PHE is Ending May 11, 2023 – What That Means for You (SNF/AL)

On January 30, 2023, President Biden announced his intent to end the Public Health Emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023. This means that many of the flexibilities put in place to respond to the COVID pandemic will be terminated. As of now, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have shared the intent to terminate a key flexibility that impacts long term care: The Three-Day Hospital Stay and Spell of Illness waiver is slated to end on May 11, 2023. 

In addition, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 laid out timelines for states to return to regular Medicaid redeterminations, which were paused during the PHE. For our provider members, this means Michigan will begin redetermining all residents covered by Medicaid in the next few months. The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) will issue guidance to providers in the form of L Letters, as well as post key information on the MDHHS PHE Ending website. MDHHS has also posted an FAQ page on the website with information relevant to providers. 

CMS shared with us that they expect to execute a smooth operational transition and wind down of the pandemic flexibilities. As progress to that end continues, updated provider-specific information will be posted on the CMS Coronavirus Waivers & Flexibilities website. In addition, we will share regular updates with members to keep you in the loop on key dates and timelines and to help guide actions.