Public health emergency (PHE) extended for 90 days

As anticipated, in consultation with public health officials, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar extended the current COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) for an additional 90 days (the maximum period allowed by law). It was set to expire on July 25.

What it means: The extension allows for the continuation of relaxed telemedicine coverage and payment rules under both public (Medicare and Medicaid) and private insurers’ policies during the pandemic.