Uncategorized

CMS Continues to Expand Waivers

On May 11, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published an updated summary of waivers and flexibilities related to the COVID-19 public health emergency (COVID-19 PHE). These new waivers, which CMS has identified in red (indicating they have been added or updated since April 30), include: (i) expansion of hospitals’ ability to offer long-term care services (swing beds); (ii) waivers of distance requirements, market share, and bed requirements for Sole Community Hospitals; (iii) waivers of certain eligibility requirements for Medicare-Dependent, Small Rural Hospitals; and (iv) updates on specific life safety code requirements for hospitals, hospice, and long-term care facilities. For the latest information on CMS waivers, check the CMS Coronavirus Waivers & Flexibilities webpage.