Frequently Asked Questions | Apr 22, 2020

The Federal Government’s Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic: Questions & Answers

Allison Orris and Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, Manatt Health

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government is moving rapidly to help states and health care providers respond to mounting needs for new sources of funding and flexibility. Congress has passed three COVID-19 stimulus bills, which authorize programmatic changes in Medicare, Medicaid, and Marketplace coverage and also appropriate billions of dollars to support states, localities, and health care providers.

In addition, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services—and its component agencies, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services—has issued voluminous guidance outlining new flexibilities available to states and providers, and is working at breakneck speed to approve additional requests from states, to award funds appropriated by Congress, and to issue more guidance about such funding. This Q&A provides a moment-in-time update in response to questions SHVS has received about the federal government’s response.


Expert Perspectives

September 26, 2023

CMS Finalizes Medicaid Rule to Streamline Enrollment into Medicare Savings Programs

This expert perspective provides a high-level overview of key provisions included in the “Streamlining Medicaid; Medicare Savings Program Eligibility Determination and Enrollment” final rule that will facilitate enrollment and retention of Medicare Savings Program (MSP) coverage. MSPs are state-run programs that help low-income Medicare enrollees pay their Medicare premiums and/or cost-sharing. While the final rule’s effective date is November 17, 2023, CMS delayed compliance dates for most provisions until April 1, 2026, to reflect states’ competing priorities in light of the “unwinding” of the Medicaid continuous coverage requirement.

Government Shutdown Implications for Health Programs and Personnel

As congressional negotiations continue to stall on fiscal year 2024 appropriations, federal agencies are deep into contingency planning for a potential government shutdown beginning October 1. Decisions are still being made about which federal activities and personnel are considered essential. This expert perspective describes the plans currently available from the Department of Health and Human Services and the implications for health programs and personnel.