Opelika Observer - Daily COVID-19 Update for March 17, 2020

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Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Vol. 01, No. 02

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Opelika, Alabama

COVERAGE

“By local people, for local people.”

Opelika City Drive-thru COVID-19 testing center now open in Lee County Schools to offer free lunches to children 18 and younger

By Natalie Anderson Staff Reporter On Monday, East Alabama Medical Center opened the first drive-thru COVID-19 testing center in Lee County at the old location of Health Plus Fitness Center at 1171 Gatewood Drive No. 101 in Auburn.

Patients must first call the hotline 334-528-SICK for screening to see if they are qualified for testing.

After the initial screening is complete and there are positive symptoms, individuals may schedule an appointment to go to the drive-thru testing location.

Individuals arriving for testing are instructed to hold a piece of paper with their name and date of birth on it against the window for test center security to read. The process is described as similar to a “car wash,” in the sense of having a designated spot to park

Special to the Opelika Observer

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Nurses and other personnel from EAMC wait for another car to pull up to the hospital’s COVID-19 collection tent at the former HealthPlus building in Auburn. EAMC opened the collection tent on Monday and had tested about 100 patients as of 5 p.m. Tuesday. and not rolling down the windows until further instruction.

The nurses at each designated station are full protective gear and will provide clear instructions

of the testing process.

The test is said to be a “ ramped-up flu test” consisting of a nasal swab.

After testing at the drive-thru location, tests are then sent to a private

lab. If a test comes back positive after 1 to 3 days, the patient and patient’s doctor are notified and the test is sent to the state health department for confirmation.

Opelika City Schools are committed to ensuring that students are fed a nutritious meal when schools are closed because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Carver Primary School and Opelika High School will be serving meals Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. beginning March 23.

The meals will be

provided for free to anyone 18 years old or younger regardless of which school they attend.

No paperwork is required. Children must be present in order to receive the meal.

Please note that the schools will be set up for pick up service only. No meals will be consumed on site.

Directional signs will be posted at Carver Primary and Opelika High School.

Opelika municipal court outlines court procedures in response to COVID-19 Special to the Opelika Observer Due to concerns with COVID-19, Opelika Municipal Court has issued an emergency order outlining court procedures.

Please see Order from Presiding Judge Ben Hand and Judge Wes McCollum.

This order shall remain in effect until April 16, 2020, or until such time as the Supreme Court of Alabama further Orders related to

the COVID-19 outbreak.

Normal operations of the Opelika Municipal Court, with the exception of inperson hearings, will continue.

The Court will reschedule all non-jail hearings previously scheduled between March 16, 2020 and April 16, 2020.

There will be a court employee available on regularly scheduled dates issuing continuance

letters and to have defendants and subpoenaed witnesses sign an acknowledgement to return to court at a future dates.

During this order, only inmates who have not made bond will appear in court on their regularly scheduled date, but will keep number of people in court at a minimum.

For more information, contact Denise P. Rogers at 334-705-5191.

Alabama Statewide statistics: 39 cases/3 in Lee County @opelikaobserver

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A2 March 17, 2020

Auburn City manager provides update on COVID-19

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama expands telehealth coverage as customers’ health and well-being remains top priority Special to the Opelika Observer Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama wants our customers to have peace of mind knowing we are here for them, and their health and well-being is our top priority. We continue to monitor the outbreak of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) in Alabama. In response, Blue Cross will expand telehealth to ease access to appropriate medical services for our customers.

Effective March 16, 2020, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is expanding telehealth coverage.

This expansion allows

physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and behavioral health practitioners to provide medically necessary services via telephone consultation.

Telehealth gives our customers the option to receive their care remotely to limit their exposure to COVID-19 and other illnesses. It can also serve as an initial screening for patients who may need testing for the coronavirus. For guidance on coronavirus testing, please refer to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and the Alabama Department of Public Health websites.

Telehealth is appropriate for consulta-

tions and visits for low complexity or routine health conditions. It is also used for ongoing health evaluations and care management. This includes acute illnesses or chronic disease management that, based on the provider’s medical judgment, can be managed over the phone.

Customers can check with their physicians to see if they participate in Telehealth. This service is available when an in-network provider is used.

If members have questions, they can call the customer service number located on the back of their ID card.

For the latest on COVID-19 developments, please visit the CDC’s

website.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama has insured Alabamians for more than 83 years.

Blue Cross offers coverage plans to corporations, individuals and the senior market.

For more information about Blue Cross, visit AlabamaBlue.com.

Connect with us on Facebook, check out our videos on YouTube and follow us on Twitter for more up-to-date information.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Special to the Opelika Observer

Auburn City Manager Jim Buston released the following statement regarding the City of Auburn’s response to the spread of COVID-19: “These are unprecedented times. With the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), including confirmed cases in and around Lee County and the incredible speed at which things are changing around us, we are continually adapting our operations. The safety and wellbeing of our citizens and our City workforce are paramount. Our COVID-19 Task Force is in regular contact with local, state and regional resources to remain informed of the latest updates and recommendations. Additionally, we know that there are services we provide on which you rely and which we must continue to deliver. While we are canceling all of our programming for the next two weeks, I personally want to assure you that our dedicated workforce will continue to provide public safety services (police, fire, 911), trash collection services, water purification services, sewage treatment services and all other essential services.

On March 3, we published auburnalabama.org/coronavirus to provide a hub for Auburn residents to receive updates on our actions and provide resources related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Mar. 12, Mayor Anders released a video update following Auburn University’s decision to

ADA recommending dentists postpone elective procedures Special to the Opelika Observer The ADA is recommending that dentists nationwide postpone elective procedures in response to the spread of the coronavirus disease COVID-19 across the country.

“The American Dental Association recognizes the unprecedented and extraordinary circumstances dentists and all health care professionals face

related to growing concern about COVID-19,” according to the March 16 statement from ADA President Chad P. Gehani. “The ADA is deeply concerned for the health and wellbeing of the public and the dental team.

In order for dentistry to do its part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the ADA recommends dentists nationwide postpone elective procedures for the next three weeks. Concentrating

on emergency dental care will allow us to care for our emergency patients and alleviate the burden that dental emergencies would place on hospital emergency departments.

“As health care professionals, it is up to dentists to make well-informed decisions about their patients and practices.

The ADA is committed to providing the latest information to the profession in a useful and timely

manner. The ADA is continually evaluating and will update its recommendation on an ongoing basis as new information becomes available.

Please visit ADA. org/virus for the latest information. If you have questions that are not answered by the FAQ posted at ADA.org/virus, please email MSC@ ada.org.”

COVID-19, which is now deemed a pandemic by the World Health Organization, and infections have been reported in 151 countries, including the U.S. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in animals and people, causing the common cold or more severe illnesses, such as SARS and MERS.

close through April 10.

He reminded us to remain calm in this crisis and to exercise common sense and good judgement.

On March 13, we announced that the following Auburn Parks and Recreation events were canceled based on recommendations from the Alabama Department of Public Health to cancel events with more than 500 people: • Bark in the Park • Tails n Trails • Ride and Seek •Earth Day programs for Auburn City Schools’ second graders • Breakfast with the Bunny • Easter Egg Hunt • Spring Skate Jam We encouraged the community to take advantage of our many online resources.

On Mar. 16 we announced the closure of Parks and Recreation indoor facilities and the cancellation of programs and reservations in these facilities and at the Auburn Public Library.

We also announced that all in-court proceedings at the Auburn Municipal Court have been suspended until April 16. CDC guidelines for event size has been reduced to 10.

State law requires that City Council meetings be held. We’re working to place tables on the floor of the Council Chamber to assist council members in maintaining six feet of distance from one another and to place the podium and limit audience seating to be at least six feet removed from the Council. The Council Chamber will be professionally cleaned and See Auburn, page A3

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Publisher: Michelle Key Editor: Morgan Bryce Marketing: Doug Horn and Woody Ross Photojournalist: Robert Noles Phone: 334.749.8003 editor@opelikaobserver.com Sports Writers: Rick Lanier and Michelle@opelikaobserver.com D. Mark Mitchell

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w w w. o p e l i k a o b s e r v e r . c o m 216 S. 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801 Copyright 2009. All right reserved. Opelika Observer is published weekly by Opelika Observer, 216 S 8th St. Opelika, AL 36801. Periodicals postage is paid at Opelika, AL. USPS #025104 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Opelika Observer, 216 S. 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801

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A3 March 17, 2020

ALEA Modifies Driver License Division Operations in Response to COVID-19 Special to the Opelika Observer The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is modifying its Driver License Division’s statewide operations in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

ALEA’s Secretary Hal Taylor said, “ALEA is dedicated to providing public safety to the state and its citizens and will continue. When Governor Ivey declared this state of emergency in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandem-

ic, we and other state agencies were charged with determining how best to ensure continued operations without risking the health of the public or our personnel.”

Because ALEA’s Driver License Division touches the lives of many, operations have been modified, he said. Effective immediately, the Driver’s License Division: -Has suspended road testing (including CDL) -Discourages anyone with a weakened or compromised immune system from

visiting any Driver License locations -Reminds everyone that all Alabama driver licenses and non-driver IDs have a 60-day grace period following expiration date (Code of Alabama, Title 32-6-1).

Customers may wait to renew -Encourages online services for anyone who must renew or obtain a duplicate driver license/STAR ID or non-driver ID at https://www.alabamainteractive.org/ dl_renewal/welcome. action. To obtain a first issuance of a

ALGOP Chairman Issues Statement on March 31 Run-Off Election Special to the Opelika Observer

Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan issued the following statement concerning the March 31st Run-Off Election: "At this time, the March 31st runoff election is still scheduled to take place. The Code of Alabama does not give a governor or body the authority

Auburn, from A2 fogged before and after the meeting, and we’ll have appropriate wipes and cleaning supplies for the podium and microphones between citizens’ use should there be participants for citizens’ communications. Unless you have urgent business before the council, we ask that you

to change the date of the election. An opinion is being sought from Attorney General Steve Marshall to see if the the emergency powers the governor is granted are applicable to an election (click here for statement from Secretary of State John Merrill). Once that opinion has been received, we will proceed accordingly.

"Unless notified differently, carry

on as usual for the March 31st run-off election. Voting absentee is encouraged due to the circumstances. A copy of each voter's photo ID must be submitted with their absentee ballot application. Absentee ballot applications can be found on the Secretary of State's website (click here).

The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot is March 26th."

not attend the meeting in person but rather watch on Facebook (facebook. com/CityofAuburnAL) or YouTube (youtube. com/CityofAuburnAL) or directly from our website (auburnalabama.org/ agenda). We will issue a subsequent press release related to public meetings encouraging only essential attendance and advertising our online streaming.

A summary of all this information and a list of all the updates we’ve

released can be found at auburnalabama.org/coronavirus. Please use this resource to keep up with the many rapid changes taking place daily.

This community has faced challenges in the past, and each has made us better prepared for situations like this. Caring for you continues to be our top priority, and our employees are working tirelessly, taking every precaution, to make sure that we continue to provide the essential services on which you rely.”

STAR ID, customers must visit an ALEA Driver License office -Encourages everyone to visit www.alea. gov or to contact their local Driver License office prior to a visit to ensure the location is open. (Information may change daily, so check often). Office phone numbers are at www.alea.gov -Has begun curbside check-in and screening at ALEA’s Driver License offices.

Everyone is asked to follow instructions posted outside each location and wait at their vehicles to re-

duce potential exposure -Reminds anyone in need of driver license reinstatement services to conduct this business by phone or mail.

Following is a list of Reinstatement Office phone numbers: Birmingham: 205-252-0426 Dothan: 334-983-5616 Huntsville: 256-536-2365 Jacksonville: 256-782-1322 Mobile: 251-660-2330, ext.

5 Montgomery: 334-242-4400

Opelika: 334-737-1665 Sheffield: 256-383-9991 Tuscaloosa: 205553-3511 “We ask everyone to be patient and to work with us to ensure the health and safety of both the public and our personnel are not compromised.

Please continue to check our website for the most up-todate information as COVID-19 response may require additional changes in the way we serve our customers,” said Secretary Hal Taylor.

Opelika City Council to discuss a new emergency ordinance concerning the coronaviruS (COVID-19)

By Michelle Key Publisher The Opelika City Council is expected to introduce and vote on an emergency ordinance concerning COVID-19 and the public health emergency during tonight’s regularly scheduled city council meeting.

If passed the ordinance would give the council the authority to determine to take action in the emergency circumstance on a continuing basis to address the COVID-19 impacts on the city and community and to further declare a state of emergency in Opelika, under the advice of emergency manage-

ment personnel.

According to the ordinance it’s intent is “to provide the necessary organization, powers and authority to enable the timely and effective use of all available city resources to prepare for, respond to and recover from the declared local public health emergency.

This ordinance is also intended to grant as broad a power as permitted under applicable Alabama law and the mayor-council form of government, and this ordinance shall be interpreted with such intent.”

Furthermore, if approved, it would allow the council to declare that there is a public health emergency

relating to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) that exists within the city. Such circumstances are referred to in the ordinance as the “public health emergency”. The public shall be notified of this declaration through general dissemination to the news media, posting on the city’s website and other means of publicity intended to advise the general public. The declaration of the public health emergency would remain in effect until the mayor was to declare the emergency has passed.

The city council worksession which is held before the meeting starts at 6:40 p.m. with the meeting starting promptly at 7 p.m.

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A4 March 17, 2020

SBA to provide small businesses impacted by COVID-19 up to $2 million in disaster assistance loans Special to the Opelika Observer SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza issued the following statement today in response to the President’s address to the nation: “The President took bold, decisive action to make our 30 million small businesses more resilient to Coronavirus-related economic disruptions.

Small businesses are vital economic engines in every community and state, and they have helped make our economy the strongest in the world. Our Agency will work directly with state Governors to provide targeted, low-interest disaster recovery loans to small businesses that have been severely impacted by the situation. Additionally, the SBA continues to assist small businesses with counseling and navigating their own preparedness plans

through our network of 68 district offices and numerous resource partners located around the country.

The SBA will continue to provide every small business with the most effective and customer-focused response possible during these times of uncertainty.”

Process for Accessing SBA’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disaster Relief Lending • The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories lowinterest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Upon a request received from a state’s or territory’s Governor, SBA will issue under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supple-

mental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration.

• Any such Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance declaration issued by the SBA makes loans available to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations in designated areas of a state or territory to help alleviate economic injury caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

• SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance will coordinate with the state’s or territory’s Governor to submit the request for Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance.

• Once a declaration is made for designated areas within a state, the information on the application process for Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance will be made available to all affected commu-

nities.

• SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance and can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.

• These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.

• SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-bycase basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.

• SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans are just one piece of the expanded focus of the federal government’s coordinated response, and the SBA is strongly committed to providing the most effective and customer-focused response possible.

For additional information, please contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center.

Call 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-8778339) or e-mail disastercustomerservice@ sba.gov.

NOTE: The U.S. Small Business Administration will issue an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration if/when requested

by Gov. Kay Ivey. This declaration allows SBA to make loans available to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations to help alleviate economic injury caused by the Coro-

navirus (COVID-19).

There is an Economic Injury survey that can be completed to let the governor’s office know that Alabama business owners will be needing help.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership.

As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

Federal government looking to ease financial burdens faced by small businesses during COVID-19 pandemic

By John Blackwell For the Opelika Observer In the coming weeks, small businesses around the country will be affected by two forms of assistance from the Federal Government.

An act recently signed by President Trump enables the Small Business Administration to provide loans of up to 30 years at 3.75% interest. Currently the SBA is offering these loans to California, Connecticut, Maine and Washington at the request of the governors of those states. In order for a state to be considered for these loans,

the Small Business Development Center of Alabama has created an economic injury survey for businesses affected

by COVID-19. Below is a link to the form.

Note, this is a loan, not a grant, and this form is not an application for a loan.

This survey will be used to submit to the Governor’s office, who will send it to the SBA with the formal request for assistance. Also, the loan program is limited to businesses adversely affected by COVID-19.

Complete the survery at www. universityofalabama. az1.qualtrics.com/ jfe/form/SV_0I2D

b5uiL7WrhVH?f bclid=IwAR3hNS X1IwJlEn_yHfMmiMVhpwpyXW_ia1JhymSFdibh7Fc5YurTuV3YuWY Another form of assistance will be coming in the form of a bill to provide paid sick leave to those who are out of work due to a COVID-19 diagnosis, currently under quarantine, caregivers of someone diagnosed with COVID-19, and caregivers of kids whose schools have closed. The proposal is for workers to apply for benefits from the Social Security Administration for ⅔ of their 2019 average monthly income.

There is also a provi-

sion to mandate employers nationwide to provide sick pay to employees for the first time. The paid sick leave hours will be accrued at 1 hour per 30 hours worked.

During a national emergency an additional 14 days of sick leave will be available to employees.

This amount will also be paid by employers, but a reimbursement from the federal government will be applied. The bill is currently scheduled to be voted on by the Senate today.

Note: The link for the survey has been added to the Opelika Observer’s website, www.opelikaobserver.com.

www.cyberzone334.com

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A5 March 17, 2020

President Trump Expands Telehealth Benefits for Medicare Beneficiaries During COVID-19 Outbreak Special to the Opelika Observer The Trump Administration today announced expanded Medicare telehealth coverage that will enable beneficiaries to receive a wider range of healthcare services from their doctors without having to travel to a healthcare facility.

Beginning on March 6, Medicare—administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)—will temporarily pay clinicians to provide telehealth services for beneficiaries residing across the entire country.

“The Trump Administration is taking swift and bold action to give

patients greater access to care through telehealth during the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Administrator Seema Verma.

“These changes allow seniors to communicate with their doctors without having to travel to a healthcare facility so that they can limit risk of exposure and spread of this virus. Clinicians on the frontlines will now have greater flexibility to safely treat our beneficiaries.”

On March 13, 2020, President Trump announced an emergency declaration under the Stafford Act and the National Emergencies Act. Consistent with President Trump’s emergency declaration, CMS

is expanding Medicare’s telehealth benefits under the 1135 waiver authority and the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act. This guidance and other recent actions by CMS provide regulatory flexibility to ensure that all Americans — particularly high-risk individuals—are aware of easy-to-use, accessible benefits that can help keep them healthy while helping to contain the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Prior to this announcement, Medicare was only allowed to pay clinicians for telehealth services such as routine

visits in certain circumstances. For example, the beneficiary receiving the services must live in a rural area and travel to a local medical facility to get telehealth services from a doctor in a remote location. In addition, the beneficiary would generally not be allowed to receive telehealth services in their home.

The Trump Administration previously expanded telehealth benefits. Over the last two years, Medicare expanded the ability for clinicians to have brief check-ins with their patients through phone, video chat and online patient portals, referred to as “virtual check-

ins”. These services are already available to beneficiaries and their physicians, providing a great deal of flexibility, and an easy way for patients who are concerned about illness to remain in their home avoiding exposure to others.

A range of healthcare providers, such as doctors, nurse practitioners, clinical psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, will be able to offer telehealth to Medicare beneficiaries.

Beneficiaries will be able to receive telehealth services in any healthcare facility including a physician’s office, hospital, nursing home or rural health clinic, as well as from their

homes.

Medicare beneficiaries will be able to receive various services through telehealth including common office visits, mental health counseling, and preventive health screenings. This will help ensure Medicare beneficiaries, who are at a higher risk for COVID-19, are able to visit with their doctor from their home, without having to go to a doctor’s office or hospital which puts themselves or others at risk. This change broadens telehealth flexibility without regard to the diagnosis of the beneficiary, because at this critical point it is important to See Benefits, page A6

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A6 March 17, 2020

Wright’s Market Update 1) We have some fresh meat - ground beef and some fresh chicken. But will be out shortly.

2) We are on track to receive deliveries from both of our suppliers tomorrow.

They are still running 8 to 10 hours behind so it may be late tomorrow afternoon before they arrive. I will post as soon as they do.

3) They do have one truck of hand sanitizer coming in, but it will be allocated on a storeby-store basis. No promises on that

one.

4) Our online order and delivery/ pickup portal is overwhelmed.

Please be patient with us.

5) We are out of milk, bread, eggs, water and paper products. With the exception of paper we hope to get some amount of those products on our deliveries tomorrow 6) Our other bread vendor has ordered 1,000 loves of bread for tomorrow. He will probably not receive all of that, but should get a good

bit of it.

We are looking for some temporary workers to help us get the stocked. If you are a restaurantw/hospitality worker that has had their hours cut or possibly lost your job we would like to see if we could help you and you help us.

Keep our staff in your prayers. They are past worn out, but their attitudes continue to be great and they are committed to taking care of our customers.

Jimmy

COVID-19 SAFETY PLAN In view of the rapidly spreading COVID-19 (Corona) virus, we are taking measures to protect our elderly and immunocompromised customers.

The pharmacy will serve the community through our drive-thru/curb side and delivery service only effective immediatly.

CALL OR TEXT US AND LET US KNOW WHAT YOU NEED. WE WILL SHOP FOR YOU.

We will not open our doors to allow customers inside the pharmacy but rather bring everything out to you in your vehicle or to your home by our free delivery service.

HOURS: 8 A.M. TO 6 P.M. MONDAY TO FRIDAY

Benefits, from A5 ensure beneficiaries are following guidance from the CDC including practicing social distancing to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. This change will help prevent vulnerable beneficiaries from unnecessarily entering a healthcare facility when their needs can be met remotely.

President Trump’s announcement comes at a critical time as these flexibilities will help healthcare institutions across the nation offer some medical services to patients remotely, so that healthcare facilities like emergency departments and doctor’s offices are available to deal with the most urgent cases and reduce the risk of additional infections.

For example, a Medicare beneficiary can visit with a doctor about their diabetes management or refilling a prescription using telehealth without having to travel to the doctor’s office. As a result, the doctor’s office is available to treat more people who need to be

seen in-person and it mitigates the spread of the virus.

As part of this announcement, patients will now be able to access their doctors using a wider range of communication tools including telephones that have audio and video capabilities, making it easier for beneficiaries and doctors to connect.

Clinicians can bill immediately for dates of service that started on March 6. Telehealth services are paid under the Physician Fee Schedule at the same amount as inperson services. Medicare coinsurance and deductible still apply for these services. Additionally, the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) is providing flexibility for healthcare providers to reduce or waive costsharing for telehealth visits paid by federal healthcare programs.

Medicaid already provides a great deal of flexibility to states that wish to use telehealth services in their programs. States can cover telehealth using various methods of communication such as telephonic, video technology commonly available on smart phones and other

devices. No federal approval is needed for state Medicaid programs to reimburse providers for telehealth services in the same manner or at the same rate that states pay for face-to-face services.

This guidance follows on President Trump’s call for all insurance companies to expand and clarify their policies around telehealth.

To read the Fact Sheet on this announcement visit: /www.cms.gov/ newsroom/fact-sheets/ medicare-telemedicinehealth-care-providerfact-sheet To read the Frequently Asked Questions on this announcement visit: https://www.cms. gov/files/document/ medicare-telehealth-frequently-asked-questionsfaqs-31720.pdf This guidance, and earlier CMS actions in response to the COVID-19 virus, are part of the ongoing White House Task Force efforts. To keep up with the important work the Task Force is doing in response to COVID-19 click here www.coronavirus.gov.

For information specific to CMS, please visit the Current Emergencies Website.

Cafe 123 - Order ahead and they will bring it to your car