Welcome to our COVID-19 NewsBrief. This member benefit provides you with the latest curated information on COVID-19 along with helpful resources you can use in your practice and with your patients.
CMS will hold claims until 2% sequestration payment reduction vote
Yesterday the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it will hold claims with a date of service on or after April 1 until Congress votes on whether to pass legislation that extends the temporary pause of the 2% Medicare sequestration payment reductions. Holding claims will prevent CMS from having to reprocess claims to restore the 2% that was withheld during the temporary expiration of the sequestration suspension. Read more>
PPP applications extended through May 31
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which was set to expire on March 31, was just extended through May 31. Borrowers who meet certain terms can qualify for full loan forgiveness. Two rounds of PPP loans are available; if you already received a first draw PPP loan, you might be eligible for a second draw PPP loan if you can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020.
College updates patient vaccine FAQs
Do your patients have questions about COVID-19 vaccines? Direct them to the College’s patient vaccine FAQs, which recently have been updated with new information. For physicians, visit the College’s COVID-19 vaccine FAQs for providers.
Vaccine news
Vaccines effective in real-world conditions: More than 145 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered to Americans. A new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines reduce risk of infection by 90% two or more weeks after vaccination. Researchers studied health care personnel, first responders and essential workers.
New data from AstraZeneca vaccine trials: In a new analysis, AstraZeneca said its vaccine is 76% effective in preventing COVID-19 infections. This is slightly lower than its original report, which was criticized for containing outdated data. AstraZeneca plans to apply for U.S. Emergency Use Authorization.
Vaccine passport up to private sector: Some countries are starting “vaccine passports” as a proof of COVID-19 vaccinations for travel and other activities. The Biden administration said the U.S. government will not be issuing similar passports and is focused on creating guidelines as a basis for private companies to potentially develop them.
Senate discusses COVID-19 and health disparities
The U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee held a hearing last week to discuss how to improve COVID-19 health equity and outcomes by addressing health disparities. The meeting included representatives from health boards, insurers and medical centers.
Officials urged to maintain mask restrictions
The Biden administration urges governors, mayors and local leaders to reinstate mask mandates amid rising COVID-19 infections.
Benzene found in some hand sanitizers
An independent study has found elevated levels of benzene in more than 20 brands of hand sanitizers. Benzene is a known human carcinogen. Valisure conducted the study and is an independent pharmacy and lab. It has petitioned the Food and Drug Administration to launch an investigation.
