COVID-19
COVID – 19: News and Updates
Government News & Resources
IRS – Issue Number n-06-20:
Notice 2020-66 provides guidance addressing whether certain Medicaid coverage of COVID-19 testing and diagnostic services is minimum essential coverage for purposes of the premium tax credit under section 36B of the Code. This notice also announces that the Treasury Department and the IRS intend to amend § 1.5000A-2 of the Income Tax Regulations to add Medicaid coverage of COVID-19 testing and diagnostic services to the list of health care coverage that is not minimum essential coverage under a government-sponsored program.
Publications
REPORT: FAILURES IN COVID-19 RESPONSE HARM PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND OLDER ADULTS (The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies)
The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies released a report documenting the pandemic over 154 consecutive daily calls with disability and older adult stakeholder across the country. The Report: COVID-19 & Disability Rights Daily Calls: February 23 – July 31, identifies patterns showing the failure of the pandemic response to prioritize the lives of people with disabilities and older adults, despite making up over 42% of COVID-19 deaths. It also shows the disability and older adults stakeholders’ initiatives to anticipate and mitigate the unfolding crisis.
Articles
Coronavirus FAQs: What Veterans need to know (U.S. Department of Veterens Affairs)
Our call centers and some VA health facilities are currently experiencing very high numbers of calls. To help us address the most urgent needs first, we ask that you use our online tools and frequently asked questions (FAQs) for routine or non-urgent questions. We’ll continue to update this page as the situation changes.
COVID-19 Issues and Medicaid Policy Options for People Who Need Long-Term Services and Supports (KFF – 4/16/2020)
The COVID-19 pandemic has greater implications for people who utilize long-term supports and services (LTSS), including seniors and people with disabilities & chronic illnesses, compared to the general population. This issue brief presents state-level data on LTSS users, including the 2.5 million people who receive HCBS through waivers, 1.3 million people in nursing homes, and 800,000 people in assisted living facilities. This brief also explores key issues and potential state and federal policy responses for LTSS users in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and Medicaid’s role as the primary LTSS payer.
Nursing Home Compliance Under the COVID-19 Microscope (Lexology – 4/8/2020):
Nursing homes have been on the front lines throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as they care for the persons most at risk. In an effort to improve safety and curb the spread of COVID-19, federal and state authorities are relaxing certain compliance obligations. Despite this regulatory latitude, nursing facilities should remain aware that federal and state agencies continue to closely monitor nursing home compliance.
