• SCOTUS Schedules Arguments for Rutledge v. PCMA ERISA Preemption Case
    Jul 15, 2020
    The Supreme Court of the United States announced Monday that it will hear the Rutledge v PCMA case on Tuesday, October 6th. While it hasn't been determined how the Court will hear cases in the fall, Supreme Court case arguments during the COVID-19 pandemic have been conducted by conference call.
  • PPP Deadline Extended to Aug. 8
    Jul 02, 2020
    This week, Congress passed legislation extending the deadline for small businesses to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. The new deadline to apply is August 8, 2020. The President is expected to sign this legislation into law.
  • Congress Must Grant Medicare Part B Provider Status to Pharmacists
    Jun 23, 2020
    Community pharmacists play an integral role in bringing cost-effective healthcare to areas of the country, and beneficiaries, who need it most. There is clear evidence that community pharmacies and pharmacists, are highly accessible (95% of Americans live within five miles of a pharmacy), highly trained, and among the most trusted health care providers (2020 Gallup poll).
  • CARES Act Funding for Medicaid Providers
    Jun 22, 2020
    According to Optum and CMS, pharmacists can take advantage of available funding for Medicaid providers, but need to meet certain requirements. Any pharmacy that received a Medicare Part B payment from the first CARES Act relief fund will not be eligible. The following steps should help to ensure a smooth process:
  • CMS Issues COVID-19 Permissive Actions
    Jun 19, 2020
    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued Permissive Action information to Medicare Advantage Organizations and Part D Sponsors to inform them of the obligations and permissible flexibilities related to disasters and emergencies resulting from COVID-19.
  • Medicaid/CHIP Provider Relief Fund Payment Forms and Guidance
    Jun 18, 2020
    The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) expects to distribute $15 billion to eligible Medicaid and CHIP providers through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (Cares) Act.