Medicare to cover COVID-19 tests for nursing home patients

Beginning July 6, both traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans will cover diagnostic COVID-19 laboratory tests for nursing home residents and patients through the remainder of the public health emergency, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced Friday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently recommended testing all nursing home residents and patients with COVID-19 symptoms or potential exposure. MA plans must continue not to charge cost sharing (including deductibles, copayments and coinsurance) or apply prior authorization or other utilization management requirements for COVID-19 tests and testing-related services, CMS notes.