On Friday, July 31, HHS announced an application deadline extension for the Phase 2 general distribution to Medicaid, Medicaid managed care, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and dental providers. According to their announcement, they also plan to allow certain Medicare providers who experienced challenges in the Phase 1 Medicare General Distribution application period another opportunity to receive funding. The new application deadline for both groups has been EXTENDED to Friday, August 28. The former deadline was Monday, August 3. Learn more.

The CDC states that data to inform antibody testing (also referred to as serologic testing) guidance is rapidly evolving. Recommendations on the use of serologic tests to determine protective immunity and infectiousness among persons recently infected with SARS-CoV-2 will be updated by the CDC as new information becomes available. Information is evolving quickly that might impact serologic recommendations, particularly evidence of whether positive serologic tests indicate protective immunity or decreased transmissibility among those recently ill. Read the entire interim guidance here.

The CDC has several toolkits available for different entities and communities facing the COVID-19 pandemic. Toolkits focus on various groups such as Businesses and Workplaces, Domestic Travelers, Worker Safety and Support, Older Adults and People at High Risk, as well as Retirement and Tribal Communities. To access the toolkits, click here.

If you wish to receive notification of all CMS trainings for long term care providers, you can sign up to receive their email notifications here.

WHCA continues to post resources and information as it becomes available on our website. If you have questions or need additional information, please call the WHCA office at (800) 562-6170.