At 5,593 pages, the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) is the longest bill ever passed by Congress. The CAA combines $900 billion in COVID-19 stimulus relief with a $1.4 trillion omnibus spending bill for the 2021 federal fiscal year.
In our six-part webinar series, “A Short Course on the Consolidated Appropriations Act”, PYA experts delved into key CAA provisions impacting the health care industry. Each complimentary one-hour webinar focused on a specific subject, detailing relevant provisions and their implications for the industry.
Below is the schedule for the series, as well as a brief description of what was covered in each webinar. Slides and on-demand recordings are now available for each session.
January 19: CAA and the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
The CAA directs CMS to begin making payments for services furnished by rural emergency hospitals (REHs) by January 1, 2023. This new category of hospital does not provide inpatient services but serves its community’s needs for emergency and outpatient hospital services. During this webinar, PYA’s Mike Nichols and Martie Ross:
Explained Congress’ rationale for creating REHs as an alternative for rural communities
Reviewed program requirements
Detailed REH reimbursement
Discussed the application process for hospitals wanting to convert to REHs
Highlighted key considerations in evaluating the REH opportunity
The CAA includes several major provisions impacting hospital reimbursement. During this webinar, PYA’s Mike Nichols and Kathy Reep covered key topics, including:
Ban on surprise billing
Elimination of “gag” clauses in health plan contracts
The continued suspension of sequestration
Delay in Medicaid disproportionate share reductions
Funding for additional Medicare-funded residency slots
Members of PYA’s Provider Relief Fund Task Force explained the latest developments regarding CARES Act Provider Relief Fund payments and reporting requirements, including:
Additional CAA appropriations and future payments
CAA revisions to the calculation of lost revenue
Qualifying expenses
Reporting requirements and timeline
February 2: Telehealth Services: Before, During, and After the Pandemic
