Very Brief Blog: CMS Issues Coverage Guidance for COVID Testing

On April 11, 2020 (Saturday), released guidance on coverage and (lack of) copayments for COVID testing.  The guidance states the coverage applies to both PCR and serology testing.

CMS notes that, "This guidance is another action the Trump Administration is taking to remove financial barriers for Americans to receive necessary COVID-19 tests and health services."  However, key portions of the guidance flow directly from the text of the CARES Act legislation passed ten days ago by Congress.

• See press release here.
• See 12-page PDF FAQ here.
• See coverage at Genomeweb here.  Medcity News here.

In the PDF FAQ, CMS notes it is directly implementing legislation and under urgent circumstances the Administrative Procedures Act e.g. notice-and-comment, do not apply.