The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus named “Coronavirus Disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”).
On January 31, 2020, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M. Azar II declared a public health emergency (PHE) for the United States to aid the nation’s healthcare community in responding to COVID-19. On March 13, 2020, President Trump declared a national emergency concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) outbreak. CMS took action to aggressively respond to this national emergency
This is an ongoing situation and we will continue to make updates and provide resources.
CDC Guidance
What the U.S. Government is Doing
Medicaid and CHIP Resources
- Coverage and Reimbursement of COVID-19 Vaccines, Vaccine Administration and Cost-Sharing under Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and Basic Health Program Toolkit (PDF, 1.1 MB) (Updated 12/17/2020)
- COVID-19 FAQs for State Medicaid and CHIP Agencies (PDF, 1.07 MB) (Updated 6/30/2020)
- New COVID-19 FAQs for State Medicaid and CHIP Agencies (PDF, 246.21 KB) (FAQs contained in this document are available in the COVID-19 FAQs for State Medicaid and CHIP Agencies (PDF, 1.07 MB)) (Posted 6/30/2020)
- Coverage of Monoclonal Antibody Products to Treat COVID-19 (PDF, 66.29 KB)
- COVID-19 FAQs on implementation of Section 6008 of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (PDF, 183.46 KB) (Updated 4/13/2020)
- CMS-9912 Interim Final Rule with Comment Factsheet on Updated Policy for Maintaining Medicaid Enrollment during the Public Health Emergency for COVID‑19 Factsheet (PDF, 177.03 KB)
- COVID-19 FAQs on implementation of Section 6008 of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (PDF, 645.09 KB) (Posted 4/13/2020)
- Services Delivered via Telehealth Among Medicaid & CHIP Beneficiaries During COVID-19: Preliminary Medicaid & CHIP Data Snapshot Services through June 30, 2020 (PDF, 313.4 KB)
- Service use among Medicaid & CHIP beneficiaries age 18 and under during COVID-19: Preliminary Medicaid & CHIP Data Snapshot (Services through May 31, 2020) (PDF, 1.12 MB)
- CIB: Nursing Home Strategies for COVID-19 Only Isolation of COVID-19 Residents (PDF, 168.31 KB)
- Operationalizing Implementation of the Optional COVID-19 Testing (XXIII) Group Potential State Flexibilities guidance (PDF, 244.72 KB)
- Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Additional Policy and Regulatory Revisions in Response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Interim Final Rule with Comment (CMS-5531 IFC) Medicaid Fact Sheet (PDF, 384.05 KB)
- CIB: Medicaid Substance Use Disorder Treatment via Telehealth, and Rural Health Care and Medicaid Telehealth Flexibilities Guidance (PDF, 329.14 KB)
- Fact Sheet: Coverage and Benefits Related to COVID-19 Medicaid and CHIP
- Medicaid Telehealth
- Finding Medicaid Coverage for Eligible Children
- HHS CARES Act Provider Relief Fund Webpage
- Fact sheet for State and Local Governments About CMS Programs and Payment for Hospital Alternate Care Sites
- State Medicaid Director Letter on CY 2020 Jan-Sep Claw Back Phased-Down State Contribution Amounts
- State Medicaid Director Letter on CY 2020 Oct-Dec Claw Back Phased-Done State Contribution Amounts
Tools and Checklists for States Seeking Greater Flexibility
- COVID-19 Managed Care Delivery System and Provider Payment Initiatives
- CIB: Medicaid Managed Care Options in Responding to COVID-19 (PDF, 213.82 KB)
- Medicaid and CHIP Telehealth Toolkit (PDF, 414.95 KB)
- Medicaid & CHIP Telehealth Toolkit Checklist for States (DOCX, 47.36 KB)
- Medicaid and CHIP Telehealth Toolkit Supplement 1 (PDF, 700.4 KB)
- Disaster Preparedness Toolkit for State Medicaid Agencies (PDF, 369.77 KB)
- Inventory of Medicaid and CHIP Flexibilities and Authorities in the Event of a Disaster (PDF, 1.66 MB)
- Section 1135 Information & Waiver Checklist
- Section 1115 Waiver Checklist
- Home and Community-Based Section 1915(c) Waiver Information
- Section 1915(c) Appendix K Template
- Medicaid Disaster State Plan Amendment Template
- CHIP Disaster State Plan Amendment
State Waiver and Amendment Approvals
- Section 1135 Waiver Approvals
- Section 1115 Approvals
- Section 1915(C) Appendix K Approvals
- Medicaid Disaster SPA Approvals
- CHIP SPA Approvals
Additional CMS Guidance
- Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Policy and Regulatory Revisions in Response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Interim final rule with comment period
- Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Basic Health Program, and Exchanges, Additional Policy and Regulatory Revisions in Response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and Delay of Certain Reporting Requirements for Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Emergency Preparedness and Response Operations (EPRO): Current Emergencies
- You can read the blanket waivers for COVID19 in the List of Blanket Waivers
Clinical and Technical Guidance:
For all Clinicians
- Quality Payment Program—COVID-19 Response
- CMS letter to Clinicians participating in MIPS
- CMS Dear Clinician Letter
For all Health Care Providers
- Medicare Monoclonal Antibody COVID-19 Infusion Program Instruction
- Our COVID-19 Medicare Data Snapshot
- Guidance related to the Emergency Preparedness Testing Exercise Requirements- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- COVID patient counseling:
- Information for your patients after COVID testing:
- Providing Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Resources During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
- Recommendations for Reopening Facilities to Provide Non-Emergent Non-COVID-19 Health Care
- Price Transparency: Requirements for Providers to Make Public Cash Prices for COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing
- CMS Recommendations for Re-opening Facilities to Provide Essential Non-COVID-19 Healthcare
- CMS Non-Emergent, Elective Medical Services, and Treatment Recommendations
- CMS Adult Elective Surgery and Procedures Recommendations
- Fact sheet: Additional Background: Sweeping Regulatory Changes to Help U.S. Healthcare System Address COVID-19 Patient Surge
- COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Health Care Providers Fact Sheet
- Guidance memo - Exceptions and Extensions for Quality Reporting and Value-based Purchasing Programs
For Health Care Facilities
- COVID Testing FAQs for Nursing Homes
- Hospital Capacity Letter to Governors
- Toolkit for States to Mitigate COVID-19 in Nursing Homes
- “Hospital Without Walls” FAQs for Ambulatory Surgery Centers
- Acute hospital care at home FAQs
- Acute Hospital Care At Home waiver request
- Guidance for Processing Attestation Statements from Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) Temporarily Enrolling as Hospitals during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
- Podcast: Nursing Home Series for Front Line Clinicians and Staff
- How facilities can safely recognize holidays
- Nursing Home Facilities Training 50% Achievement List
- Enforcement Discretion Relating to Certain Pharmacy Billing
- Fact sheet: Expansion of the Accelerated and Advance Payments Program for Providers and Suppliers During COVID-19 Emergency UPDATED
- Accelerated and Advance Payments Program FAQ
- COVID-19 Data Element Reporting Requirements and Enforcement Process for Hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals Interim Final Rule (IFC), CMS-3401-IFC
- Dear Nursing Home Resident Voting Rights Letter UPDATED
- Compliance with Residents’ Rights Requirement related to Nursing Home Residents’ Right to Vote
- FAQs About Visitation Considerations for Nursing Home Residents UPDATED
- Medicare Payments for COVID-19 Viral Testing in Skilled Nursing Facilities/Nursing Facilities
- Nursing Home Visitation - COVID-19
- Trump Administration Response to Commission Recommendations
- Final Report: Coronavirus Commission on Safety and Quality in Nursing Homes
- Guidance and Updates for Nursing Homes during COVID-19
- New COVID 19 Testing and Reporting Requirements
- Point of Care Antigen Testing FAQ (8/31/20)
- CLIA and University Laboratory Testing FAQ (8/31/20)
- Interim Final Rule (IFC), CMS-3401-IFC, Additional Policy and Regulatory Revisions in Response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency related to Long-Term Care (LTC) Facility Testing Requirements and Revised COVID-19 Focused Survey Tool (8/26/20)
- Interim Final Rule (IFC), CMS-3401-IFC, Updating Requirements for Reporting of SARS-CoV-2 Test Results by (CLIA) of 1988 Laboratories, and Additional Policy and Regulatory Revisions in Response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
- Key Components for Continued COVID 19 Management for Dialysis Facilities
- FAQs About COVID Testing in Skilled Nursing Facilities
- QIP ESRD FAQs
- FAQs for Non Long-Term Care Facilities and Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
- COVID Nursing Home Compare Data
- Nursing Home Data Release FAQs
- Infographic: Nursing Home Reporting Numbers for 5/31/20
- Posting Nursing Home Inspections
- Releasing COVID Nursing Home Data
- COVID-19 Survey Activities, CARES Act Funding, Enhanced Enforcement for Infection Control Deficiencies, and Quality Improvement Activities in Nursing Homes
- Fact sheet for State and Local Governments About CMS Programs and Payment for Hospital Alternate Care Sites
- Nursing Home Reopening Recommendation FAQs
- Toolkit for States to Mitigate COVID-19 in Nursing Homes
- CMS letter to Nursing Home Facility Management & Staff
- Guidance on Notification Requirements of Confirmed and Suspected COVID-19 Cases Among Nursing Home Residents and Staff
- Accelerated and Advanced Payments Fact Sheet UPDATED
- Nursing Home Five-Star Quality Rating Updates, Nursing Home Staff Counts, and Frequently Asked Questions
- Guidance for Licensed Independent Freestanding Emergency Departments (EDs) to Participate in Medicare and Medicaid during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
- New Nursing Home Requirements for Notification of Confirmed COVID-19 Among Residents and Staff
- 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Long-Term Care Facility Transfer Scenarios
- Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Hospitals, Psychiatric Hospitals, and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs): FAQs, Considerations for Patient Triage, Placement, Limits to Visitation and Availability of 1135 waivers
- Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Outpatient Settings: FAQs and Considerations
- Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IIDs) and Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTFs)
- Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) Requirements and Implications Related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention Concerning Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Dialysis Facilities
- COVID-19 Long-Term Care Facility Guidance
- Letter requesting hospitals report data in connection with their efforts to fight the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Accelerated and Advanced Payments Fact Sheet
- Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Nursing Homes-REVISED
- COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Health Care Providers Fact Sheet
- Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Dialysis Facilities
- Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention Concerning Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Home Health Agencies (HHAs)
- Guidance for use of Certain Industrial Respirators by Health Care Personnel
- Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Nursing Homes
- Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention Concerning Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) by Hospice Agencies
- Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention Concerning Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): FAQs and Considerations for Patient Triage, Placement and Hospital Discharge
- Information for Healthcare Facilities Concerning 2019 Novel Coronavirus Illness (2019-nCoV)
For Labs
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), CLIA Guidance During the COVID-19 Emergency UPDATED (11/10/20)
- Laboratory Quick Start Guide to CMS CLIA Certification (9/25/20)
- More information about CLIA & CLIA Certification Fee secure platform link (9/25/20)
- Point of Care Antigen Testing FAQ (8/31/20)
- CLIA and University Laboratory Testing FAQ (8/31/20)
- Interim Final Rule (IFC), CMS-3401-IFC, Updating Requirements for Reporting of SARS-CoV-2 Test Results by (CLIA) of 1988 Laboratories, and Additional Policy and Regulatory Revisions in Response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
- Frequently Asked Questions About SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance Testing
- HHS Announces New Laboratory Data Reporting Guidance for COVID-19 Testing
- SARS-CoV-2 Laboratory Testing Comparison Graphic
- Announcement: Medicare Increases Payment for High-Production Coronavirus Lab Tests
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), CLIA Guidance During the COVID-19 Emergency
- Notification to Surveyors of the Authorization for Emergency Use of the CDC 2019-Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel Assay and Guidance for Authorized Laboratories
For Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Organizations
- Frequently Asked Questions from the PACE Community
- Guidance for PACE Organizations Regarding Infection Control and Prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Billing and Coding Guidance:
- Medicare Monoclonal Antibody COVID-19 Infusion Program Instruction
- Fact sheet for State and Local Governments About CMS Programs and Payment for Hospital Alternate Care Sites
- Frequently Asked Questions to Assist Medicare Providers UPDATED
- Fact sheet: Expansion of the Accelerated and Advance Payments Program for Providers and Suppliers During COVID-19 Emergency UPDATED
- CMS Dear Clinician Letter
- Fact sheet: Expansion of the Accelerated and Advance Payments Program for Providers and Suppliers During COVID-19 Emergency
- Frequently Asked Questions to Assist Medicare Providers
- Fact sheet: Medicare Coverage and Payment Related to COVID-19
- Fact sheet: Medicare Telemedicine Healthcare Provider Fact Sheet
- Medicare Telehealth Frequently Asked Questions
- MLN Matters article: Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) Response to the Public Health Emergency on the Coronavirus
- Frequently asked questions about Medicare fee-for-service emergency-related policies and procedures without an 1135 Waiver
- Frequently asked questions about Medicare fee-for-service emergency-related policies and procedures with an 1135 Waiver
- Fact sheet: Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) COVID-19 Test Pricing
- Fact sheet: Medicaid and CHIP Coverage and Payment Related to COViD-19
- COVID-19: New ICD-10-CM Code and Interim Coding Guidance
Survey and Certification Guidance:
- Toolkit for States to Mitigate COVID-19 in Nursing Homes UPDATED (11/4/20)
- Guidance related to the Emergency Preparedness Testing Exercise Requirements- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (9/30/20)
- Nursing Home Visitation - COVID-19 (9/17/20)
- Key Components for Continued COVID 19 Management for Dialysis Facilities
- Memo to States and Nursing Home Stakeholders About Changes to Staffing Information and Quality Measures
- Posting Nursing Home Inspections
- Releasing COVID Nursing Home Data
- COVID-19 Survey Activities, CARES Act Funding, Enhanced Enforcement for Infection Control Deficiencies, and Quality Improvement Activities in Nursing Homes
- CARES Act Financial Guidance to State Survey Agencies
- Coronavirus Commission for Safety and Quality in Nursing Homes
- Nursing Home Five-Star Quality Rating Updates, Nursing Home Staff Counts, and Frequently Asked Questions
- Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Laboratory Guidance During COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
- Prioritization of Survey Activities
- Frequently Asked Questions for State Survey Agency and Accrediting Organization Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- Frequently Asked Questions and Answers on EMTALA
- Suspension of Survey Activities
Medicare and Other Coverage Guidance:
- Medicare Monoclonal Antibody COVID-19 Infusion Program Instruction
- HHS telehealth guidance & information
- Frequently Asked Questions to Assist Medicare Providers
- VIDEO-MLN Medicare Coverage and Payment of Virtual Services
- CMS Dear Clinician Letter
- Long-Term Care Nursing Homes Telehealth and Telemedicine Toolkit
- General Telemedicine Toolkit
- End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Provider Telehealth and Telemedicine Toolkit
- FAQs on Catastrophic Plan Coverage and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- Medicare Telemedicine Healthcare Provider Fact Sheet
- Medicare Telehealth Frequently Asked Questions
- Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) COVID-19 Test Pricing
- Frequently Asked Questions to Assist Medicare Providers
- Fact sheet: Medicare Coverage and Payment Related to COVID-19
- CMS HPMS Memo to All Medicare Advantage Organizations, Part D Sponsors, and Medicare-Medicaid Plans: Information Related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 - COVID-19
- Fact sheet: Individual and Small Group Market Insurance Coverage
- FAQs on Essential Health Benefit Coverage and the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Provider Enrollment Guidance:
- Guidance for Processing Attestations from Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) Temporarily Enrolling as Hospitals During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
- Medicare Provider Enrollment Relief Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)-UPDATED (3/30/20)
Marketplace Plan Guidance:
- Technical Fact Sheet: CCIIO Premium Reductions: Medicare and Medicaid Programs, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), and Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Additional Policy and Regulatory Revisions in Response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
- Temporary Policy on 2020 Premium Credits Associated with the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
- Risk Adjustment Telehealth and Telephone Services During COVID-19 FAQs
- Leveraging Existing Health and Disease Management Programs to Provide Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Resources During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE)
- FAQs About Families First Coronavirus Response Act & Coronavirus Aid, Relief, & Economic Security Act Implementation Part 43
- Payment and Grace Period Flexibilities Associated with the COVID-19 National Emergency
- FAQs on Availability and Usage of Telehealth Services through Private Health Insurance Coverage in Response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- FAQs on Prescription Drugs and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) for Issuers Offering Health Insurance Coverage in the Individual and Small Group Markets
Open Payments Guidance:
CMS Stakeholder Calls (Including Medicaid and CHIP All-State Calls):
- Open Door Forum Stakeholder Call Podcasts & Transcripts
- Tuesday, March 17, 2020, CMS Medicaid & CHIP All State Call
- Friday, March 20, 2020, CMS Medicaid & CHIP All State Call (ZIP, 9.11 MB)
- Tuesday, March 24, 2020, CMS Medicaid & CHIP All State Call: Checklist and Tools, Family First COVID Response Act (ZIP, 9.8 MB)
- Friday, March 27, 2020, CMS Medicaid & CHIP All State Call
- Tuesday, March 31, 2020 CMS and Medicaid & CHIP All State Call
- Friday, April 3, 2020 CMS and Medicaid & CHIP All State Call
- Tuesday, April 7, 2020, CMS Medciaid & CHIP All State Call on Frequently Asked Questions
- Friday, April 10, 2020, CMS Medicaid and CHIP All State Call
- Tuesday, April 14, 2020, CMS Medicaid and CHIP All State Call
- Friday, April 17, 2020, CMS Medicaid and CHIP All State Call
- Tuesday, April 21, 2020, CMS Medicaid and CHIP All State Call
- Thursday, April 24, 2020, CMS Medicaid & CHIP All State Call
- Tuesday, April 28, 2020, CMS Medicaid & CHIP All State Call
- Friday, May 1, 2020, CMS Medicaid & CHIP All State Call
- Tuesday, May 5, 2020, CMS Medicaid & CHIP All State Call
- Friday, May 8, 2020, CMS Medicaid & CHIP All State Call
- Tuesday, May 12, 2020, CMS Medicaid & CHIP All State Call
- Tuesday, May 19, 2020, CMS Medicaid & CHIP All State Call
- Tuesday, June 2, 2020, CMS Medicaid & CHIP All State Call
- HRSA PRF Uninsured Program - Overview Presentation (PPTX, 361.18 KB)
- Tuesday, June 9, 2020, CMS Medicaid & CHIP All State Call
- Tuesday, June 16, 2020, CMS Medicaid & CHIP All State Call
- All-State Medicaid & CHIP Presentation June 16, 2020 (PDF, 610.61 KB)
- Tuesday, June 23, 2020, CMS Medicaid & CHIP All State Call
- All-State Medicaid & CHIP Presentation June 23, 2020 (PDF, 593.28 KB)
- Tuesday, June 30, 2020 CMS Medicaid & CHIP All State Call
- All-State Medicaid & CHIP Presentation June 30, 2020 (PDF, 572.45 KB)
- Tuesday, July 14, 2020 CMS Medicaid & CHIP All State Call
- Tuesday, July 21, 2020, CMS Medicaid & CHIP All State Call
- Tuesday, July 28, 2020, CMS Medicaid & CHIP All State Call
- Tuesday, August 4, 2020, CMS Medicaid & CHIP All State Call
- Tuesday, August 11, 2020, CMS Medicaid & CHIP All State Call
- Tuesday, August 18, 2020, CMS Medicaid & CHIP All State Call
- Tuesday, August 25, 2020, CMS Medicaid & CHIP All State Call
- Tuesday, September 1, 2020, CMS Medicaid & CHIP All State Call
- Tuesday, September 15, 2020 CMS All State Call
- Tuesday, September 29, 2020 CMS All State Call
- Tuesday, October 6, 2020 CMS All State Call
- Thursday, October 29, 2020 CMS All State Call
- All-State Medicaid & CHIP Presentation October 29, 2020 (PDF, 155.48 KB)
- Thursday, November 5, 2020 CMS All State Call
- All-State Medicaid & CHIP Presentation November 5, 2020 (PDF, 1.05 MB)
- Tuesday, November 17, 2020 CMS All State Call
- All-State Medicaid & CHIP Presentation November 17, 2020 (PDF, 940.74 KB)
- Tuesday, November 24, 2020 CMS All State Call
- Tuesday, December 1, 2020 CMS All State Call (Audio Only) Please note: Please understand that this audio recording is currently not 508 compliant. CMS is working quickly to remediate the recording. If there are questions/concerns in the interim of the published 508 compliant audio recording, please contact MedicaidCOVID19@cms.hhs.gov
- Tuesday, December 8, 2020 CMS All State Call (Audio Only) Please note: Please understand that this audio recording is currently not 508 compliant. CMS is working quickly to remediate the recording. If there are questions/concerns in the interim of the published 508 compliant audio recording, please contact MedicaidCOVID19@cms.hhs.gov
- All-State Medicaid & CHIP Presentation December 8, 2020 (PDF, 623.84 KB)