Medicare and Medi-Cal Will Cover Coronavirus Testing
With coronavirus dominating news coverage and creating alarm, it is important to know that Medicare and Medi-Cal will cover tests for the virus.
The department of Health and Human Services has designated the test for the new strain of coronavirus (officially called COVID-19) an essential health benefit. This designation means that Medicare and Medi-Cal will cover testing of beneficiaries who are suspected of having the virus. In order to be covered, a doctor or other health care provider must order the test. All tests on or after February 4, 2020 are covered, although your provider will need to wait until after April 1, 2020, to be able to submit a claim to Medicare for the test.
Congress has also passed an $8.3 billion emergency funding bill to help federal agencies respond to the outbreak. The funding will provide federal agencies with money to develop tests and treatment options as well as help local governments deal with outbreaks.
As always, to prevent the spread of this illness or other illnesses, including the flu, take the following precautions:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
• Stay home when you're sick
• See your doctor if you think you're ill
Contact us
Elise Lampert, Esq.
Law Office of Elise Lampert
9595 Wilshire Blvd. | Suite 900 | Beverly Hills , CA 90212
Phone: (818) 905-0601 / Email: elise@elampertlaw.com
***Member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
No comments:
Post a Comment