Hurricane Info from HHS, CMS

WASHINGTON–On Aug. 31, HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt
declared a public health emergency in response to Hurricane Gustav
to ensure that individuals, including those enrolled in Medicare,
Medicaid and SCHIP in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Alabama
continue to receive their health care items and
services.

For the full text of the waiver, click
here.

In response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, CMS issued Change
Request 4106, “National Modifier and Condition Code to Be Used to
Identify Disaster Related Claims.” Last week, officials said
providers who must continue to bill Medicare during and after
hurricanes can use the same modifiers and condition codes for
emergency claims.

For Medlearn Matters MM4106 on special hurricane and disaster
billing,
click here and scroll to Downloads.

For providers who are still rendering some services or who are
taking steps to be able to render services again, accelerated or
advance payments may be available. Providers in this position
should contact their fiscal intermediary, carrier, or MAC for
details.

Beneficiaries can call 1-800-Medicare for information about
suppliers serving their current location. Those with access to the
Internet can obtain a listing of suppliers at www.medicare.gov/supplier/home.asp.

Additional information about Hurricane Gustav, including a
complete list of common questions and answers, and several other
announcements with hurricane information are posted at www.cms.hhs.gov/Emergency/02_Hurricanes.asp.