CMS issued guidance to issuers of individual, small group, Medicare Advantage, and Part D plans, addressing the flexibilities available related to utilization management and prior authorization during the COVID-19 public health emergency. New guidance for individual and small group health plans encourages issuers to utilize flexibilities related to utilization management processes, as permitted by state law, to ensure that staff at hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies can focus on care delivery and ensure that patients do not experience care delays.
Updated guidance for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans allows them to implement a number of additional flexibilities to support efforts that can help curb the spread of the virus and to help ensure MA and Part D enrollees do not experience disruptions in care or disruptions in pharmacy and prescription drug access. The guidance also implements important provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act regarding coverage for COVID-19 testing and testing related services.