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TO:  All Providers

RE:  COVID-19 Emergency Expiration Date Extended to December 31, 2022, and Preparation for the End of the Public Health Emergency

All previously published expiration dates related to the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) are once again extended by the Alabama Medicaid Agency (Medicaid). The new expiration date is the earlier of December 31, 2022, the conclusion of the COVID-19 national emergency, or any expiration date noticed by the Alabama Medicaid Agency through a subsequent ALERT.

Medicaid is preparing now for the end of the COVID-19 PHE. Medicaid partners can assist in relaying a consistent and simple message to the Medicaid recipients by sharing key messages from the Agency in your newsletters, social media posts, and other means of communication. To learn more, please visit:  https://medicaid.alabama.gov/content/7.0_Providers/7.11_COVID-19_Vaccine_Providers.aspx.

Alabama Medicaid Partner Toolkit:  https://medicaid.alabama.gov/documents/7.0_Providers/7.11_COVID-19_Information_For_Providers/7.11_PHE_Unwinding_Toolkit_7-12-22.pdf.

A listing of previous Provider ALERTs related to the COVID-19 PHE is available on the Agency’s provider COVID-19 page:  https://medicaid.alabama.gov/content/7.0_Providers/7.11_COVID-19_Vaccine_Providers.aspx.

During the COVID-19 emergency, it is important to file claims as quickly as possible to ensure payment from Medicaid is made to Medicaid providers close to the date of service. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has increased the federal matching percentage for the emergency time frame, but states can only receive the increased match on claims that are paid during the emergency. Providers should include appropriate COVID-19 diagnosis code(s) on claims submitted to help with tracking of COVID-19.

The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and Current Dental Terminology (CDT) codes descriptors, and other data are copyright © 2022 American Medical Association and © 2022 American Dental Association (or such other date publication of CPT and CDT). All rights reserved. Applicable FARS/DFARS apply.