Jeff Lagasse
The system has eliminated two diagnostic tests that have embedded race-based calculations for severity of illness and risk.
The drug manufacturers have placed restrictions on the program that have resulted in overcharges, HRSA says.
The gap in service utilization due to the PHE may have a substantial impact on long-term health outcomes, the agency found.
The guidance is meant to assist states in leveraging federal resources to enhance equity in Medicaid beneficiaries' access to HCBS services.
The group cited concerns including reduced data tracking and heightened risk of infection among frontline healthcare workers.
The White House expects the move will create jobs that will support vaccinations, testing, contact tracing and community outreach.
Misuse can result in administrative burdens for providers and delay needed medical intervention, the bill's authors said.
While the technology can be hugely beneficial, providers have to find the sweet spot when it comes to patients' comfort levels.
Cigna says it expects demand for virtual care, especially for behavioral health services, to remain high post-pandemic.
Included is post-discharge meal delivery, transportation and up to six hours of in-home personal care.