These latest resources are posted in the COVID-19 resource center on the AAHKS website:
CMS Eligibility and Steps for Accelerated and Advanced Payments
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a fact sheet on eligibility and steps for accelerated and advanced payments for Medicare Part A and Part B providers and suppliers. Most can request up to 100% of Medicare payment amount for a 3-month period. Download the fact sheet.
CMS Interim Rule Affecting CJR Participation
CMS released an Interim Rule that “seeks to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) on Medicare payment policies and models” and makes many changes to several Medicare programs including the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) Model. CJR Performance Year Five has been extended for three months until March 31, 2021 in order to reduce disruptions brought on by the PHE. CMS has also broadened the Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances policy in the model to include the COVID-19 pandemic. Read our summary.
The CARES Act: Key Provisions for Health Care Providers
From AAHKS advocacy partner, Epstein Becker & Green, this alert provides an update on the expansion of the health care delivery system, including financial relief for health care providers under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). These include:
- $100 Billion for Hospitals and Health Care Providers
- Telehealth
- Medicare and Medicaid Coverage and Payment
- Good Samaritan Protection
- And more
The CARES Act: What Employers Need to Know
The first part of a series from AAHKS advocacy partner, Epstein Becker & Green, explains provisions of the CARES Act that are particularly relevant to employers as they confront the unprecedented challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, such as:
- Measures ensuring employers can meet their financial obligations to provide paid family and sick leave benefits
- A 50-percent tax credit for qualified wages paid during the crisis
- Short-term, enhanced unemployment benefits for affected workers
- Forgivable loans for qualified employers
FOCAL Initiative for Fellowship Training
During the COVID-19 pandemic, AAHKS recognizes that most elective surgeries have been postponed and that quarantines have been implemented. The effect of the pandemic may significantly impair the fellowship training experience this year. With quick action from AAHKS member William G. Hamilton, MD and volunteer faculty, AAHKS has started an online, interactive learning platform. It is our hope that, by providing this online content, fellows will be able to make the most out of this unusual time and supplement their fellowship curriculum. The Fellows Online COVID-19 AAHKS Learning (FOCAL) initiative is for arthroplasty surgeons in training – specifically those in fellowships, but senior residents are welcome to join. Register for free.
Elsevier Novel Coronavirus Information Center
Elsevier includes the latest research and links to around 20,000 articles from across 2,500 Elsevier journals available for free to help the global response.
