State and Federal Resources for the Coronavirus

New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub

*Click here for National Association and Miscellaneous Resources

State Resources

Telehealth:
- The Division of Medical Assistance & Health Services, in their Medicaid Newsletter providing temporary telehealth guidelines for all providers effective March 21, 2020 and for the duration of the public health emergency.
- Key Considerations for Adopting/Expanding Telehealth
- Tips for telehealth/video chatting if the provider or the client are experiencing technical issues from Hilary Krosney-Rediker, LPC, LCADC,Director of Addiction Services, Jewish Family & Children's Service of Monmouth County
- HHS Office of Civil Rights has issued a "Notification of Enforcement Discretion" for telehealth remote communications during the public health emergency.
- Medicare has expanded telehealth coverage that enables beneficiaries to receive a wider range of healthcare services from their doctors without having to travel to a healthcare facility. More detailed information on Medicare changes can be accessed here.
- MCOs, Medicaid/NJ Family Care, and the Children's System of Care announced that they will reimburse providers for telehealth services in the same manner as face-to-face services. They have also waived site of service requirements for telehealth, thus allowing NJ-licensed clinicians to provide telehealth from any location.

Healthcare:

- The New Jersey Department of Health's new guidelines for outpatient medical providers who are evaluating patients for COVID-19.
  - NJ Residents with a Positive COVID-19 Test: Instructions and Next Steps
- Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield- New Jersey has waived pre-authorization and pre-certification for inpatient admissions at in-network acute care hospitals. Click here to learn more.

- The Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services released information about the emergency funding process.
- - Letter from Valerie Mielke, Assistant Commissioner, DMHAS, explaining the emergency payment process and the following documents:

- - - Action Required by March 31^st with explanations of general criteria; specifics for cost-based mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) contracted providers; specifics for all fee-for-service providers; attestation; and monitoring
    - Attestation Form

- - - Emergency Payments-Client Roster for MH Providers Only
- From the New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII): Coronavirus: A Shortlist of Resources for Healthcare Administrators & Practice Operation
- The New Jersey Innovation Institute has compiled a list of resources for healthcare office managers related to COVID-19 and includes CMS and the Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment Program.
- Governor Murphy announced that NJ 211 has been activated to help handle COVID-19 related calls from New Jersey residents.

Employers:
- Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith, and Davis LLP have provided guidance in regard to the COVID-19 Employment Law Update which includes CDC and OSHA guidance as well as Employers' ADA Rights and Responsibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to read more.
- The Employers Association of New Jersey (EANJ) website has a page dedicated to the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act and Mandatory Sick Leave policy that were part of the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act signed into law on March 18, 2020. EANJ also provides additional workplace resources.
- The organization UST has assembled a list of the essential COVID-19 resources for nonprofit employers to help navigate the impact of the pandemic on both organizations and their employees. Click here to access the employer's toolkit

Workforce:
- The New Jersey Department of Labor Benefits- What Employees Should Know

- The New Jersey Department of Labor webpage shares detailed information for employees out of work for different reasons related to COVID-19, and also has a chart (in English and Spanish) that you can download.
- State of New Jersey COVID-19 Jobs and Hiring Portal

Business:
- New Jersey Department of Health: Social Distancing Guidance for Essential Retail Business
- The New Jersey Business and Industry Association posted a coronavirus update which includes frequently asked questions about Executive 107 and how it impacts businesses. Click here to read more.

- New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)'s website has information for New Jersey businesses.
- - Information on NJ Businesses on the COVID-19 outbreak
  - Small Business Emergency Assistance Loan Program - A $10 million program that will provide working capital loans of up to $100,000 to businesses with less than $5 million in revenues. Loans made through the program will have ten-year terms with zero percent for the first five years, then resetting to the EDA's prevailing floor rate (capped at 3.00%) for the remaining five years. Click here for more.
- New Jersey Business Action Center: COVID-19/ Novel Coronavirus Information for New Jersey Businesses
- Emergency Help for New Jersey Small Businesses:

- - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) named New Jersey a 'declared disaster state' in the midst of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The declaration will allow New Jersey small business owners impacted by COVID-19 to apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help support their businesses.
  - EIDLs are working capital loans to help small businesses, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of a disaster, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. These loans are intended to help small businesses overcome the temporary loss of revenue through the disaster recovery period.
  - - To apply for an SBA loan, click here
    - For guidance on SBA loans, click here.
    - Click here for "5 Considerations to Help Prepare for a Potential Business Interruption and Extra Expense Claim."
- Mercadien has created a summary resource for businesses that explain the special federal income tax return filing and payment relief in response to COVID-19. Click here for a summary.

- - An Overview on the CARES Act and What it Means for Businesses
  - Resource Guide for Business Owners
- Miscellaneous Resources for New Jersey Businesses from BioNJ:

New Jersey's State Psychiatric Hospitals:

COVID-19 Relief Funds:

- New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund
- South Jersey COVID-19 Response Fund from the Community Foundation of South Jersey
- Princeton Area Community Foundation COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund
- OceanFirst Foundation Rapid Response Grants and Good Neighbor Grants
- The Provident Bank Foundation COVID-19 Emergency Response Grants
- PHL COVID-19 Fund from the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey
- United Way of Greater Newark Community COVID-19 Fund
New Jersey Public Health News:
- If you are a qualified health, mental health, and related professional, click here to volunteer which will supplement the state's health care capacity on a temporary basis.
- New Jersey will establish four-pop up hospitals to help manage the amount of COVID-19 patients. The pop-up hospitals will be located in the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, the New Jersey Convention Center and Exposition Center in Edison, the Atlantic City Convention Center, and a state Urban Search and Rescue Facility that is yet to be determined at this time.
- Governor Murphy has suspended all elective surgeries and invasive procedures performed on adults that are scheduled to take place after 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 27. This order does not apply to family planning services.
General New Jersey News:
- Business:
- - New Jersey has created a list of employers that are looking to hire workers that have been impacted by the COVID-19 layoffs and shutdowns.
  - The state has created an official violation reporting form that allows employees to report businesses deemed non-essential that are defying executive orders by remaining open or tat are refusing to allow employees to work from home where possible.
  - There's a full list of guidelines for which businesses are required to close down.
  - Governor Murphy's signed an order deeming which businesses are considered "essential" and exempt from the statewide retail shutdown order.
- The New Jersey Turnpike Authority announced that it will suspend cash collections at all toll locations on the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway, but will continue to collect tolls.
- The homestead property tax relief program was put on hold after the Treasury Department froze $920 million in state government spending.

Legislation:
- As of Tuesday, March 26, a series of bills have been passed related to COVID-19. Click here to see the legislation that has passed (compiled by BioNJ).
- On Wednesday, March 25, Governor Murphy signed Senate No.2304 into law. This piece of legislation expands the scope of temporary disability insurance (TDI). Click here for more information.

- Governor Murphy signed legislation (A3860) which authorizes any health care practitioners to provide telemedicine and telehealth services for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

**If personal protective equipment can be donated or if you have access to PPE inventories, please click here.

Federal Resources:

From the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS):
- CMS announced sweeping temporary regulatory changes. They allow hospitals to set up remote services and provide additional benefits to their medical staff, plus create a simplified way to enroll providers in Medicare.
- On Sunday, CMS sent a letter to the nation's hospitals on behalf of Vice President Pence requesting they report data in connection with their efforts to fight the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Click here to read the letter.
- The White House directed hospitals to report COVID-19 testing data to HHS, and data on bed capacity and supplies to the CDC.
- On Friday, March 27, CMS issued an electronic toolkit regarding telehealth and telemedicine for Long Term Care Nursing Home Facilities.
- A Summary of Recent CMS Activities (March 28, 2020)
- A Summary of Recent CMS Activities (March 26, 2020)
  - CMS Approves 12 Additional State Medicaid Waivers to Give States Flexibility to Address the Coronavirus Disease 2019
  - New Guidance Regarding Enhanced Medicaid Funding for States- Federal Medical Assistance Percentage and FAQs
  - 2019-Novel Coronavirus Medicare Provider Enrollment Relief FAQs
  - FAQS and Guidance on Payment and Grace Periods, Telehealth for Private Coverage and Prescription Drugs
  - FAQs on Enforcing Open Payment Deadlines
- CMS approved Medicaid waivers for 11 more states to relax enrollment and other requirements. This includes New Jersey, where pre-admission screening and other requirements were suspended or relaxed.
- Telehealth Guidance
  - Letter from the Mental Health Caucus to CMS and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services asking to expand telehealth access for behavioral and metnal health services.
- Homepage for general Medicaid Telehealth Guidance
- Virtual Toolkit to help you stay up-to-date on CMS materials available on COVID-19
- Frequently Asked Questions on Catastrophic Health Coverage and the Coronavirus
- Additional Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to aid state Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) agencies in their response to the COVID-19) outbreak
- Actions to assist rest homes
- CMS posted Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes and payment amounts determined by Local Medicare Administrative Contractors here.
- The Reform Incentive Payment Program (DSRIP) reporting deadline was extended past March 31. Email NJDSRIP@pcgus.com with questions.
- CMS details existing federal rules governing individual and small group health coverage that apply to the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 here.
- HHS is waiving certain Medicare, Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) program restrictions. Learn more.
- Reporting deadlines for the Reform Incentive Payment Program (DSRIP), originally slated for March 31, have been extended. DSRIP participants can email NJDSRIP@pcgus.com with questions.
- Medicare will reimburse patients for virtual check-ins, where they do not step foot in an office. Doctors and some practitioners may bill for these virtual check-in services using HCPCS G2012 or HCPCS G2010. Read more about the rules and restrictions here.
- CMS' description of essential health benefit (EHB) coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 can be found here.
- EHB coverage generally includes medically necessary quarantine supervised by a qualified medical provider during a hospital admission. Read more.
- - If your practice or organization has staff that recently traveled abroad or may otherwise have contacted an infected individual, the NJDOH outlines steps to follow here.
  - Businesses in New Jersey, including health providers and medical offices, can get information on statewide rules and guidelines affecting their organization and employees here.
  - Does your office do research? The HHS is accepting abstract submissions of 2019-nCoV diagnostics for potential funding.
- CMS' own Coronavirus Partner Toolkit filled with resources and guidance for practices, caregivers and the general public.
- New Coronavirus Law Allowing Waiver of Telehealth Restrictions for Medicare
- Senior Medical Patrol's Scam Alert
- Older resources
  - Announcement of Actions to Address Spread of Coronavirus
  - CMS' Current Emergencies website
  - Press release with link to a response toolkit
  - Actionable guidance for providers
  - More detailed guidance
  - Medicare telehealth benefits
  - Medicaire telemedicine health care provider fact sheet
  - CMS posted billing codes and payment amouts determied by Local Medicaire Administrative Contractors
  - Call to Action for Hospital Emergency Departments to Screen Patients for Coronavirus
  - FAQ for Medicare providers
  - Information for healthcare facilities
  - Guidance regarding Medicare Advantage and Part D Plans
  - Protective Mask Guidance for Healthcare Workers
  - CMS - Coverage & Health Care Facility Resources
  - Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services' (CMS') FAQ on Essential Health Benefit Coverage
  - FAQs on FAQs on Essential Health Coverage
  - If you have any other questions, please contact them at healthcare@njii.com or +1-973-642-4055.
The Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services updated Affordable Care Act Federal Upper Limits (FUL) calculated in accordance with the Medicaid Covered Outpatient Drug final rule with comment are now available on the Pharmacy Pricing page of Medicaid.gov website.

SAMHSA's latest compiled resources is available here.
- SAMHSA's COVID-19 Guidance and Resources includes the following resources:

Legislation:
- The CARES Act:
  - A summary of the CARES Act that is found on Senator Menendez's website.
  - Questions and awnsers about the CARES Act from the National Association of Count Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors.
  - From Mercaiden:
- Families First Coronavrus Response Act:
  - Summary of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act from the Pro Bono Partnership
  - The U.S. Department of Labor has provided Questions and Answers regarding the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Click here.

CDC Resources:
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Questions and Awnsers
New Federal Coronavirus Bill Waives Medicare Telehealth Restrictions
Federal bill that would increase Medicaid funding, removed cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing, and testing for people without health insurance. Read more
From U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development:
- COVID-19 Prevention and Response for Homeless Providers: Daily Resource Digest

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS):
- Promoting Interoperability Program participants until June 30 to submit 2019 attestations.
- Limited Waiver of HIPAA Sanctions and Penalties during a National Public Health Emergency
- HHS Expands Telehealth Benefits, Waives Penalties for Potential Resulting HIPAA Violations
- Additional HIPAA information
- Comprehensive and Updated FAQs for Employers
- Notification of Enforcement Discretion for telehealth remote communications
- National Institutes of Health- The National Library of Medicine Expands Access to Coronavirus Literature Through PubMed Central

Health Resources & Services Administration:
The U.S. Department of Labor released information regarding the common issues employers and employees are facing when responding to COVID-19 and its effects on wages and hours worked under the Fair Labor Standards Act, job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act, and paid leave and expanded family and medical leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
- Along with the U.S Department of Human Services, the Department of Labor via the Occupational Safety and Health Administration released guidance on preparing workplaces for COVID-19.
ADvancing States' Links to Federal Resources

New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies

State and Federal Resources for the Coronavirus

609-838-5488