Coronavirus Daily Update: Republicans Release Stimulus Plan; Medicaid Enrollment Rising

During this critical time, Home Health Care News remains committed to bringing you all the essential news related to home-based care operations. At the same time, we also recognize the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to our regular content, we’ll continue to highlight industry-related developments and mitigation strategies in this rolling bulletin.

What you need to know from Monday (July 27):

— Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell unveiled the Republican coronavirus relief plan on Monday. McConnell said the legislation would include relief for jobless Americans, another $1,200 stimulus check for some individuals and more Paycheck Protection Program loan funds. The Republican plan would also provide some liability protections for doctors and other health care-related businesses. CNBC has more details here.

— Barry Cargill, president and CEO of the Michigan HomeCare & Hospice Association, is the latest industry advocate to pen a call-to-action piece directed toward regulators. “To ensure home health agencies can survive the duration of the present health emergency, additional federal funds would prevent agency closures and staff layoffs while supporting continuity of care for patients,” Cargill wrote in a new op-ed published Monday. “Along with providing the financial resources necessary to maintain our operations, Medicare regulators and federal lawmakers must also move to ensure home health patients can receive care without risking potentially deadly exposure to COVID-19. This is where telehealth and telephonic virtual visits can play a vital role.”

— The New York State Senate and Assembly voted on July 23 to partially repeal liability protections granted to nursing homes, hospitals and other health care facilities as part of the state budget passed in April, Skilled Nursing News reported.

— The number of people covered by Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) increased by 1.2 million between December 2019 and April 2020, including an increase in enrollment of 800,000 people since March, according to a new KFF analysis. Medicaid enrollment had declined over the previous two years.

For daily updates from the week of July 20, click here.

For daily updates from the week of July 13, click here.

For daily updates from the week of July 6, click here.

For daily updates from the week of June 29, click here.

For daily updates from the week of June 22, click here.

For daily updates from the week of June 15, click here.

For daily updates from the week of June 8, click here.

For daily updates from the week of June 1, click here.

For daily updates from the week of May 26, click here.

For daily updates from the week of May 18, click here.

For daily updates from the week of May 11, click here.

For daily updates from the week of May 4, click here.