Tag: Xavier Becerra

U.S. Renews Public Health Emergency Again

On Wednesday, April 13, Secretary of Health & Human Services (HHS) Xavier Becerra renewed the Public Health Emergency (PHE) that has been in effect since January 27, 2020 due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

As a result of the continued consequences of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, on this date and after consultation with public health officials as necessary, I, Xavier Becerra, Secretary of Health and Human Services, pursuant to the authority vested in me under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act, do hereby renew, effective April 16, 2022, the ​January 31, 2020, determination by former Secretary Alex M. Azar II… that a public health emergency exists and has existed since January 27, 2020, nationwide.

This latest renewal of the PHE will last for 90 days, at which point it will lapse or be renewed again.

This news is not a surprise, as the Biden administration had hinted for some time that a renewal was coming.

The most recent renewal of the PHE occurred on January 14, 2022.

A declaration of a PHE permits, among other things, emergency use authorization of vaccines, the access to funding to address the emergency, and deployment of military trauma care providers.

Renewing the public health emergency declaration ensures health care providers and state and territorial health departments have continued flexibility to respond to the pandemic, helping save lives. These flexibilities support efforts such as rapid patient care during emergencies, including waivers from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for certain requirements under section 1135 of the Social Security Act. Examples of such requirements include preapproval requirements and temporarily reassignment of state, territorial, tribal or local staff who typically are funded by federal grants in order to respond to the emergency.

HHS will provide states and territories with no less than 60 days’ notice prior to the termination of the public health emergency declaration for COVID-19.

U.S. Renews Public Health Emergency Again

On Wednesday, April 13, Secretary of Health & Human Services (HHS) Xavier Becerra renewed the Public Health Emergency (PHE) that has been in effect since January 27, 2020 due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

As a result of the continued consequences of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, on this date and after consultation with public health officials as necessary, I, Xavier Becerra, Secretary of Health and Human Services, pursuant to the authority vested in me under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act, do hereby renew, effective April 16, 2022, the ​January 31, 2020, determination by former Secretary Alex M. Azar II… that a public health emergency exists and has existed since January 27, 2020, nationwide.

This latest renewal of the PHE will last for 90 days, at which point it will lapse or be renewed again.

This news is not a surprise, as the Biden administration had hinted for some time that a renewal was coming.

The most recent renewal of the PHE occurred on January 14, 2022.

A declaration of a PHE permits, among other things, emergency use authorization of vaccines, the access to funding to address the emergency, and deployment of military trauma care providers.

Renewing the public health emergency declaration ensures health care providers and state and territorial health departments have continued flexibility to respond to the pandemic, helping save lives. These flexibilities support efforts such as rapid patient care during emergencies, including waivers from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for certain requirements under section 1135 of the Social Security Act. Examples of such requirements include preapproval requirements and temporarily reassignment of state, territorial, tribal or local staff who typically are funded by federal grants in order to respond to the emergency.

HHS will provide states and territories with no less than 60 days’ notice prior to the termination of the public health emergency declaration for COVID-19.

U.S. Renews Public Health Emergency Again

On Wednesday, April 13, Secretary of Health & Human Services (HHS) Xavier Becerra renewed the Public Health Emergency (PHE) that has been in effect since January 27, 2020 due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19. As a result of the continued consequences of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, on this date and after consultation…

Statement from HHS Secretary on COVID-19 Vaccine for 5-11-year-olds

Following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendation to make 5-11 year old children eligible for COVID-19 vaccines after the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA)’s authorization, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra issued this statement on the landmark moment to increase children’s protection during this pandemic:

“This is another major milestone in our efforts to protect more children, their families, and our communities as we work to end the pandemic. We are following the data and science, and after a thorough review by FDA and CDC, we are ready to get millions of children vaccinated. Thanks to their rigorous, comprehensive and independent review of the data, we know that vaccination of younger children against COVID-19 proved to be safe and effective.

“As we deliver millions of doses nationwide, we are working with states, localities, pediatricians’ offices, children’s hospitals, pharmacies and other trusted health care providers for families to ensure equitable access to the vaccine for our nation’s kids. Looking toward winter and the holiday season, we have another significant opportunity to get ahead of this pandemic and protect kids ages 5-11 from what has become a cause of death in this age group. We know many families are trying to decide what is right for them, and we encourage anyone seeking additional information talk to a doctor or health care provider to get the facts. COVID-19 vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and those you love from COVID-19, and the Biden-Harris Administration will continue working every day to get as many people vaccinated and protected from COVID-19 as possible.”

U.S. Renews Public Health Emergency Again

On October 15, Secretary of Health & Human Services (HHS) Xavier Becerra renewed the Public Health Emergency (PHE) that has been in effect since January 27, 2020 due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19. As a result of the continued consequences of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, on this date and after consultation with…

56th Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid

On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law legislation that established Medicare and Medicaid. For 56 years since, these programs have helped to protect the health and well-being of millions of Americans throughout all of life’s key moments. HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure released the following statements to…

U.S. Renews Public Health Emergency

On July 19, Secretary of Health & Human Services (HHS) Xavier Becerra renewed the Public Health Emergency (PHE) that has been in effect since January 27, 2020 due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

As a result of the continued consequences of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, on this date and after consultation with public health officials as necessary, I, Xavier Becerra, Secretary of Health and Human Services, pursuant to the authority vested in me under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act, do hereby renew, effective July 20, 2021, the January 31, 2020, determination by former Secretary Alex M. Azar II, that he previously renewed on April 21, 2020, July 23, 2020, October 2, 2020, and January 7, 2021, and that I renewed on April 15, 2021, that a public health emergency exists and has existed since January 27, 2020, nationwide.

This latest renewal of the PHE will last for 90 days, at which point it will lapse or be renewed again.

This news is not a surprise, as the Biden administration had hinted for some time that a renewal was coming.

A declaration of a PHE permits, among other things, emergency use authorization of vaccines, the access to funding to address the emergency, and deployment of military trauma care providers.

The COVID-19 outbreak is not the only PHE that currently exists in the United States. On July 7, Secretary Becerra renewed a PHE for the opioid crisis that has been in effect for years.

U.S. Renews Public Health Emergency

On July 19, Secretary of Health & Human Services (HHS) Xavier Becerra renewed the Public Health Emergency (PHE) that has been in effect since January 27, 2020 due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19. As a result of the continued consequences of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, on this date and after…

HHS Secretary Defends HCBS Priorities to Congress

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra recently testified to three key Congressional committees, discussing a wide variety of health care issues, including issues related to home and community-based services.

Consistent with past practice, the Biden Administration has released a proposed budget for what they deem necessary to carry out the various policies and programs under their authority. The President’s budget does not carry the weight of law, as Congress holds the power of the purse, but it does give a useful insight into what the President is prioritizing and how he views various issue areas. Following the release of the budget cabinet secretaries head to Capitol Hill for hearings before the relevant committees.

During these hearings Secretary Becerra fielded a wide range of questions spanning the 340B drug discounts to migration along the southern border. Though a specific focus never presented itself during the series of hearings, several issues of interest to home care and hospice providers were addressed.

House Ways and Means Committee

Rep. Ron Kind asked about extending the reporting deadline of the Provider Relief Fund (PRF). Sec. Becerra responded that they wanted to provide flexibility but wanted to maintain accountability as well. Following the conclusion of the hearings HHS issued revised deadlines based on when funds were initially received.

Kind also inquired as to the Secretary’s interest in innovative payment models, to which he responded that he is committed to innovation.

Rep. Carol Miller asked several questions on the PRF. Sec. Becerra did not respond to how much was left in the fund, again cited the need for both accountability and flexibility in determining reporting deadlines and ensured that the Department would be transparent in future disbursements.

Senate Appropriations Committee

Senator Roy Blunt commented there was around $50 billion left in the PRF.

Senator Brian Schatz asked about the importance of Medicare beneficiaries receiving telehealth services in their homes. Sec. Becerra responded that it is important to make sure the reimbursement for services is being applied towards those services citing the need for accountability in care delivery and payment.

Senate Finance Committee

Senator Pat Toomey offered critical remarks on the recent 10% increase to the federal share of the Medicaid program for home and community-based services (HCBS). He inquired if this increase should be ended. Sec. Becerra responded with appreciation for Congress ensuring the states did not go under, is currently implementing the law as Congress passed it, and would work with Congress going forward on the issue.

Senator Bob Casey offered the Secretary commendation for prioritizing HCBS.

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse discussed an end-of-life care model he is advocated the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to develop and implement through waivers to current regulations. He expressed his frustration with CMMI not acting on it yet despite his commitment and continued advocacy. Sec. Becerra gave his commitment to work with the Senator on it.

With the President’s proposed $400 billion investment in home and community-based services in mind, further discussion on HCBS during these hearings by Secretary Becerra is an encouraging sign the Administration is still committed to this transformational investment. NAHC will continued to work with the Congress and Administration on the importance of care in the home and the need for further investment ensuring for a patient’s right to choose where they receive care.

HHS Secretary Defends HCBS Priorities to Congress

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra recently testified to three key Congressional committees, discussing a wide variety of health care issues, including issues related to home and community-based services. Consistent with past practice, the Biden Administration has released a proposed budget for what they deem necessary to carry out the various…