JANUARY 10, 2023 [UPDATED on Jan. 11] Controlled substances became a little less controlled during the pandemic. That benefited patients (for their health) and telehealth startups (to make money). Some potentially addictive medications — like buprenorphine and Adderall — are now far more available online to patients because of regulatory changes. Given the scarcity of…
NOVEMBER 9, 2022 When Josephine Cabrera Taveras was infected with covid-19 in the spring of 2020, she didn’t anticipate that the virus would knock her out of work for two years and put her family at risk for eviction. Taveras, a mother of two in Brooklyn, New York, said her bout with long covid has…
On January 11, 2023, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) renewed the COVID-19 pandemic Public Health Emergency. This will again extend the Public Health Emergency Period (the “Emergency Period”) for an additional 90 days, and as a result, numerous temporary benefit plan changes will remain in effect. Important Definitions Emergency Period HHS…
On July 23, 2020, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (“HHS”), Alex Azar, declared the Public Health Emergency, scheduled to end on July 25, 2020, will once again be extended for an additional 90 days. As a result, numerous temporary benefit plan changes remain in effect. Important Definitions Emergency Period. HHS Secretary Azar issued…
On June 23, 2020, the Departments of Labor, the Treasury, and Health and Human Services (“HHS”) (collectively, “the Departments”) issued FAQ Part 43, which includes certain guidance on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), as well as other COVID-19 health plan issues. …
On Jan. 31, 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published its proposed Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2021. This proposed rule describes benefit and payment parameters under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that would be applicable for the 2021 benefit year. Proposed standards included in the rule relate to: Annual…
On Jan. 17, 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a final rule increasing the civil monetary penalties for violations of laws enforced by HHS, including the HIPAA privacy and security rules. HHS is required to adjust these penalties for inflation each year to improve their effectiveness and maintain its deterrent…