CMS Makes Available Advance Payment, Flexibilities For Providers Impacted by Hurricane Helene

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced on October 2 that they will make available Accelerated and Advance Payments and other flexibilities for providers and suppliers in states impacted by Hurricane Helene. Payments and flexibilities are available to providers and suppliers within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster zones under President Biden's major disaster declarations. LeadingAge members impacted by these flexibilities include nursing homes, intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF/IIDs), hospice, and home health providers.

Beginning October 2, Accelerated and Advance Payments may be granted in amounts equal to a percentage of the preceding 90 days of claims payments. Payments will be repaid through an automatic recoupment from Medicare claims for the 90 days following the issuance of the accelerated or advance payment. Providers and supplies with remaining balances after 90 days will be issued a demand for the remaining balance on Day 91 after issuance of the accelerated or advance payment.

Separately, providers and suppliers currently repaying debt under an Extended Repayment Schedule may be eligible for adjustments to the schedule.

Learn more about this CMS initiative here.

CMS is granting additional flexibilities for providers and suppliers impacted by Hurricane Helene under Sections 1135 and 1812(f) of the Social Security Act. Examples of flexibilities under the 1135 authority include waivers of requirements related to assessments for nursing homes, hospices, and home health providers; waivers related to physical environment requirements for nursing homes and ICF/IIDs; and certain staffing flexibilities for ICF/IIDs. Flexibilities under 1812(f) include waivers of 3-day stay requirements and benefit periods for skilled nursing facility stays.

Access more comprehensive information on current 1135 and 1812(f) waivers for all providers and suppliers by state here.