Public Health Emergency Extended for 90 Days

Last week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) once again extended the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). The declaration was issued on January 11 and is effective for 90 days. HHS has committed to providing states with 60 days’ notice prior to the termination of the PHE.

Many believe this most recent extension will be the last, based on internal planning among Biden administration officials. Moreover, the unwinding of the Medicaid continuous enrollment and temporary increased federal match (FMAP) provisions from the PHE has already been set out in statute, with the passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act in December. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has also published guidance on this unwinding process.

ANCOR will continue to provide updates on the unwinding of Medicaid provisions from the PHE and the administration’s plan to terminate the PHE.