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PA Bulletin, Doc. No. 24-1394

NOTICES

DEPARTMENT OF
HUMAN SERVICES

Continuation of the Alternative Payment Methodology for COVID-19 Vaccine Administration

[54 Pa.B. 6199]
[Saturday, September 28, 2024]

 This notice announces the continuation of the Alternative Payment Methodology (APM) for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) and Rural Health Clinics (RHC) for the administration of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines administered during a COVID-19 vaccine-only visit.

Background

 During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), the Department of Human Services (Department) received approval from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to allow an APM for FQHCs and RHCs for the administration of COVID-19 vaccines during a COVID-19 vaccine-only visit. This APM was scheduled to end when the PHE ended, on May 11, 2023. In response to CMS guidance on extensions of provisions that were approved during the COVID-19 PHE, the Department announced an extension of the APM through September 30, 2024, at 53 Pa.B. 2500 (May 6, 2023).

 To ensure continued accessibility to COVID-19 vaccinations for Medical Assistance (MA) beneficiaries, the Department is continuing the COVID-19 APM for FQHCs and RHCs. This continuation will allow FQHCs and RHCs, who agree to accept the APM, to continue to receive supplemental payments at the MA Program Fee Schedule rate for the administration of COVID-19 vaccines during a COVID-19 vaccine-only visit, by FQHC/RHC practitioners capable of generating a billable encounter who have authority under State law to administer the vaccine.

Fiscal Impact

 The Department does not anticipate a fiscal impact associated with the continuation of this APM.

Public Comment

 Interested persons are invited to submit written comments regarding the extension of this APM to the Department of Human Services, Office of Medical Assistance Programs, c/o Regulations Coordinator, P.O. Box 2675, Harrisburg, PA 17120, RA-PWMAProgComments@pa.gov. Comments received within 30 days will be reviewed and considered for any subsequent revision to the APM.

 Persons with a disability who require an auxiliary aid or service may submit comments using the Pennsylvania Hamilton Relay Service at (800) 654-5984 (TDD users) or (800) 654-5988 (voice users).

VALERIE A. ARKOOSH, 
Secretary

Fiscal Note: 14-NOT-1654. No fiscal impact; recommends adoption.

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 24-1394. Filed for public inspection September 27, 2024, 9:00 a.m.]



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