CMS implements waivers in hurricane-affected areas
By HME News Staff
Updated 10:32 AM CDT, Thu October 3, 2024
WASHINGTON – CMS will permit people with Medicare who have lost or had damage to their DMEPOS products because of Hurricane Helene to receive replacements of such items and services, according to a bulletin from AAHomecare.
Specifically, CMS waivers for Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee state that:
When DMEPOS is lost, destroyed, irreparably damaged, or otherwise rendered unusable, CMS is allowing DME MACs to have the flexibility to waive replacement requirements such that the face-to-face requirement, a new physician’s order, and new medical necessity documentation are not required. Suppliers must still include a narrative description on the claim explaining the reason why the equipment must be replaced and are reminded to maintain documentation indicating that the DMEPOS was lost, destroyed, irreparably damaged, or otherwise rendered unusable or unavailable as a result of the emergency.
The full list of CMS determinations, declarations and waivers by state can be found here.
Florida, North Carolina and Tennessee have also shared information to help protect access to HME for their Medicaid beneficiaries:
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Florida: FL AHCA and Sunshine Health
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North Carolina: NC DHHS
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Tennessee: TennCare
AAHomecare will provide additional details, resources, and support as they become available.
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