Search
Close this search box.

CARES Act Part VII: Implications for Health Care Patients & Providers

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act will hopefully provide quick relief to the U.S. economy, but how does it affect healthcare, specifically? What are the implications for healthcare providers and recipients during the COVID-19 pandemic? 

health care providers HFG Trust

The recently passed act has added support for providers and patients, even if most provisions are temporary. Flexibility has been increased by lifting certain administrative barriers to help ensure that appropriate treatment can be provided, in the right location, and by a broader range of providers.

The law has authorized grant programs to support and expand various services, particularly with a focus on virtual care. Telehealth flexibility increases access to care and allows providers to reach many more people remotely, while simultaneously keeping providers and patients safe by avoiding exposure to others. Expanded telehealth services have been extended to Medicare recipients, in addition to increased coverage for treatment and services related to the virus.

Health savings account owners have also been included in the effort to eliminate potential barriers to COVID-19 treatment. Eligible individuals who are insured by a high deductible health plan (HDHP) under the Internal Revenue Code may still qualify to make tax-favored contributions to a health savings account (HSA)—even if they receive COVID-19 testing or treatment prior to satisfying the minimum deductible. That is, requirements with respect to minimum deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket expenses are considered maintained.

HFG Trust and Community First Bank are here to support our clients and the community in this unprecedented time. Please reach out to us. We’re in this together. After all, if we don’t have our health, we don’t have anything.

Keri Lashbaugh

LEGAL INFORMATION & DISCLOSURES

This memorandum expresses the views of the author as of the date indicated and such views are subject to change without notice. Community First Bank, HFG Trust, and HFG Advisors have no duty or obligation to update the information contained herein. Further, Community First Bank, HFG Trust, and HFG Advisors make no representation, and it should not be assumed that past investment performance is an indication of future results. Moreover, wherever there is potential profit there is possibility of loss. This memorandum is being made available for educational purposes only and should not be used for any other purpose. The information contained herein does not constitute and should not be construed as an offering of advisory services, banking services, or an offer to sell or solicit and securities or related financial instruments in any jurisdiction. Certain information contained herein concerning economic trends and performance is based on or derived from information provided by independent third-party sources. Community First Bank, HFG Trust, and HFG Advisors believes that the sources from which such information has been obtained are reliable; however, it cannot guarantee the accuracy of such information and has not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of such information or the assumptions on which such information is based. This memorandum, included the information contained herein, may not be copied, reproduced, republished, or posted in any form without the prior written consent of Community First Bank and/or HFG Trust and/or HFG Advisors. HFG Advisors, Inc, is a wholly owned subsidiary of HFG Trust, LLC. HFG Trust, LLC is a Washington state-registered Trust company and wholly owned subsidiary of Community First Bank.