CMS Resources for Patients and Families

Do you know the difference between feeling lonely and feeling socially isolated? Do you know what to do to help yourself or a loved one who might feel lonely or socially isolated? The National Institute on Aging lists tips to stay connected.

Read this special edition Medicare Learning Network Matters Article that includes information for all Medicare providers and suppliers who requested and received COVID-19 Accelerated and Advance Payments (CAAPs) from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) due to COVID-19. CMS began recovering those payments as early as March 30, 2021, depending upon the one-year anniversary of when providers received their first payment. This article also gives information on how to identify recovered payments. Providers should ensure their billing staff are aware that the recovery has begun, or will begin soon, but no sooner than one year from the date CMS issued the CAAP to your organization or facility.

As COVID-19 vaccines are becoming more available, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services encourages individuals to contact their doctor to talk about getting vaccinated, scheduling any missed appointments and talking about other health care needs, including preventive care, screenings, and mental health services, as well as using telehealth services when appropriate.

View these tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to learn ways to listen without judgement and speak with your family and friends about the benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is investing $150 million to increase access to COVID-19 monoclonal antibody therapeutic treatments for patients in vulnerable communities across the country.

As part of President Biden’s National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will invest $10 billion from the American Rescue Plan to ramp up screening testing to help schools reopen, $2.25 billion to scale up testing in underserved populations, and provide new guidance on asymptomatic screening testing in schools, workplaces and congregate settings.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is increasing the Medicare payment amount for administering the COVID-19 vaccine. Visit the CMS website for more information and to review billing codes.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health will offer the funding as health literacy grants to localities, who will partner with community-based organizations, to reach racial and ethnic minority, rural and other vulnerable populations.

Janssen Pharmaceuticals, part of Johnson & Johnson, will be the first federal partner to use repurposed Merck facilities to manufacture COVID-19 vaccine. Merck will use two of its facilities to produce drug substance, formulate and fill vials of Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued new guidance removing barriers to COVID-19 diagnostic testing and vaccinations, and strengthening requirements that plans and issuers cover diagnostic testing without cost sharing.

Medicare beneficiaries, their family members and caregivers should read this handout with more information to stop Medicare fraud, especially as it relates to receiving a vaccination for COVID-19.

View this website from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that provides COVID-19 vaccine policies and guidance.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has released a guide for patients and Medicare beneficiaries to use to help make informed choices as they begin to seek non-emergency treatments.

Please visit this Medicare Quality Improvement Organization site for beneficiary- and family-centered care information for providers, patients and families.

Email your COVID-19 questions to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) at Covid-19@cms.hhs.gov.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a fact sheet with additional guidance for health care providers and patients about the telehealth benefits in the agency’s Medicare program.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people with Medicare are at higher risk for COVID-19. Here are Medicare's latest resources to keep you up to date.

On March 17, 2020, CMS expanded Medicare telehealth coverage that enables beneficiaries to receive a wider range of health care services from their doctors without having to travel to a health care facility.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published this fact sheet.

On March 18, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that all elective surgeries, non-essential medical, surgical, and dental procedures be delayed during the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

The purpose of these FAQs is to provide guidance to Americans enrolled in individual or small group market health plans, including HealthCare.gov consumers.

On March 13, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced critical new measures designed to keep America’s nursing home residents safe from the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

CMS is authorized to waive certain Medicare, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) program requirements and conditions of participation under Section 1135 of the Social Security Act.