End of Public Health Emergency could bring changes to HMH

During the regular meeting of the Howard Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, HMH CFO Bill Craig reported the hospital suffered a drop in outpatient visits, emergency department visits and surgery cases during the month of February, but did experience some success factors. 

CEO Debra Wright reported HMH had joined other Critical Access Hospitals in signing a letter urging the Biden administration to ensure them that the Medicare and Medicaid waivers and flexibilities that were permitted during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency would not be abruptly ended.

Wright explained these waivers allowed HMH to optimize their ability to handle surges in patient volumes.

Wright also said as of Tuesday, providers will no longer be able to submit claims for COVID testing and treating uninsured patients. As of today, outpatients will be required to pay out-of-pocket to receive elective testing and treatment.