Infectious diseases

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (2020-2023)

Update 5/12/2023: The federal PHE for COVID-19, declared under Section 319 of the Public Health Service Act, expired at the end of the day on May 11, 2023. Learn more by reading Frequently Asked Questions: CMS Waivers, Flexibilities, and the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PDF) (PDF Updated 5/19/2023).

• Update: COVID Over The Counter Test Coverage (English PDF) (PDF) (Spanish PDF) (PDF) (4/28/2023)

On Thursday, December 29, 2022, President Biden signed into law H.R. 2716, the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) for Fiscal Year 2023.

This legislation provides more than $1.7 trillion to fund various aspects of the federal government, including an extension of the major telehealth waivers and the Acute Hospital Care at Home (AHCaH) individual waiver that were initiated during the federal public health emergency (PHE). Additionally, on January 30, 2023, the Biden Administration announced its intent to end the national emergency and public health emergency declarations on May 11, 2023, related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

CMS is committed to updating supporting resources and providing updates as soon as possible. Please continue to use the provider-specific fact sheets for information about COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) waivers and flexibilities: https://www.cms.gov/coronavirus-waivers.

Find information and updates about current non-COVID natural disasters, man-made incidents (including cyber-attacks), and public health emergencies. Or, find more information about ongoing or past emergencies.

2020-2023

Coronavirus Disease 2019

When a national emergency was declared on March 13, 2020, we took action nationwide to aggressively respond to COVID-19. 

• You can read the blanket waivers for COVID-19 in the List of Blanket Waivers (PDF) UPDATED (6/16/2022).

The Public Health Service Act was used to declare a public health emergency (PHE) in the entire United States on January 31, 2020 giving us the flexibility to support our beneficiaries, effective January 27, 2020.  The PHE was renewed on April 21, 2020, July 23, 2020, October 2, 2020, January 7, 2021,  April 15, 2021, July 19, 2021,  October 15, 2021, January 7, 2022, April 12, 2022 effective April 16, 2022, July 15, 2022, October 13, 2022, January 11, 2023, and February 9, 2023.

Get waiver & flexibility information, apply for an 1135 waiver, or find COVID-19 vaccine policies & guidance

General information & updates:

• USA.gov has the latest information about what the U.S. Government is doing in response to COVID-19.
• CDC.gov/coronavirus has the latest public health and safety information from CDC and for the overarching medical and health provider community on COVID-19.

Read our Coronavirus disease 2019 press releases

Telehealth guidance:

• HHS telehealth guidance & information
• General Telemedicine Toolkit (PDF) (3/20/20)
• Fact sheet:  Medicare Telemedicine Healthcare Provider Fact Sheet (3/17/20)
• Long-Term Care Nursing Homes Telehealth and Telemedicine Toolkit (PDF) (3/27/20)
• End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Provider Telehealth and Telemedicine Toolkit (PDF) (3/20/20)
• State Medicaid & CHIP Telehealth Toolkit (4/23/20)
• Medicaid Telehealth Guidance (3/17/20)
• CMS Coronavirus Partner Virtual Toolkit (3/17/20)

Clinical & technical guidance:

For all clinicians

• Quality Payment Program—COVID-19 Response (4/30/20)
• CMS letter to Clinicians participating in MIPS (PDF) (4/28/20)
• CMS Dear Clinician Letter (PDF) (4/6/20)

For all health care providers 

• COVID-19 Vaccine Toolkit for Health Care Providers UPDATED (5/12/23)
• Medicare Claims During Public Health Emergencies (11/23/22)
• COVID-19 Over-the-Counter Tests UPDATED (5/12/23)
• Medicare Monoclonal Antibody COVID-19 Infusion Instruction  UPDATED (7/5/23)
• Our COVID-19 Medicare data snapshot UPDATED (1/25/21)
• Guidance related to the Emergency Preparedness Testing Exercise Requirements- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (9/30/20)
• COVID patient counseling:
  • Counseling checklist (PDF) (7/30/20)
  • Talking points (PDF) (7/30/20)
  • Information for your patients after COVID testing:
    • Steps to take after being tested (7/30/20)
    • Learn about contact tracing (7/30/20)
• Providing Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Resources During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PDF) (7/1/20)
• Price Transparency: Requirements for Providers to Make Public Cash Prices for COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing (PDF) (5/12/20)
• CMS Non-Emergent, Elective Medical Services, and Treatment Recommendations (PDF) (4/6/20)
• CMS Adult Elective Surgery and Procedures Recommendations (PDF) (3/19/20)
• Fact sheet: Additional Background: Sweeping Regulatory Changes to Help U.S. Healthcare System Address COVID-19 Patient Surge (3/30/20)
• Guidance memo - Exceptions and Extensions for Quality Reporting and Value-based Purchasing Programs (PDF) (3/27/20)

For health care facilities  

• COVID-19 Vaccine Toolkit for Health Care Providers UPDATED (5/12/23)
• Ending the Streamlined Process for Ambulatory Surgical Centers and Independent Freestanding Emergency Departments to Temporarily Enroll as Hospitals during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PDF) (12/1/21)
• Acute Hospital Care at Home Program Approved List of Hospitals (PDF) UPDATED (4/5/21)
• Toolkit for States to Mitigate COVID-19 in Nursing Homes (PDF) UPDATED (5/6/22)
• Visitation at Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IIDs) and Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTFs) - Coronavirus Disease -2019 (COVID-19) (2/11/21)
• Revised COVID-19 Focused Infection Control Survey Tool for Acute and Continuing Care (12/30/20)
• Providing flexibility for exceeding the 24-hour time frame for patients in Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (12/30/20)
• COVID-19 Infection Control for Psychiatric and Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICFs/IID) (12/17/20)
• “Hospital Without Walls” FAQs for Ambulatory Surgery Centers (PDF) (11/25/20)
• SNF: Enforcement Discretion Relating to Certain Pharmacy Billing UPDATED (5/12/23)
• Fact sheet:  Expansion of the Accelerated and Advance Payments Program for Providers and Suppliers During COVID-19 Emergency (PDF) UPDATED (10/8/20)
• Accelerated and Advance Payments Program FAQ (PDF) (10/8/20)
• COVID-19 Data Element Reporting Requirements and Enforcement Process for Hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals Interim Final Rule (IFC), CMS-3401-IFC (10/6/20)
• Dear Nursing Home Resident Voting Rights Letter (PDF) UPDATED (10/20/20)
• Medicare Payments for COVID-19 Viral Testing in Skilled Nursing Facilities/Nursing Facilities (PDF) (9/18/20)
• Final Report: Coronavirus Commission on Safety and Quality in Nursing Homes (PDF) (9/16/20)
• Point of Care Antigen Testing FAQ UPDATED (12/7/20)
• 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 (8/26/20)
• Key Components for Continued COVID 19 Management for Dialysis Facilities (8/17/20)
• QIP ESRD FAQs (PDF) UPDATED (7/14/20)
• Phase II Hospital Visitation for Patients who are Covid-19 Negative (PDF) (6/26/20)
• FAQs for Non Long-Term Care Facilities and Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (PDF) (6/10/20)
• Releasing COVID Nursing Home Data (6/4/20)
• Fact sheet for State and Local Governments About CMS Programs and Payment for Hospital Alternate Care Sites (PDF) UPDATED (12/13/21)
• Guidance on Notification Requirements of Confirmed and Suspected COVID-19 Cases Among Nursing Home Residents and Staff (5/6/20)
• 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 (4/8/20)
• Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Outpatient Settings: FAQs and Considerations (4/8/20)
• 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) (4/8/20)
• Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) Requirements and Implications Related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and FAQs  UPDATED (4/28/20)
• Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention Concerning Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Dialysis Facilities  UPDATED (4/8/20)
• Letter requesting hospitals report data in connection with their efforts to fight the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) (PDF) (3/30/20)
• Guidance for Use of Certain Industrial Respirators by Health Care Personnel (3/10/20)
• Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention Concerning Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Home Health Agencies (3/10/20)
• Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention Concerning Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) by Hospice Agencies (3/9/20)
• Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention Concerning Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): FAQs and Considerations for Patient Triage, Placement and Hospital Discharge (3/4/20)
• Information for Healthcare Facilities Concerning 2019 Novel Coronavirus Illness (2019-nCoV) (2/6/20)

For labs  

• Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Test Demonstration (PDF) (4/28/23)

Billing & coding guidance:

• Frequently Asked Questions to Assist Medicare Providers (PDF) UPDATED (4/20/23)
• Medicare Monoclonal Antibody COVID-19 Infusion Instruction  UPDATED (7/5/23)
• COVID-19 Vaccine Toolkit for Health Care Providers UPDATED (5/12/23)
• Fact sheet:  Expansion of the Accelerated and Advance Payments Program for Providers and Suppliers During COVID-19 Emergency (PDF) UPDATED (10/8/20)
• Accelerated and Advance Payments Program FAQ (PDF) (10/8/20)
• COVID patient counseling:
  • Provider Q&A (PDF) UPDATED (10/28/20)
  • Counseling checklist (PDF) (7/30/20)
  • Talking points (PDF) (7/30/20)
• Fact sheet for State and Local Governments About CMS Programs and Payment for Hospital Alternate Care Sites (PDF) UPDATED (12/13/21)
• CMS Dear Clinician Letter (PDF) (4/6/20)
• Fact sheet:  Medicare Coverage and Payment Related to COVID-19 (PDF) UPDATED (3/23/20)
• Fact sheet:  Medicare Telemedicine Healthcare Provider Fact Sheet (3/17/20)
• MLN Matters article:  Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) Response to the Public Health Emergency on the Coronavirus (PDF) UPDATED (5/12/23)
• Fact sheet:  Medicaid and CHIP Coverage and Payment Related to COVID-19 (PDF) (3/5/20)
• COVID-19: New ICD-10-CM Code and Interim Coding Guidance (2/20/20)

Survey & certification guidance:

• Toolkit for States to Mitigate COVID-19 in Nursing Homes (PDF) UPDATED (1/12/22)
• Providing flexibility for exceeding the 24-hour time frame for patients in Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (12/30/20)
• COVID-19 Infection Control for Psychiatric and Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICFs/IID) (12/17/20)
• Guidance for Processing Attestation Statements from Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) Temporarily Enrolling as Hospitals during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (11/25/20)
• Guidance related to the Emergency Preparedness Testing Exercise Requirements- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (9/30/20)
• Key Components for Continued COVID 19 Management for Dialysis Facilities (8/17/20)
• Memo to States and Nursing Home Stakeholders About Changes to Staffing Information and Quality Measures (6/25/20)
• Posting Nursing Home Inspections (6/4/20)
• Releasing COVID Nursing Home Data (6/4/20)

Coverage guidance:

• Frequently Asked Questions to Assist Medicare Providers (PDF) UPDATED (4/20/23)
• Medicare Monoclonal Antibody COVID-19 Infusion Instruction  UPDATED (7/5/23)
• COVID-19 Vaccine Toolkit for Health Care Providers UPDATED (5/12/23)
• CMS Dear Clinician Letter (PDF) (4/6/20)
• Long-Term Care Nursing Homes Telehealth and Telemedicine Toolkit (PDF) (3/27/20)
• Fact sheet:  Medicare Coverage and Payment Related to COVID-19 (PDF) UPDATED (3/23/20)
• General Telemedicine Toolkit (PDF) (3/20/20)
• End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Provider Telehealth and Telemedicine Toolkit (PDF) (3/20/20)
• FAQs on Catastrophic Plan Coverage and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (PDF) (3/19/20)
• Fact sheet:  Medicare Telemedicine Healthcare Provider Fact Sheet (3/17/20)
• FAQs on Essential Health Benefit Coverage and the Coronavirus (COVID-19) (PDF) (3/13/20)
• Fact sheet:  Medicaid and CHIP Coverage and Payment Related to COVID-19 (PDF) (3/5/20)
• Fact sheet:  Individual and Small Group Market Insurance Coverage (PDF) (3/5/20)

Provider enrollment guidance:

• Guidance for Processing Attestations from Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) Temporarily Enrolling as Hospitals During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (11/25/20)

Medicaid & CHIP guidance:  

• State Medicaid Director Letter on CY 2021 Jan-Sep Claw Back Phased-Down State Contribution Amounts (PDF) (10/9/20)
• State Medicaid Director Letter on CY 2020 Oct-Dec Claw Back Phased-Down State Contribution Amounts (PDF) (9/22/20)
• Informational Bulletin on Medicaid Reimbursement Strategies to Prevent Spread of COVID-19 in Nursing Facilities (8/24/20)
• COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions for State Medicaid and CHIP Agencies UPDATED (6/30/20)
• State Medicaid Director Letter on CY 2020 Jan-Sep Claw Back Phased-Down State Contribution Amounts (PDF) (6/23/20)
• Fact sheet for State and Local Governments About CMS Programs and Payment for Hospital Alternate Care Sites (PDF) UPDATED (12/13/21)
• State Medicaid & CHIP Telehealth Toolkit (4/23/20)
• Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), Public Law No. 116-127 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Public Law No. 116-136 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (4/15/20)
• Federal Medical Percentage Map (FMAP) & Families First Coronavirus Response Act – Increased FMAP FAQs (3/27/20)
• State Medicaid Director Letter (SMDL) #20-002 with New Section 1115 Demonstration Opportunity to Aid States With Addressing the Public Health Emergency (3/22/20)
• Section 1135 Waiver Checklist (3/22/20)
• Section 1915 Waiver, Appendix K Template (3/22/20)
• State Plan Flexibilities (3/22/20)
• COVID-19 Disaster Response Toolkit (3/12/20)
• Medicaid Telehealth Guidance (3/17/20)

Marketplace plan guidance:

• Leveraging Existing Health and Disease Management Programs to Provide Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Resources During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) (PDF) (6/29/20)
• FAQs on Prescription Drugs and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) for Issuers Offering Health Insurance Coverage in the Individual and Small Group Markets (PDF) (3/26/20)

Medicare Advantage and Part D plan guidance:

• HPMS Memo: Opportunities to maximize COVID-19 vaccinations among dually eligible individuals (PDF) (2/18/21)
• Postponement of 2019 Benefit Year HHS-operated Risk Adjustment Data Validation (HHS-RADV) (PDF) (4/15/20)

Open Payments guidance:

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Enforcing Open Payments Deadlines (PDF) (3/26/20)

Partner & stakeholder resources:

• Training for disaster responders, emergency staff, and state and regional offices
  • Training Video – Replacing Durable Medical Equipment & Prescription Drugs after a Disaster: Addressing the Needs of Medicare Beneficiaries
  • Training Content Guide (PDF)
  • DME Customer Support Tool (PDF)
  • DME Resource Guide for Beneficiaries (PDF) (PDF) (PDF)
• Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payments Program COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Payment Data (PDF) UPDATED (12/10/20)
• Medicare COVID Accelerated & Advanced Payment Data  (ZIP) (10/15/20)
• Open Door Forum Stakeholder Call podcasts & transcripts
• HHS telehealth guidance & information
• Memo to States and Nursing Home Stakeholders About Changes to Staffing Information and Quality Measures (6/25/20)
• What Patients Should Know About Seeking Health Care in English (PDF) & Spanish (PDF) (6/9/20)
• COVID Nursing Home Compare Data (6/4/20)
• CMS Coronavirus Partner Virtual Toolkit (3/17/20)
• Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payments by State and Provider Type  (PDF) UPDATED (5/8/20)
  • Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payments Provider Detail by State (ZIP) (5/8/20)

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

The Public Health Service Act was used to declare a public health emergency (PHE) in the entire United States on January 31, 2020 giving us the flexibility to support our beneficiaries, effective January 27, 2020.  The PHE was renewed on April 21, 2020, July 23, 2020, October 2, 2020, January 7, 2021,  April 15, 2021, July 19, 2021,  October 15, 2021, January 7, 2022, April 12, 2022 effective April 16, 2022, July 15, 2022, October 13, 2022, January 11, 2023, and February 9, 2023. When the national emergency was declared on March 13, 2020, we took action nationwide to aggressively respond to COVID-19. When a national emergency was declared on March 13, 2020, we took action nationwide to aggressively respond to COVID-19. 

The links below provide information on past COVID-19 guidance. 

For Healthcare Facilities

• Updated Nursing Home Guidance with Revised Visitation Recommendations (3/10/21)
• Nursing Home Facilities Training 50% Achievement List (PDF) (11/17/20)
• AQs About Visitation Considerations for Nursing Home Residents (PDF) UPDATED (3/10/21)
• Trump Administration Response to Commission Recommendations (PDF) (9/16/20)
• Guidance and Updates for Nursing Homes during COVID-19 (PDF) (9/16/20)
• Memo to States and Nursing Home Stakeholders About Changes to Staffing Information and Quality Measures (6/25/20)
• OVID Nursing Home Compare Data (6/4/20)
• Nursing Home Data Release FAQs (PDF) (6/4/20)
• Infographic: Nursing Home Reporting Numbers for 5/31/20 (PDF) (6/4/20)
• Posting Nursing Home Inspections (6/4/20)
• Nursing Home Reopening Recommendation FAQs (PDF) (5/18/20)
• CMS letter to Nursing Home Facility Management & Staff (PDF) (PDF) (5/11/20)
• COVID-19 Long-Term Care Facility Guidance (PDF) (4/3/20)
• Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Nursing Homes-REVISED (PDF) (3/13/20)
• Hospital Capacity Letter to Governors (PDF) (12/7/20)
• Acute Hospital Care At Home waiver request (11/25/20)
• How facilities can safely recognize holidays (PDF) (11/18/20)

For Labs

• SARS-CoV-2 Laboratory Testing Comparison Graphic (PDF) (4/30/20)
• Announcement: Medicare increases payment for high-production Coronavirus lab tests (PDF) (4/15/20)
• 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 (2/6/20)

Survey & Certification Guidance

• Revised COVID-19 Focused Infection Control Survey Tool for Acute and Continuing Care (12/30/20)
• CARES Act Financial Guidance to State Survey Agencies (PDF) (4/30/20)
• Coronavirus Commission for Safety and Quality in Nursing Homes (PDF)  (4/30/20)
• Nursing Home Five-Star Quality Rating Updates, Nursing Home Staff Counts, and Frequently Asked Questions  (4/24/20)
• Frequently Asked Questions for State Survey Agency and Accrediting Organization Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (PDF)  (3/10/20)
• Suspension of Survey Activities (3/4/20)
• Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Laboratory Guidance During COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (3/27/20)
• Prioritization of Survey Activities (PDF) (3/23/20)
• Frequently Asked Questions for State Survey Agency and Accrediting Organization Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (PDF) (3/10/20)
• Frequently Asked Questions and Answers on EMTALA (PDF) (3/9/20)

 

Other Guidance Documents

• Waiver for Medicare Ground Ambulance Services Treatment in Place (PDF) (5/5/21)
• COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Blanket Waivers & Flexibilities for Health Care Providers (PDF) UPDATED (10/13/22)
• Blanket waivers of Section 1877(g) of the Social Security Act (3/30/20)
• Medicare and Medicaid IFC: Additional Policy and Regulatory Revisions in Response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (CMS-9912 IFC) (PDF) (10/28/20)  
  • CMS-9912 Interim Final Rule with Comment Factsheet on Updated Policy for Maintaining Medicaid Enrollment during the Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 (10/28/20)
• Medicare and Medicaid IFC: Additional Policy and Regulatory Revisions in Response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (CMS-3401 IFC) (PDF) (8/25/20)
  • 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 (8/26/20)
• Medicare and Medicaid IFC: Additional Policy and Regulatory Revisions in Response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (CMS-5531 IFC) (PDF) (4/30/20)
  • IFC Federal Register Announcement (5/4/20)
  • PRA Disclosure Statement (PDF) (5/21/20)
• Acute Hospital Care At Home waiver request (11/25/20)
• List of Hospital Outpatient Services and List of Partial Hospitalization Program Services Accompanying the 4/30/2020 IFC (ZIP) (4/30/20)
• Innovation Model COVID-19 Adjustments (PDF) (6/3/20)
• List of lab test codes for COVID-19, Influenza, RSV (PDF) (5/12/20)
• Medicare IFC: Revisions in Response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (CMS-1744-IFC) (PDF) (3/30/20)
  • IFC Federal Register Announcement (4/1/20)
• COVID-19 Regulations & Waivers To Enable Health System Expansion (PDF) UPDATED (1/19/21)
• Graphic Overview of Flexibilities (PDF) (3/30/20)
• Frequently Asked Questions to Assist Medicare Providers (PDF) UPDATED (3/5/21)
• Provider Burden Relief Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) UPDATED (7/7/20)
• Provider Enrollment Relief Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) (3/30/20)
• Updates for State Surveyors and Accrediting Organizations (EMTALA and Infection Control) (3/30/20)
• Reprioritization of PACE, Medicare Parts C and D Program, and Risk Adjustment Data Validation (RADV) Audit Activities (HPMS Memo) (3/30/20)
• Rural Providers (PDF) (8/20/20)

Telehealth guidance:

• FAQs on Availability and Usage of Telehealth Services through Private Health Insurance Coverage in Response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (PDF) (3/26/20)

Clinical & technical guidance:

• For all health care providers
  • CMS Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination Rule- Implementation Timeline (PDF) (1/19/22)
  • Guidance for the Interim Final Rule – Medicare and Medicaid Programs – Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination (1/19/22)
  • COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination Requirements Infographic (PDF) (1/19/22)
  • COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination Requirements Decision Tree Graphic  (PDF) (1/25/22)
  • Over The Counter (OTC) Home Testing and CLIA Applicability (PDF) (11/22/21, revised 3/4/22)
  • CMS Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination Requirements FAQ (PDF) (2/3/22) UPDATED
  • COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination IFC-6 National Stakeholder Call Slides (PDF) (11/5/21)
  • COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination IFC-6 National Stakeholder Call Video (11/5/21)
  • Infographic:  Coverage of Monoclonal Antibody Products to Treat COVID-19 (PDF) (5/6/21)
  • Recommendations for Reopening Facilities to Provide Non-Emergent Non-COVID-19 Health Care (PDF) (6/9/20)
  • CMS Recommendations for Re-opening Facilities to Provide Essential Non-COVID-19 Healthcare (PDF) (4/19/20)
• For health care facilities 
  • Health care facility administrator COVID-19 vaccine letter (PDF) (02/01/22)
  • How to safely visit nursing homes (PDF) (01/25/22)
  • Nursing Home Visitation FAQ (PDF) UPDATED (03/10/22)
  • Nursing Home Visitation - COVID-19 UPDATED (4/27/21)
  • New COVID 19 Testing and Reporting Requirements (PDF) UPDATED (4/27/21)
  • 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 (4/27/21)
  • Interim Final Rule (IFC), COVID-19 Vaccine Immunization Requirements for Residents and Staff (5/11/21)
  • SARS-CoV-2 Point of Care Testing and CLIA Certificate of Waiver Applications (PDF) (12/11/20)
  • Podcast:  Nursing Home Series for Front Line Clinicians and Staff (11/19/20)
  • Enforcement Discretion Relating to Certain Pharmacy Billing (PDF) (10/16/20)
  • Compliance with Residents’ Rights Requirement related to Nursing Home Residents’ Right to Vote (10/5/20)
  • COVID-19 Survey Activities, CARES Act Funding, Enhanced Enforcement for Infection Control Deficiencies, and Quality Improvement Activities in Nursing Homes (6/1/20)
  • Nursing Home Five-Star Quality Rating Updates, Nursing Home Staff Counts, and Frequently Asked Questions (4/24/20)
  • New Nursing Home Requirements for Notification of Confirmed COVID-19 Among Residents and Staff (PDF) (4/19/20)
  • 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Long-Term Care Facility Transfer Scenarios (PDF)  (4/13/20)
• For labs 
  • Frequently Asked Questions About SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance Testing (PDF) UPDATED (10/21/21)
  • Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) Laboratories Surveyor Guidance for New and Modified CLIA Requirements Related to SARS-CoV-2 Test Result Reporting (4/15/22)
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), CLIA Guidance During the COVID-19 Emergency (PDF) UPDATED (12/17/20)
  • SARS-CoV-2 Point of Care Testing and CLIA Certificate of Waiver Applications (PDF) (12/11/20)
  • Laboratory Quick Start Guide to CMS CLIA Certification (PDF) (9/25/20)
  • More information about CLIA & CLIA Certification Fee secure platform link (9/25/20)
  • Point of Care Antigen Testing FAQ (PDF) (10/07/22)
  • 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 (8/26/20)
  • HHS Announces New Laboratory Data Reporting Guidance for COVID-19 Testing (6/5/20)
  • CLIA SARS-CoV-2 Variant FAQ (PDF) (3/19/21)
• For Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Organizations
  • Frequently Asked Questions from the PACE Community (PDF) UPDATED (1/8/21)
  • Guidance for PACE Organizations Regarding Infection Control and Prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (PDF) (3/17/20)
• For Schools
  • Quick Start Guide to CLIA Certification for COVID-19 Testing in Schools (PDF) (6/7/21)
  • How To Get Certification for In-School COVID-19 Testing Factsheet (PDF) (6/7/21)
  • Achieving Quality COVID-19 Testing in Schools Infographic (PDF) (6/7/21)
• For Employers
  • CLIA COVID quick start guide (PDF) (11/4/2021)
  • CLIA COVID fact sheet (PDF) (11/4/2021)

Billing & coding guidance:

• Medicare Monoclonal Antibody COVID-19 Infusion Program Instruction (PDF) (2/16/21)
• Infographic:  Coverage of Monoclonal Antibody Products to Treat COVID-19 (PDF) (12/9/20)
• Frequently Asked Questions about Medicare Fee-for-Service Emergency-Related Policies and Procedures With an 1135 Waiver (PDF) (3/16/20)
• Fact sheet:  Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) COVID-19 Test Pricing (PDF) (1/25/21) 

Survey & certification guidance:

• Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) Laboratories Surveyor Guidance for New and Modified CLIA Requirements Related to SARS-CoV-2 Test Result Reporting (1/8/21)
• COVID-19 Survey Activities, CARES Act Funding, Enhanced Enforcement for Infection Control Deficiencies, and Quality Improvement Activities in Nursing Homes (1/4/21)

Coverage guidance:

• Medicare Payment for COVID-19 Vaccination Administration in the Home (PDF) | Spanish (PDF) UPDATED (8/24/21)
• Medicare Monoclonal Antibody COVID-19 Infusion Program Instruction (PDF) (2/16/21)
• HPMS Memo: COVID Access to COVID-19 Vaccine Data for Parts C & D Enrollees (PDF) (1/7/21)
• Infographic:  Coverage of Monoclonal Antibody Products to Treat COVID-19 (PDF) (12/9/20)
• Guidance to help Medicare Advantage and Part D Plans Respond to COVID-19 (PDF) (3/10/20)

Provider enrollment guidance:

• Medicare Provider Enrollment Relief Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (PDF) UPDATED (3/21/22)

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 (PDF) (8/25/20)
• Temporary Policy on 2020 Premium Credits Associated with the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PDF) (8/4/20)
• Risk Adjustment Telehealth and Telephone Services During COVID-19 FAQs (PDF) (8/3/20-Replaces April 27th, 2020 guidance)
• FAQs About Families First Coronavirus Response Act & Coronavirus Aid, Relief, & Economic Security Act Implementation Part 43 (6/23/20)
• Payment and Grace Period Flexibilities Associated with the COVID-19 National Emergency (PDF) (3/26/20)
• FAQs on Availability and Usage of Telehealth Services through Private Health Insurance Coverage in Response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (PDF) (3/26/20)

Medicare Advantage and Part D plan guidance:

• HPMS Memo: Permissible Flexibilities Related to Oral Antiviral Drugs for Treatment of COVID-19 (PDF) (11/29/21)
• HPMS Memo:  COVID Access to COVID-19 Vaccine Data for Parts C & D Enrollees (PDF) (1/7/21)

Consumer information:

• Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Consumer Complaints FAQ (PDF) (2/17/22)
• Consumer Infographic on Temporary Laboratory Testing Sites (PDF) (2/24/22)
• COVID Over The Counter Test Coverage (English PDF) (PDF) (Spanish PDF) (PDF) (4/28/2023)

Zika virus outbreak (2016)

A member of the virus family Flaviviridae, Zika virus (ZIKV) is spread by daytime-active Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Zika virus is related to the Dengue, Yellow Fever, Encephalitis, and West Nile viruses. Since the 1950s, it has been known to occur within a narrow equatorial belt from Africa to Asia. From 2007 to 2016, the virus spread eastward, across the Pacific Ocean to the Americas, leading to the 2015–16 Zika virus epidemic.

On January 18, 2017, CMS announced $66.1 million in funding to health departments in American Samoa, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Florida to help combat the Zika virus. (PDF)

The links below provide information on the Health and Human Services (HHS) Public Health Emergency Declaration and its subsequent renewal.  Additional information on the ZIKV is found in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) link, found in the Related Link section. 

Related links:

• November 4, 2016: Renewal of determination that a Public Health Emergency exists
• January 31, 2017:  Determination that a Public Health Emergency exists in Puerto Rico as a consequence of the Zika Virus outbreak