Argentum Infection Prevention & Control Announcements

The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), LeadingAge, Argentum and the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA) released a joint statement today regarding distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine:

At Argentum, we’ve recently participated in a number of calls on the upcoming COVID-19 vaccination distribution plans. Here, we are sharing some information on the latest plans to date and tips on how to best prepare.

Educating lawmakers and their staff about the critical needs of the senior living industry remains a top priority. As such, we will be holding a virtual Senior Living Congressional Briefing on Thursday, November 19.

Sharing a reminder that today marks the deadline to apply for CARES Act Provider Relief Funding through HHS’ Phase 3 General Distribution. No applications will be accepted after 11:59pm ET tonight.

Sharing a reminder that the deadline for all senior living providers to opt-in to HHS’ Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program for vaccine management is 11:59pm ET today, Friday, November 6.

Nick Uehlecke, Advisor to HHS Secretary Azar, led a Q&A today with senior living providers regarding the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund application and addressed process complications. Click below to access a recording of that call:Please note: This recording is off the record and closed to media.

Over the course of the pandemic, we’ve been keeping a pulse on the status of vaccine trials and preliminary data, and we are working closely with our Vaccine Task Force to craft helpful guidance for senior living providers when a vaccine receives authorization. Here is a download of what we know to date about current vaccine trials:

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced a “comprehensive plan and proactive measures to remove regulatory barriers and ensure consistent coverage and payment for the administration of an eventual vaccine for millions of Americans,” including the nation’s seniors.

The deadline for senior living providers, including assisted living and independent living community providers, to opt-in to HHS’ pharmacy partnership program for vaccine management has been extended to Friday, November 6. (The previous deadline was Friday, October 30.)

Sharing a reminder that the deadline to opt-in to HHS’ Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program is Friday, October 30. This program is intended to help long-term care communities, at no cost, with complete vaccination management through a retail pharmacy partnership with CVS and Walgreens. Long-term care communities are not mandated to participate in this program and can request to use their current pharmacy contracts to support COVID-19 vaccination. However, providers should ensure that their long-term care pharmacy is a registered provider with their state. It is also important to note that if communities opt-in to the HHS program, the decision on how to receive vaccines can be changed at any time before vaccines are distributed.