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.
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January 19: CAA and the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
Slides | On-Demand Recording
PYA’s Lori Foley and Angie Caldwell explained the impact of key provisions of the CAA impacting Medicare physician reimbursement, including:
- Upward adjustment to the 2021 conversion factor
- Status of changes to E/M codes
- Moratorium on visit complexity add-on code
- Changes to Quality Payment Program
- Direct payments for physician assistants
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January 21: Introducing the New Rural Emergency Hospital
Slides | On-Demand Recording
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
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January 26: Hospital Payment and Reimbursement
Slides | On-Demand Recording
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
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January 28: Provider Relief Fund Update
Slides | On-Demand Recording
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
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February 2: Telehealth Services: Before, During, and After the Pandemic
Slides | On-Demand Recording
PYA’s Valerie Rock and Martie Ross discussed post-pandemic reimbursement for telehealth services and future opportunities, including:
- FCC telehealth grant program
- Expanded coverage for tele-behavioral health services
- Virtual services
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February 4: PPP Loans – Second Draw, and Other CAA Considerations
Slides | On-Demand Recording
PYA Principal Mark Brumbelow explained the CAA’s revitalization of the Paycheck Protection Program and new opportunities for employers, including:
- Additional appropriations
- Revised eligibility criteria
- Expanded authorized uses for loan proceeds
- Increased flexibility to obtain loan forgiveness
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If you would like information about health care, compliance, or the CAA, contact one of the PYA executives listed below at (800) 270-9629.
