Accessing the COVID-19 Vaccine in Long Term Care | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Accessing-the-COVID-19-Vaccine-in-Long-Term-Care.aspx | Accessing the COVID-19 Vaccine in Long Term Care | | | | | 3/3/2021 5:00:00 AM | | <p><br></p><div>AHCA/NCAL has put together resources on how to access the COVID-19 vaccine after the pharmacy partnership concludes, as well as an overview of the COVID-19 vaccine coverage under Medicare. </div><div><br></div><div><strong>Accessing COVID-19 Vaccine in Long Term Care After the Pharmacy Partnership </strong></div><div><br></div><div>AHCA/NCAL has drafted new <a href="/News-and-Communications/Documents/GetVaccinated/LTC%20Accessing%20COVID-19%20Vaccine%20in%20Phase%202.pdf" target="_blank">guidance</a> on accessing COVID-19 vaccine in long term care after the LTC Pharmacy Partnership Program is completed. This guidance lays out action steps members should take immediately to ensure ongoing access to vaccine, including how they will receive and administer the vaccine.<br></div><div><br></div><div><strong>COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Coverage and Claim Coding in Skilled Nursing Facilities </strong></div><div><br></div><div>AHCA/NCAL has created a <a href="/News-and-Communications/Documents/GetVaccinated/COVID-19%20Vaccine%20Coverage%20and%20Billing%20Guidance.pdf" target="_blank">fact sheet</a> providing an overview of COVID-19 vaccine coverage under Medicare Part B and how it interacts with Medicare Part A and Medicare Advantage. It discusses common situations where external mass immunizers, such as LTC pharmacies, may be responsible for vaccine administration and claim billing. For SNFs that elect to administer and bill for the COVID-19 vaccine, it summarizes the key coverage and claim coding requirements. SNF billing staff should review these requirements and discuss with billing software vendors to assure that the required specifications are included to permit COVID-19 vaccine billing.<br></div> | AHCA/NCAL has put together some resources on how to access the COVID-19 vaccine after the pharmacy partnership and an overview of the COVID-19 vaccine coverage under Medicare. | |
AHCA/NCAL Announces a New Pathway to Request Staff Support for Monoclonal Antibody Infusions | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/AHCANCAL-Announces-a-New-Pathway-to-Request-Staff-Support-for-Monoclonal-Antibody-Infusions.aspx | AHCA/NCAL Announces a New Pathway to Request Staff Support for Monoclonal Antibody Infusions | | | | | 3/2/2021 5:00:00 AM | | <p></p><div>AHCA/NCAL announced a new, grass-roots opportunity facilitating the use of interested and qualified Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers to provide staff support for administering COVID-19 monoclonal antibody infusions in LTC facilities. The Long-Term Care Infusion Support Activity (LISA) is a collaborative initiative designed and supported by six national associations, including AHCA/NCAL, that have united to form the Coalition to Advance Community-Based Solutions for COVID-19. The goals of LISA are to reduce hospitalizations, preserve U.S. healthcare system capacity, and protect America’s seniors against COVID-19. </div><div><br></div><div>The LISA initiative includes: </div><div><br></div><div><ul><li>Detailed <strong>step-by-step instructions</strong> for activating the pathway and engaging with local MRC units and partners. </li><li>Curated <strong>online training</strong> for MRC volunteers on core topics, including infection control, LTC facilities, COVID-19 monoclonal antibodies, and infusion therapy. </li><li><strong>Hands-on refresher training</strong> for MRC volunteers at a local infusion center (if available) on IV access, infusion therapy, and managing infusion reactions. </li></ul></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Note that local MRC units vary widely in terms of capacity, capabilities, personnel, and competing priorities. MRC units may or may not be able to satisfy requests for LISA support. </strong></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Action items for LTC facilities and/or state chapters: </div><div><br></div><div><ul><li><a href="https://066b40b5535506586917-68298049b65edbd7ec9f493f0b1c8eb3.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/ahca_5c33792a4c1c5145c389aaaa628e99e2.pdf" target="_blank">Review</a> full details about the LISA initiative and pathway. </li><li>Share this information with your facility and/or corporate leadership. If you are a state chapter of an LTC association, please share broadly with your membership. </li><li>If your LTC facility and would like to request monoclonal antibody infusion support through LISA, <a href="https://mrc.hhs.gov/findmrc" target="_blank">look up contact information</a> for the Director of your local MRC unit(s). Select a state, then click map location(s) for phone/email, and inquire about the availability of LISA volunteers.<br></li></ul></div> | AHCA/NCAL announced a new, grass-roots opportunity facilitating the use of interested and qualified MRC volunteers to provide staff support for administering COVID-19 monoclonal antibody infusions in LTC facilities. | |
Nursing Homes See 82 Percent Decline In COVID Cases Indicating The Vaccines Are Working | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/Pages/Nursing-Homes-See-82-Percent-Decline-In-COVID-Cases-Indicating-The-Vaccines-Are-Working.aspx | Nursing Homes See 82 Percent Decline In COVID Cases Indicating The Vaccines Are Working | | | | | 3/2/2021 5:00:00 AM | | <p><br></p><div><strong>WASHINGTON, D.C.</strong> – The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), representing more than 14,000 nursing homes and long term care facilities across the country that provide care to approximately five million people each year, released a <a href="/News-and-Communications/Fact-Sheets/FactSheets/Report-Nursing-Homes-Cases-Feb7-2021.pdf" target="_blank">report</a> today showing nursing homes in the U.S. have seen the lowest number of new COVID cases since the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) started tracking back in May 2020, suggesting that the vaccines are working.</div><div><br></div><div>Recent CMS data shows that nursing homes have seen an 82 percent decline in new COVID cases among residents since the peak during the week of December 20 of last year when there were more than 30,000 new resident cases. In the same period of time, community cases in the general population dropped by 46 percent, showcasing that vaccines are having an impact in protecting the elderly population in nursing homes.</div><div><br><img src="/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/PublishingImages/Pages/Nursing-Homes-See-82-Percent-Decline-In-COVID-Cases-Indicating-The-Vaccines-Are-Working/pr1.jpg" alt="pr1.jpg" style="margin:5px;" /><br><br><span style="font-size:11pt;">“We still have a long road ahead, but these numbers are incredibly encouraging and a major morale booster for frontline caregivers who have been working tirelessly every day for a year to protect our residents,” said Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. “This new data showcases just how important it is for nursing homes residents and staff, as well as the general public, to get the vaccine because it is clearly working.”</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The report also shows cases have dropped to the lowest level since CMS started tracking weekly COVID cases in nursing homes last May.</div><div><br><img src="/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/PublishingImages/Pages/Nursing-Homes-See-82-Percent-Decline-In-COVID-Cases-Indicating-The-Vaccines-Are-Working/pr2.jpg" alt="pr2.jpg" style="margin:5px;" /><br><br></div><p>Along with the lowest number of new COVID cases, new data also shows COVID related deaths in nursing homes declined by 63 percent since December 20, 2020.<br><br><img src="/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/PublishingImages/Pages/Nursing-Homes-See-82-Percent-Decline-In-COVID-Cases-Indicating-The-Vaccines-Are-Working/pr3.jpg" alt="pr3.jpg" style="margin:5px;" /><br></p><div>“Though this report brings hope, we cannot let our guard down. We must continue to encourage folks to get vaccinated, especially caregivers and staff,” added Parkinson. “Public health officials must also continue to ensure that long term care residents and staff remain the highest priority for accessing the vaccine, as the on-site clinics with CVS, Walgreens and other pharmacy partners are coming to a close.</div><div><br></div><div>“Most importantly, we call on the Administration to review its current guidance to nursing homes on restricting visitors and group activities,” concluded Parkinson. “With millions of residents and caregivers now fully protected thanks to the vaccines, residents must be able to safely reengage in meaningful activities and be reunited with their loved ones.”</div><div><br></div><div>In December, AHCA/NCAL launched <a href="/News-and-Communications/Pages/GetVaccinated.aspx" target="_blank">#GetVaccinated</a>, a nationwide campaign that aimed at encouraging all long term care residents, families and staff members to consent to the vaccine as well as provide credible information to help inform their decision. Last week, AHCA/NCAL also <a href="/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/Pages/Nursing-Homes-Set-Goal-To-Get-75-Percent-Of-Staff-Vaccinated-By-June-30.aspx" target="_blank">announced</a> the nationwide goal of getting 75 percent of all long term staff vaccinated by June 30, 2021.<br></div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D29-_T4iSU0&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">Watch the press conference with Mark Parkinson and Dr. David Gifford</a>.<br></div><div><br></div><div><strong>ABOUT AHCA/NCAL</strong></div><div>The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represents more than 14,000 non-profit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers and homes for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the millions of frail, elderly and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our member facilities each day. For more information, please visit <a href="/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">www.ahcancal.org</a>.<br><br><br></div> | AHCA/NCAL released a report today showing nursing homes in the U.S. have seen the lowest number of new COVID cases since CMS started tracking back in May 2020, suggesting that the vaccines are working. | Lowest Amount Of New COVID Cases Since CMS Started Tracking In May 2020 |
Black Coalition Against COVID to Host Vaccine Town Hall | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Black-Coalition-Against-COVID-to-Host-Vaccine-Town-Hall.aspx | Black Coalition Against COVID to Host Vaccine Town Hall | | | | | 3/2/2021 5:00:00 AM | | <p><span style="font-size:11pt;">The Black Coalition Against COVID (BCAC), in partnership with AHCA/NCAL and other national organizations, will be hosting a <a href="https://fb.me/e/6juzFgptR" target="_blank">livestreamed town hall</a> on Thursday, March 4 at 7 PM Eastern to address concerns about the COVID vaccines, particularly among direct care workers. More information from trusted sources will be provided to help member communities see more staff vaccinated. <br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>The town hall will feature senior leadership from the White House, CDC, and a variety of nationally recognized experts including physicians from Meharry Medical College and Morehouse School of Medicine. Attendees will also hear from front line workers including:<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br><ul><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Miles Lee, Life Enrichment Coordinator at Forest Hills Senior Center</span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Dr. Gregory Hall, Medical Director at Eliza Bryant Village </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Altonia Garret, Executive Director, Center for Equity, Inclusion and Diversity</span></li></ul></span><span style="font-size:11pt;">This event is open to care providers from all levels and backgrounds. You may join the livestream either via <a href="https://fb.me/e/6juzFgptR" target="_blank">Facebook Live</a> or <a href="http://youtube.com/blackdoctororg" target="_blank">YouTube</a>.</span></p> | The BCAC, in partnership with AHCA/NCAL, will be hosting a livestreamed town hall on Thursday, March 4 at 7 PM Eastern. | |