Public Health Emergency 90-day Medicare Extension

group photo of elderly people

Update May 11, 2023: On January 30, 2023, the government declared that the Public Health Emergency would be discontinued as of May 11, 2023.

This means that our emergency services will no longer be covered by Medicare starting May 11, 2023, but it will not stop us from finding other ways to continue providing every Texan with the elevated care they deserve. Read more: https://www.altusemergency.com/medicare-coverage/

Public Health Emergency 90-day Medicare Extension

At Altus, We Are Fighting for our MEDICARE Population to ensure continual emergency care.

The COVID-19 cases continue to rise in many communities across the country, and we still don’t know for sure when the pandemic will end.

As health care providers, we’ve joined the fight to urge the Department of Health and Human Services to extend the Public Health Emergency (PHE) for an additional 90 days.

Thanks to the combined efforts of health care provider organizations, the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra announced the COVID-19 public health emergency renewal.

The Public Health Emergency provides hospitals, emergency rooms, and health care systems with the support and protection necessary to help manage COVID-19 in our communities. Still, more importantly, it protects the Medicare population from potential coverage loss.

family photo with grandparents in the middle

What the PHE Extension Means to Medicare Patients

When the Public Health Emergency (PHE) ends, so will the enhanced federal funding program. At which time, States will then resume administering renewals for Medicare and Medicaid eligibility.

Unfortunately, this means that you and the nearly 80 million Americans enrolled will have their eligibility redetermined, increasing the risk of losing current coverage benefits, including emergency care attention.

The extension, therefore, ensures you will keep your current coverage benefits.

doctor having a conversation with an elderly couple

What Happens Next

By law, Public Health Emergencies (PHE) have a 90-day validity. However, the Health and Human Services Secretary can issue as many extensions as necessary. Therefore, although the current extension will expire on October 13th, 2022, further extensions could be made.

Rest assured that Altus Emergency Centers will always fight for our Medicare patients’ right to emergency care. And for as long as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to plague our communities, we will do everything in our power to continue extending the Public Health Emergency.

a group of 5 medical professionals
Altus Emergency Room Baytown

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