VACCINE NEWS
What’s Happening in Kansas?
As of last Friday, 3.5% of Kansans had received the vaccination (at least one dose.) See more information.
Next CMS/CDC Fireside Chat on Vaccine Safety
Wednesday, January 20th at 3:00 PM Central will feature Dr. Lee Fleisher (CMS); Dr. Amanda Cohn (CDC); Evan Shulman (CMS); and Robyn Grant (Consumer Voice for Quality LTC). This chat will focus on the voices of residents, family members, and advocates. Register here.
Tips for Even Better Vaccine Clinics
includes the collected ideas of LeadingAge members based on their experiences with Pharmacy Partnership Vaccine Clinics.
STATE NEWS
Latest Clusters in Kansas
KDHE reported over 3,500 COVID-related deaths since the pandemic started. Last week the Agency reported 36 outbreaks of 5+ in long term care last week. More info.
FEDERAL NEWS
Provider Relief Fund Reporting Delayed, But Portal Open for Registration
HHS announced the opening of the PRF Reporting Portal today but also noted that the reporting deadlines (originally, February 15th) are delayed until further notice. In addition, HHS issued a revised version of the reporting requirements (last updated in November 2020) reflecting the required changes from the COVID Relief bill passed at the end of December.
The most notable change is how providers can calculate lost revenues for PRF, which now include the ability for some providers (those who had an approved budget on March 27,2020) to compare budgeted to actual; OR providers can use any other reasonable methodology with some associated documentation.
With a new Administration coming in, LeadingAge, along with some of the other provider associations, are going to request further revisions to the reporting requirements to provide more clarity and address some of the unique situations for aging services providers including life plan communities that have yet to be addressed by the current requirements. There is no guarantee of further amendments to the reporting requirements, but it is possible that further changes may occur. LeadingAge has posted an article on the current changes and developments.
New HHS FAQ on Phase 2 PRF Payments
HHS updated its FAQ document today answering the question several members have been asking “I applied for funds as part of Phase 2 of the General Distribution. Why have I not yet received a payment?” HHS answered: “Many applicants that believe that their organization has not yet been paid under Phase 2 have received funds that can only be accessed after setting up an Automated Clearing House (ACH) account. Organizations with revenue greater than $5,000,000 are required to set up ACH accounts to allow the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to most effectively and quickly deliver funds to providers, as well as maximize program integrity and fraud avoidance. For assistance in setting up an ACH account, please contact the Provider Support Line at (866) 569-3522 (for TTY, dial 711). Other applicants may have received Phase 2 funds in November or December that the applicant believes were part of Phase 3 of the General Distribution. Additionally, HHS has requested that a small number of applicants resubmit their application and financial information for data verification. In some instances, HHS has not received the requested resubmissions, and therefore, cannot adjudicate those applications.”
YOUR FEEDABCK REQUESTED
Having Trouble Accessing Oxygen and Oxygen Administration Supplies?
HHS has asked LeadingAge to determine whether their members are having trouble accessing oxygen and oxygen administration supplies like cylinders and compressors. If you are having issues, please email Mollie at LeadingAge mgurian@leadingage.org and cc Nicole at LeadingAge Kansas nicole@leadingagekansas.org
LEADINGAGE NATIONAL NEWS
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