CMS is giving its clearest indication yet that it will soon be phasing out pandemic-era waivers that many providers have counted on for more than two years.
Officials reiterated that there will be a 60-day notice prior to the end of the pandemic, and they noted that we’re not there … yet.
“CMS encourages health care providers to prepare for the end of these flexibilities as soon as possible and to begin moving forward to reestablishing previous health and safety standards and billing practices,” according to a release Aug. 18, 2022.
Included in the release was a 13-page document for home health providers that addressed the future of waivers specific to the industry, along with other pandemic considerations.
For example:
- At the end of the calendar year in which the PHE ends, CMS plans to adjust pricing on COVID-19 vaccinations and will end the bonus payment for at-home vaccinations.
- CMS will end the waiver allowing occupational therapists to perform the initial and comprehensive assessment for all patients receiving therapy services.