COVID-19 Briefs for August 24, 2020

Situation Report | August 24, 2020 

Additional PPP Guidance from SBA

The Small Business Administration (SBA) and Treasury Department have recently released additional guidance on Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans.

These include Updated FAQs on PPP Loan Forgiveness and a Summary of all PPP Loan Lending here.

Workers’ Comp Reimbursement for COVID-19 Testing

The Workers’ Compensation Board has adopted, on an emergency basis, a regulation to allow reimbursement for COVID-19 testing when there is a claim for workers’ compensation benefits due to workplace exposure to COVID-19. A Notice of Emergency Adoption will be published in the September 2, 2020, edition of the State Register.

Medicaid Program Modifications

The New York City Human Resources Administration (NYC HRA) has posted an Alert on the “Easements” implemented by New York State because of the COVID-19 emergency.

Below are some of the easements that apply to all Medicaid clients:

  • For new applications, individuals may attest to all elements of eligibility except immigration status and identity, if the immigration document does not also prove identity. Copies of documents that prove immigration/identity status should still be submitted. Clients whose citizenship status is not verified through data sources will also be given an opportunity to submit the documents later.
  • Clients do not need to provide proof of their Medicare application; this requirement is waived for the period of the COVID-19 emergency.
  • During the COVID-19 emergency, no Medicaid cases will be closed for failure to renew or failure to provide documentation. Any case that is closed for failure to renew or failure to provide documentation will be re-opened and coverage restored to ensure no gap in coverage. Renewals will be extended for twelve months. Excess resources cases will be extended for six months.
  • Medicaid cases with authorization that ends in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, or October will be extended.
  • Clients who meet their surplus during the COVID-19 emergency will have their coverage extended for six months. Coverage will be extended for another six months if it would otherwise end during the COVID-19 emergency.
  • Clients who have a spend-down and have been unable to submit a bill or payment due to the COVID-19 emergency should call the MICSA Surplus Helpline at 929-221-083

Effective immediately, a limited number of Medicaid Offices will remain open. Individuals are encouraged to call 1-888-692-6116 for more information.