Beginning July 6, both traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans will cover diagnostic COVID-19 laboratory tests for nursing home residents and patients through the remainder of the public health emergency, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced Friday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently recommended testing all nursing home residents and patients with COVID-19 symptoms or potential exposure. MA plans must continue not to charge cost sharing (including deductibles, copayments and coinsurance) or apply prior authorization or other utilization management requirements for COVID-19 tests and testing-related services, CMS notes.

Related News Articles

Headline
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services July 16 released its final guidance on the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan which will begin next year. The…
Headline
The AHA July 11 released its quarterly Health Care Plan Accountability Update, a roundup of news, letters, statements and other resources covering private…
Headline
The AHA submitted a statement July 11 for a Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing on health care transparency and lowering health care costs. The AHA…
Headline
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services July 10 issued a proposed rule that would increase Medicare hospital outpatient prospective payment system…
Headline
The Healthcare Equality Network July 3 sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, expressing concerns about claims denials by…
Headline
The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General last week announced its intent to investigate Medicare Advantage Organizations’ prior…