In partnership with the Biden Administration, on December 9, 2022, HRSA announced a new $350 million funding opportunity for the nation’s health centers. Learn more here.

It can be hard to know who needs to get a COVID-19 booster and why. The Morehouse School of Medicine National COVID-19 Resiliency Network created a fact sheet to help people understand the updated COVID-19 boosters, why they keep our communities healthy, and who is eligible to get one. View fact sheet.

This interactive dashboard was created in partnership with KPMG to illustrate the locations of Community Health Centers and the severity of COVID-19 in their zip codes. View Dashboard.

It can be hard to know who needs to get a COVID-19 booster and why. The Morehouse School of Medicine National COVID-19 Resiliency Network created a fact sheet to help people understand the updated COVID-19 boosters, why they keep our communities healthy, and who is eligible to get one. View fact sheet.

This resource provides expert guidance for Community Health Centers about how to respond to misinformation about COVID-19 found on their social media pages or elsewhere. View resource.

This page shares resources–including an operational resource guide and webinar recording– for Community Health Centers to assist with implementing employee mandates. Visit the page.

Recording of December webinar.  View webinar recording.

Knowing what misinformation is being shared about COVID-19 can help you generate effective messaging. This website is updated regularly. A joint project of the Public Health Communications Collaborative and the Public Good Project. Visit website.

This short guide provides practical strategies and sample resources for advancing health center and school system partnerships, including tips on maximizing “summer break” and preparing for “back to school” opportunities. Click here to view

  This HHS COVID-19 public education campaign is a national initiative to increase public confidence in and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines while reinforcing basic prevention measures such as mask wearing and social distancing. There are videos, graphics, fact sheets, and podcasts about the vaccines in multiple languages. View resources.

In December, we updated materials for health centers to use with their vaccination campaigns. Visit our COVID-19 Communications Toolkit page to find:

• COVID-19 vaccine key messages and FAQs
• Sample social media posts and graphics
• Selfie signs: “I Got Vaccinated Because…” signs in English and Spanish to print and distribute to people getting the COVID vaccine to post on social media. View and download selfie signs. (February 2020)

The following CDC resources contain basic and up-to-date information about the COVID-19 vaccines, including possible side effects. 

The Health Center Clearinghouse has recently launched a COVID-19 vaccine resources page to provide greater access to vaccine-related resources in the collection. COVID-19 vaccine resources are now categorized into topic areas including Vaccine Confidence Communications and Local, Regional, and State Collaborations. We’re actively looking for field-generated COVID-19 vaccine templates and samples to add to the collection. Please submit yours here!

Find resources from HRSA’s National Resource Center (NRC) for Training and Technical Assistance. Go to Clearinghouse. (December 2020)

On this page, you’ll find resources we selected from the Black Coalition Against COVID-19, Farmworker Justice, the National Rural Health Association and others to help you educate your patients and your communities about the COVID-19 vaccines.  Access here

As part of the HRSA COVID-19 Testing Supply Program, HRSA-funded health centers, Health Center Program look-alikes, and Medicare-certified Rural Health Clinics are invited to order free, FDA-authorized COVID-19 at-home self-test kits for distribution at no cost to patients and communities, especially populations at greatest risk from adverse outcomes related to COVID-19.

1. Interested in receiving testing supplies through this voluntary program? HRSA sent out email communications to all health centers  in December 2021 providing additional information regarding the registration and ordering process.
2. Find FAQs about the HRSA program here.

As Part of the HRSA Health Center COVID-19 N95 Mask Program, eligible health centers can elect to participate and will receive N95 respirator masks from the Department of Health and Human Services Strategic National Stockpile for free distribution to patients and people within their communities.

Just-In-Time Federal Resources

• Start Here: The White House’s “Path Out of the Pandemic” COVID-19 Action Plan’s section on “Increasing Testing and Requiring Masking.”
• Access Resources for Your Health Center Here: For updates on the HRSA COVID-19 Testing Supply Program see recent issues of the Primary Health Care Digest (“BPHC Bulletin”).
• Share Instructions and Resources on Home/Self-Testing with your Communities: The CDC COVID-19 Self-Testing page includes information to share with patients and communities on when to consider self-testing, how to use self-tests, what to do with a positive or invalid result, and instructions for repeat (serial) testing. Additional print resources are also available at a fourth-grade reading level (some in Spanish).
• How to Properly Put On and Take Off a Disposable Respirator: Resource from CDC in English and in Spanish.

NACHC has brought together resources for health centers to better understand how the Strategic National Stockpile works and how understanding the supply chain to request resources from the federal government is essential. Additionally, NACHC sent a letter to the FEMA Administrator informing him of the role health centers are playing in their local responses and developed a template for PCAs to share with their own state emergency managers and governor emphasizing these points.

• Understanding the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS)
• Understanding Supply Chain Coordination
• FEMA Administrator Letter-FQHC Readiness
• Template Letter for PCAs to State Governors and Emergency Managers on FQHC Readiness

The CDC has launched a new tool to help health care facilities plan and optimize the use of PPE for response to COVID-19. The PPE burn rate calculator is available online here.

This interactive dashboard was created in partnership with KPMG to illustrate the locations of Community Health Centers and the severity of COVID-19 in their zip codes. View Dashboard.

Health centers have been instrumental in boosting COVID-19 vaccination rates across the U.S. among underserved and minority populations. As this infographic shows, in the 1 year since the health center vaccination program began, health centers have succeeded in administering over 2 in 3 shots to racial and ethnic minorities. Click here to view.

December 2021: Thanks to the efforts of Community Health Centers on the front lines, areas with health centers have experienced fewer COVID-19 infections and COVID-19 deaths compared to areas without them. View our infographic for details. Click here to view.

NACHC’s dashboard presents health centers’ state-level COVID-19 numbers for testing, positivity, and vaccine initiation each week, as well as the challenges they are experiencing with deploying the vaccine. Click here to view.

This infographic presents findings from the Bureau of Primary Health Care, Health Resources and Services Administration, and  Health Center COVID-19 Survey. The information includes the percentage of health centers meeting the testing needs of their communities, the number of overall patients tested for COVID-19, and how many of those patients tested positive for the virus. In addition, the information includes the turnaround time for COVID-19 test results and the percentage of health centers that may run out of personal protective equipment (PPE). The infographic also provides data on COVID-19 challenges to health center budgets and operations. Contact us at research@nachc.org for more information.

NACHC’s new infographic provides high level findings from the aforementioned report on this topic, and includes some additional testimonials from health center staff on their experiences with COVID-19 testing. (October 2020).

This fact sheet outlines how PRAPARE SDOH domains impact individuals’ risk of morbidity and mortality from COVID-19. Care team members and aligned social service partners can use this information to identify those who may be most vulnerable during the pandemic, prioritize patients in need of outreach and additional services, and develop plans for addressing social risks in the community. For more information, email prapare@nachc.org.

NACHC has created a Summary Fact Sheet for Health Center reference regarding the FY2021 ARP-Capital (C8E) Funding Opportunity. The ARP-Capital Funding Opportunity presents a unique opportunity to enhance the capabilities of health centers by utilizing HRSA grant funding to complete priority projects, as detailed in the summary sheet. As a reminder, health centers need to submit an application via their electronic handbook (EHB) no later than 11:59pm on June 24, 2021.” Click her for fact sheet

On June 6, 2021, CMS released a Center Informational Bulletin providing information on the Medicaid, CHIP, and the Basic Health Program related provisions in the American Rescue Plan. The Bulletin includes information on mandatory coverage for COVID-19 testing and vaccine administration for limited beneficiaries, modifications to postpartum coverage, and temporary increase in FMAP for Medical Assistance. CMS intends to issue additional guidance in the coming months on certain provisions, and will continue to offer technical assistance as states begin to implement these changes. This bulletin fails to address how states should define vaccine administration for the 100% FMAP, reimburse FQHCs at their encounter rates, or establish APMs for additional resources required for vaccine administration.

The American Medical Association (AMA) published an update to the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code set that includes new vaccine-specific codes to report immunizations for the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Health centers must update their EMRs and educate staff on the latest codes added for  severe acute respiratory syndrome COVID-19  and vaccine administration. Please see the attached AMA press release for more details. https://www.ama-assn.org/press-center/press-releases/ama-announces-vaccine-specific-cpt-codes-coronavirus-immunizations

Payment for COVID-19 vaccines and their administration in Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and FQHCs will be implemented in the same way flu/pneumococcal vaccines are handled in RHCs and FQHCs.  Influenza and pneumococcal vaccines and their administration are paid at 100 percent of reasonable cost through the cost report. No visit is billed, and these costs should not be included on the claim. The beneficiary coinsurance and deductible are waived. There is a CMS webpage that addresses COVID-19 vaccine polices and guidance.  Please see https://www.cms.gov/covidvax.

Health centers play an important role in the distributions of the COVID -19 vaccine.  Since the vaccine’s doses are provided for free by the federal government, FQHCs can only bill for the administration.   Reimbursement varies depending on the payer.  For Medicare FQHCs will be reimburse via the cost report (noted on page 129 of the COVID-19 CMS FAQs).  For Medicaid health centers should reach out to their State Medicaid Agency.  Reimbursement for commercial insurances will vary based on the negotiated contract.

COVID -19 CMS FAQs

https://www.cms.gov/files/document/03092020-covid-19-faqs-508.pdf

To contact your State’s Medicaid Agency

https://www.medicaid.gov/about-us/contact-us/contact-your-state-questions/index.html

This October 5 memo from NACHC explains two important announcements from HHS regarding the Provider Relief Fund. These announcements may have significant – and differing – impacts on health centers, depending on the degree to which they are currently facing operating losses directly related to COVID-19. The memo outlines these new policies, as well as which health centers they impact and how they should respond. Read the memo.

On 11/25/20, NACHC formally responded to the Small Business Administration with comments on the negative implications of Form 3510 “Loan Necessity Questionnaires” for health center borrowers with $2M or more in PPP funds. NACHC, with significant input from Capital Link, pointed out that the Form requires information and data that borrowers could not have known at the time of application, resulting in concerns that loan forgiveness decisions will be based on information the health center cannot fully provide. In addition, NACHC endorsed comments submitted by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). See full letter attached.

On 11/24/20, NACHC sent a letter to HRSA about the Provider Relief Fund (PRF). The letter outlines nine requests and recommendations regarding the appropriate use of PRF funds.

The American Medical Association (AMA) recognized that with the flu season upon us, providers need unique Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes to distinguish tests for Influenza A, Influenza B, and RSV, which includes SARS-CoV-2.  Before the 10/07/2020 announcement, the same code 87631 would be used for all testing.  However, to address this urgent need, AMA published the newly approved CPT codes to improve the reporting of the laboratory tests.  Find more detailed information here.

This chart summarizes upcoming deadlines related to BPHC grant funds, Paycheck Protection Loans, Provider Relief Fund allotments, and other Federal funding sources related to COVID-19. It is excerpted from Tab 2 of the NACHC spreadsheet on these funding sources.

NACHC and partners at BKD, LLP collaborated to produce a five-part podcast series to help health centers manage their fiscal solvency during COVID-19 response and recovery. Based on the NACHC-BKD video series, Financial Office Hours: Strategies to Manage Financial Operations During COVID-19, podcast topics include managing your health center’s cash flow, paycheck protection, provider relief funding, grants management, and staffing.

All 5 podcasts of the series are available here.

NACHC worked with FTLF to produce a short background and analysis document for the field on the HHS Claims Reimbursement for Testing and Treatment to Health Care Providers and Facilities Serving the Uninsured Program. The analysis summarizes key terms and conditions of the Program as applicable for Health Centers. You can access it via the Health Center Resource Clearinghouse here.

NACHC has updated and expanded its document outlining financial resources for health centers, PCAs, and HCCNs during the COVID-19 pandemic. This expanded document now has a section on HHS grant funds, including 330 funds and the $100 billion fund. Other sections address the Paycheck Protection Program, Emergency Paid Leave, Main Street Loans, Economic Injury Disaster Loans, FEMA assistance, unemployment, Federal tax credits and deferrals, and advanced Medicare payments.

Updated October 2020

As of August 2020, 96% of health centers were conducting visits virtually. Looking ahead, it is critical that state and federal policy protect the ability of health centers to provide and be reimbursed for telehealth services. This Resource Guide on State Telehealth Coverage in Medicaid provides important understanding of how states may improve Medicaid coverage of telehealth, sample state plan language and model state legislation.

Click here for more information

CSI Solutions and partners have launched a free telehealth peer learning community to enable rapid access to telehealth information and resources. It is intended to provide a forum for exchange of questions, resources and best practices. It is dominated by health centers, high-performing organizations and subject matter experts. Join here.

This memo, authored by FTLF in partnership with NACHC, provides considerations for health centers in determining the re-opening of dental services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Brief analysis of FTCA coverage, malpractice liability, CDC guidance and applicable OSHA rules are provided. It is available on the Health Center Resource Clearinghouse.

The Telehealth Implementation Quick Guide provides a short overview of reimbursement and legal considerations for telehealth during the pandemic, operational guides compiled from health centers for implementing telemedicine and telephonic visits, and sample workflows. It was produced by a cross-NACHC working group, national subject matter experts and field practitioners. It is available on the Health Center Resource Clearinghouse.

A new toolkit from ASPR TRACIE provides a curated set of resources and tools for decision-makers managing healthcare workforce challenges in response to the COVID-19 emergency. Access the toolkit here.

Health centers should be aware of several scams circulating related to COVID-19. Learn more.

A host of states are currently pursuing Section 1135 waivers to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Potential actions included in these waivers seek to address workforce, facilities/alternative site locations, telehealth and Medicaid/CHIP flexibility. NACHC has prepared the following document to provide more information on these efforts. Read it here.

A series of over 20 short articles (many also available in Spanish) and videos are available to help health center boards understand the impact of the pandemic, consider future strategy post-pandemic, and strengthen governance processes. Tailored resources address the impact of COVID-19 on health center strategy, budgeting, telehealth, virtual board member orientation, promoting vaccine confidence, board recruitment and retention, and more. These resources include discussion questions that can be used at board meetings. All resources are on the COVID-19 Governance Spotlight section on the Health Center Resource Clearinghouse.

NACHC has launched a Community Health Center Networking Group via the online platform Noddlepod which:

• consolidates the broad range of information on COVID-19 from many different sources (e.g., BPHC, CMS, NACHC, ECRI) in a single location where you can quickly find information on a specific topic
• enables members to share information and questions quickly

To access this Noddlepod site, email shansen@nachc.org. Need help navigating the platform? Check out the introductory video.