HHS Extends Public Health Emergency Declaration for 90 Days

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra announced an extension of the public health emergency (PHE) declaration, which was set to expire on January 16. The extension is effective from the announcement on January 14 for another 90 days.

The extension of the PHE extends the availability of the 6% federal matching rate (FMAP) increase authorized by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The FFCRA states that the 6% FMAP increase is available through the last day of the calendar quarter in which the PHE is declared. With the latest 90-day extension of the PHE, the 6% FAMP increase is available until June 30, 2022.