CMS is empowered to take proactive steps through 1135 waivers and rapidly expand the Administration’s aggressive efforts against COVID-19. As a result, the following blanket waivers are available:
- Three-Day Stay Waiver: CMS is waiving the requirement at Section 1812(f) of the Social Security Act for a 3-day prior hospitalization for coverage of a skilled nursing facility (SNF) stay, providing temporary emergency coverage of SNF services without a qualifying hospital stay for those who need to be transferred as a result of the effect of a disaster or emergency.
- SNF Part A 100-Day Benefit Waiver: For certain beneficiaries who recently exhausted their SNF benefits, it authorizes renewed SNF coverage without first having to start a new benefit period.
- MDS Completion and Submission Waiver: CMS is waiving 42 CFR 483.20 to provide relief to SNFs on the timeframe requirements for Minimum Data Set assessments and transmission.
Read the Coronavirus 1812(f) waiver.