CMS EXPANDS PANDEMIC-RELATED
Service and vaccinations
Despite most Medicare beneficiaries being eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, some have difficulty leaving home to visit a pharmacy or health care provider to get the shot.
Unfortunately, those experiencing these issues getting their vaccination are also typically some of the most at-risk patients who are more easily infected and, then, grievously ill.
In an effort to improve vaccine equity and offer easier access to vaccinations to those who have difficulty reaching vaccination centers, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS, announced it is creating more opportunities for people to receive vaccinations at their own homes, as well as expanding coverage for pandemic-related health services.
Medicare is allowing health care providers to receive additional payments for administering vaccines, including second doses and boosters, in smaller group homes, assisted living facilities and other groupliving situations.
“We are doing everything we can to remove barriers to vaccinations, including ensuring appropriate payment levels for vaccine providers to connect with more people in their communities who are unable to receive the vaccine in a traditional setting,” said Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, CMS administrator.
“Today’s actions ensure that everyone has the ability to be vaccinated against COVID-19, including older adults with mobility or transportation challenges and other at-risk individuals.”
Medicare has increased the total payment amount for at-home vaccination from approximately $40 to approximately $75 per vaccine dose, in certain circumstances.
However, delivering on improved vaccine equity does present some challenges. CMS said providing better opportunities to accesschallenged and hard-to-reach individuals to receive their COVID-19 shot faces considerations such as ensuring appropriate vaccine storage temperatures, handling and administration.
“Along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance, [this] announcement helps vaccine providers meet these challenges and successfully administer vaccinations,” CMS said in a press release. “The additional payment amount also accounts for the clinical time needed to monitor a beneficiary after the vaccine is administered, as well as the up-front costs associated with administering the vaccine safely and appropriately in a beneficiary’s home.
“The payment rate for administering each dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, as well as the additional in-home payment amount, is geographically adjusted based on where the service is furnished.”
Before you help your parents sign up for Medicare at age 65, help them to review their current medical needs.
They may need a Medicare supplement plan in order to cover additional costs beyond the basics, like prescriptions or other care.
Understanding your loved one’s needs will help you to better research their Medicare coverage plan options. That way you can ensure that they have the coverage and care that they need when they do finally get the chance to enroll.
The process of enrolling in Medicare coverage can be complicated and confusing. But with some preparation and research, you can help ease the process for your parents.