On Jul. 18, HHS proposed catastrophic health emergency fund rules.
HHS proposed to amend Catastrophic Health Emergency Fund (CHEF) for extraordinary medical costs associated with treatment of victims of disasters/catastrophic illnesses.
Proposed Rules
Amends 42 CFR Chapter I to add new subpart L consisting of 136.501 - 136.510.
Proposes definitions of disasters/catastrophic illnesses, establishes threshold cost for eligibility of coverage, creates procedures for reimbursement of costs over threshold.
Also establishes procedure for payment from the CHEF for cases in which medical circumstances warrant treatment prior to the authorization of such treatment.
Ensures no payment from the CHEF if the provider of services is eligible to receive payment from any other federal, State, local, or private source of reimbursement.
Additionally, the proposed regulation also incorporates provisions on severability.
Consultation
Comments on the proposed amendments must be submitted on/before Sep. 18, 2023.
Aug. 2024 HHS Final Rule
On Aug. 30, 2024, HHS published final rule on CHEF for extraordinary medical costs.
Finalizes regulations governing the administration of the CHEF, in effect Oct. 29, 2024.
