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BREAKING: Biden Administration Has Officially Ended the Two Remaining COVID Vaccine Mandates

Client Alert

As of May 1, 2023, the Biden Administration has officially ended the two remaining COVID vaccine mandates: (1) the Federal Contractor Mandate, and (2) the CMS Healthcare Provider Vaccine Mandate.

The Contractor mandate, which was never actually enforced, will end on May 11, 2023, coinciding with the formal end of the COVID public health emergency. The CMS mandate will take a bit more time to formally end as it will require official rule making. However, we do not expect enforcement in the interim.

Many of our healthcare clients have these vaccine mandates still in place as a result of the CMS requirement. Therefore, you will need to consider whether you will keep such policies in place moving forward.

BMD’s Labor and Employment and Healthcare teams are here to answer any questions employers may have about compliance with vaccine mandates. If you have any questions about this topic or wish to discuss, please contact Bryan Meek at bmeek@bmdllc.com 


Ohio Medicaid Extends Timely Filing Deadline Until 2025

The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) recently announced that it is extending its timely filing deadline to February 28, 2025. According to ODM, roughly 2% of providers have contract issues preventing them from meeting the previous timely filing deadline of December 1, 2024.

Another Drug Manufacturer Pursues Rebate Program as 340B Alternative

Some of the nation’s largest drug manufacturers are forging ahead to implement rebate programs for 340B drugs, even after the federal government has called these programs illegal. While it is unclear how these federal courts will rule, this could threaten the sustainability of safety net providers and their patients.

Hurry Up, STOP. . .Has CTA Been Struck Down By Courts?

Following a recent case in Texas, uncertainty has arisen regarding whether clients should file "beneficial owners" reports. This is a result of the Federal Government enjoined from enforcing the CTA. Contact your BMD Member Blake Gerney to find out how this affects you.

DEA and HHS Issue its Third Extension of Telemedicine Flexibilities through 2025

The DEA and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have extended telemedicine flexibilities for prescribing controlled medications through December 31, 2025. This extension builds on temporary exceptions made in 2020 due to COVID-19, allowing providers to prescribe Schedule II-V controlled substances based on a telemedicine evaluation alone. The extension ensures continued patient access to necessary prescriptions and provides time for providers to comply with future regulations.

Medicare Making Changes to Improve Behavioral Health Care Access

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has introduced changes to Medicare’s behavioral health coverage, including allowing Marriage and Family Therapists and Mental Health Counselors to enroll independently, increasing reimbursements for crisis psychotherapy and substance use treatment, and expanding services via community health workers. These updates address gaps in care and improve access to mental health services for Medicare beneficiaries.