Medicare FFS Response to COVID-19
The HHS Secretary declared a public health emergency, which allows
for CMS programmatic waivers based on Section 1135 of the Social
Security Act. An MLN Matters Special Edition Article SE20011 on
Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) Response to the Public Health Emergency on the Coronavirus
is available. Learn about blanket waivers issued by CMS. These waivers
prevent gaps in access to care for beneficiaries impacted by the
emergency.
See the press release outlining our announcement.
COVID-19 Nursing Home Visitor Guidance
On March 13, as part of the broader Trump Administration
announcement, CMS announced critical new measures designed to keep
America’s nursing home residents safe from the 2019 Novel Coronavirus
(COVID-19). The measures take the form of a
memorandum and is based on the
newest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
It directs nursing homes to significantly restrict visitors and
nonessential personnel, as well as restrict communal activities inside
nursing homes. The new measures are
CMS’s latest action to protect America’s seniors, who are at highest
risk for complications from COVID-19. While visitor restrictions may be
difficult for residents and families, it is an important temporary
measure for their protection.
For More Information:
• Press
Release
• Memo
Nursing Home Guidance QSO-20-14 –NH
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, visit the
coronavirus.gov webpage.
For information specific to CMS, visit the Current Emergencies website.
FILED UNDER: Home Healthcare