News and Updates on COVID-19 Coronavirus

SSA

Medicare and Coronavirus: What You Need to Know

With the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), being informed about your Medicare coverage is more important than ever.

Cleaning

Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility

oday the CDC has released:

Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility

Everyday Steps, Steps When Someone is Sick, and Considerations for Employers

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/disinfecting-building-facility.html?deliveryName=USCDC_2067-DM24835

Click here to view the printer friendly version. 

Covid-19 App

CDC Statement on COVID-19 Apple App

Apple Inc. in partnership with the White House Coronavirus Task Force and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – released an app and website that guides Americans through a series of questions about their health and exposure to determine if they should seek care for COVID-19 symptoms. The tool provides CDC recommendations on next steps including guidance on social distancing and self-isolating, how to closely monitor symptoms, recommendations on testing, and when to contact a medical provider.

Sit and Stay. Take care and be well.

As Florida joins the list of states today on the Stay at Home Order, we urge you to “Sit & Stay.” Take care and be well.

Sign Up to review your Medicare coverage now. https://quotes.medigaplife.com/find-plans/

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Social Security News Update

Social Security Benefits Will be Paid On Time and Other Updates Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Andrew Saul, Commissioner of Social Security, reminds the public that Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit payments will continue to be paid on time during the COVID-19 pandemic. The agency also reminds everyone to be aware of scammers who try to take advantage of the pandemic to trick people into providing personal information or payment via retail gift cards, wire transfers, internet currency, or by mailing cash, to maintain Social Security benefit payments or receive economic impact payments from the Department of the Treasury.

News Annoucement

Trump Administration Engages America’s Hospitals in Unprecedented Data Sharing

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) sent a letter to the nation’s hospitals on behalf of Vice President Pence requesting they report data in connection with their efforts to fight the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Specifically, the Trump Administration is requesting that hospitals report COVID-19 testing data to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in addition to daily reporting regarding bed capacity and supplies to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) COVID-19 Patient Impact and Hospital Capacity Module. CMS, the federal agency with oversight of America’s Medicare-participating health care providers – including hospitals – is helping the Trump Administration obtain this critical information to help identify supply and bed capacity needs, as well as enhance COVID-19 surveillance efforts. Hospitals will report data without personal identifying information to ensure patient privacy.

Breaking News

Financial Relief for Medicare Providers

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is announcing an expansion of its accelerated and advance payment program for Medicare participating health care providers and suppliers, to ensure they have the resources needed to combat the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). This program expansion, which includes changes from the recently enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, is one way that CMS is working to lessen the financial hardships of providers facing extraordinary challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and ensures the nation’s providers can focus on patient care. There has been significant disruption to the healthcare industry, with providers being asked to delay non-essential surgeries and procedures, other healthcare staff unable to work due to childcare demands, and disruption to billing, among the challenges related to the pandemic.

Coronovirus

CMS Develops New Code for Coronavirus Lab Test

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) took further action to ensure America’s healthcare facilities and clinical laboratories are prepared to respond to the threat of the 2019-Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Cleaning

Reminder On How to Clean Surfaces

How to clean and disinfect surfaces for COVID-19

List N: Disinfectants That Were Approved for Use Against SARS-CoV-2

The following are list of chemical and cleaners that were approved to kill SARS-CoV-2. For a complete list please see To see the complete list of 351 Entries click here to be linked to the EPA. 

Inspector General Warns About New Social Security Benefit Suspension Scam

SSA warns the public about fraudulent letters threatening suspension of Social Security benefits due to COVID-19 or coronavirus-related office closures. Social Security will not suspend or discontinue benefits because their offices are closed.

How to enroll in Medicare Part B when losing your job

Have you been laid off and need Medicare Part B? Read below on how to get it.

Breaking News

CDC Statement on Self-Quarantine Guidance for Greater New York City Transportation and Delivery Workers

When we issued the self-quarantining guidance for greater New York City residents leaving this area, it was out of an abundance of caution to help protect U.S. areas with lower levels of COVID-19 spread. In line with our recommendations for other essential critical infrastructure workers, this guidance does not apply to critical transportation and delivery workers who are desperately needed for New York residents to continue their daily lives and respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick

If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have COVID-19, follow the steps below to care for yourself and to help protect other people in your home and community.

Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention Concerning Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Home Health Agencies (HHAs)

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is committed to the protection of patients in the home care setting from the spread of infectious disease. This memorandum responds to questions we have received and provides important guidance for all Medicare and Medicaid participating Home Health Agencies (HHAs) in addressing the COVID-19 outbreak and minimizing transmission to other individuals.

Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention Concerning Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) by Hospice Agencies

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is committed to the protection of patients and residents of healthcare facilities or homecare settings from the spread of infectious disease. This memorandum responds to questions we have received and provides important guidance for Hospice Agencies in addressing the COVID-19 outbreak and minimizing transmission to other individuals.

Advanced Directives

Advance directives & long-term care

Advance directives explain how you want medical decisions to be made when you’re too ill to speak for yourself. Medicare.gov has recommendations on things you need to do.

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Breaking News

 CMS Approves Medicaid Section 1135 Waivers for 11 Additional States in Response to COVID-19

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved an additional 11 state Medicaid waiver requests under Section 1135 of the Social Security Act (Act), bringing the total number of approved Section 1135 waivers for states to 13.

Become an organ donor

Learn how to become an organ donor & save lives

Each day, 20 people die while waiting for an organ transplant. With National Donor Day around the corner, keep in mind that just one person can save up to 8 lives through organ and tissue donation.

Breaking News

Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease

This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The outbreak first started in China, but the virus continues to spread internationally and in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will update this interim guidance as additional information becomes available.

Cleaning & the Coronavirus

Video on General Recommendations for Cleaning & Disinfecting Items During COVID-19

We’ve made a Video on General Recommendations for Cleaning & Disinfecting Items During COVID-19. Please share.

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If You Have Been Laid Off and Need Medicare Part B

If you have recently been laid off and need Medicare Part B, sign up now and we’ll review the options with you. https://quotes.medigaplife.com/find-plans/ 

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Breaking News

CMS Announces Relief for Clinicians, Providers, Hospitals and Facilities Participating in Quality Reporting

Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced unprecedented relief for the clinicians, providers, and facilities participating in Medicare quality reporting programs including the 1.2 million clinicians in the Quality Payment Program and on the front lines of America’s fight against the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Breaking News

CMS Releases Recommendations on Adult Elective Surgeries, Non-Essential Medical, Surgical, and Dental Procedures During COVID-19 Response

CMS Releases Recommendations on Adult Elective Surgeries, Non-Essential Medical, Surgical, and Dental Procedures During COVID-19 Response

Breaking News

Update on Services During COVID – 19 Pandemic From Andrew Saul, Commissioner of Social Security

Be on the watch for SSA scammers. Commissioner of Social Security releases statement.

Breaking News

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has broadened access to Medicare telehealth services

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has broadened access to Medicare telehealth services so that beneficiaries can receive a wider range of services from their doctors without having to travel to a healthcare facility. These policy changes build on the regulatory flexibilities granted under the President’s emergency declaration. CMS is expanding this benefit on a temporary and emergency basis under the 1135 waiver authority and Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act. The benefits are part of the broader effort by CMS and the White House Task Force to ensure that all Americans – particularly those at high-risk of complications from the virus that causes the disease COVID-19  – are aware of easy-to-use, accessible benefits that can help keep them healthy while helping to contain the community spread of this virus.

Breaking News

CMS Approves First State Request for 1135 Medicaid Waiver in Florida

On March 13, 2020, President Trump declared the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation a national emergency.   This bold action enables the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to waive certain requirements in Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP under Section 1135 authority. This includes the ability to grant state and territorial Medicaid agencies a wider range of flexibilities, and states may now submit Section 1135 waiver requests for CMS approval that will remove administrative burdens and expand access to needed services.

Tips for Boosting Your Immune System

Tips for Boosting Your Immune System – Part of our avoid COVID-19 series. Sign up now to find out what your Medicare plans cover https://quotes.medigaplife.com/find-plans/.

SSA

Social Security Offices Will Be Closed

** Online Services Remain Available **

All local Social Security offices will be closed to the public for in-person service starting Tuesday, March 17, 2020.  This decision protects the population we serve—older Americans and people with underlying medical conditions—and our employees during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  However, we are still able to provide critical services. 

Our secure and convenient online services remain available at www.socialsecurity.gov.  Local offices will also continue to provide critical services over the phone.  We are working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local governments, and other experts to monitor COVID-19 and will let you know as soon as we can resume in-person service.

For more information, please visit https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases/.

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