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.