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 application period has opened for hospitals to apply for the latest allocation of Medicare-funded graduate medical education residency slots under Section…
Headline
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has implemented an online form for providers to submit complaints regarding Medicare Advantage plans. A CMS…
Headline
The Food and Drug Administration today released two guidance documents; one related to low-risk wellness products (including certain wearable devices) and the…
Headline
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released a memo Dec. 16 announcing the agency’s intent to conduct a voluntary pilot in 2026, called the…
Headline
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Dec. 15 published the Measures Under Consideration List for 2025. These are measures that CMS is considering…
Headline
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Dec. 11 released a report that found last year’s version of the COVID-19 vaccine was 76% effective in preventing…