID-19 National Emergency (NE) and the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023 (read our prior article for more information). Although the end date of the NE was subsequently advanced to April 10, 2023, by Congressional resolution, the US Departments of Labor, Health and Human…
What the Potential Shutdown of Biden’s Loan Forgiveness Plan Could Mean for Plan Sponsors
As the US Supreme Court deliberates on the Biden administration’s loan forgiveness plan, what is the recommended course of action for plan sponsors regarding student loan repayment programs? In this PLANSPONSOR article, McDermott Partner Jeffrey M. Holdvogt offers insight into student loan debt benefits through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. Access the…
Mental Health Parity, Quantitative Treatment Limitations, Employee Assistance Plans and the End of the COVID-19 Emergency
The Biden administration has announced its intention to end the COVID-19 National Emergency (NE) and the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023 (read our series introduction for more information). Among other things: The NE and the PHE modified the rules governing financial requirements and quantitative treatment limitations under the Mental Health Parity…
Telehealth and the End of the COVID-19 Emergency
The Biden administration has announced its intent to end the COVID-19 National Emergency (NE) and the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023 (read our prior article for more information). In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, lawmakers and agencies made legislative and regulatory changes to expand access to telehealth services for individuals. This article explores…