The National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) is supporting the home health care and hospice community during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis with calls to Congress, the Department of Human and Health Services, Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and local health agencies to work with the NAHC and its members to step up measures in meeting the challenges of this virus. The measures include:
- Providing readily available personal protective equipment for health care workers, including masks, clothing and masks
- Availability of virus testing
- Deployment of real-time data and seamless communication between home health care and hospice providers and the broader health care community with high-risk patients directed to remain at home
- Temporary coverage modifications to Medicare, Medicaid, VA and managed care benefits including eliminating restrictions on telehealth services, homebound requirements, Medicare participation and a waiver of any patient cost obligations
William Dombi, president of NAHC, in his video statement stresses the need for home health care and hospice providers to have effectual infection plans and emergency preparedness programs in place to mitigate the risk of spreading the virus. The NAHC provides resources for its members to help care for patients safely during the spread of the COVID-19, including a patient guide, caregiver guide, disease response and management policy guide, WHO guidelines, OSHA guidelines and much more. Interactive tools and free webinars are also available including an upcoming session, “COVID-19: Infection Prevention and Control Strategies,” which takes place on March 27.
Manchester Specialty Programs endeavors to stay ahead of emerging issues in the home care and hospice provider industry. We specialize in providing agents and brokers (and their home care/hospice clients) with totally integrated business insurance solutions. For more information about how our products and services can help protect your insureds, please contact us at 855.972.9399.