2009 H1N1 (referred to as "swine flu") is an influenza virus that causes illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009 and is different from the flu virus that is typically experienced in the US every flu season. In June 2009, the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic. A pandemic is a global disease outbreak.

In anticipation of concerns about this new virus and in response to questions about H1N1, Medicare, and Medicaid, CMS has and continues to develop information products including a comprehensive set of questions and answers with Original Medicare coverage and payment information, Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) information, and more (see downloads and links below). Check back frequently for updated information, including products for people with Medicare and people with Medicaid.

The HHS Pandemic Flu site below (see Related Links Outside CMS) also includes questions and answers about H1N1, including how the virus is spread and how to prevent it.

Downloads
Waiver or Modification of Requirements under Section 1135 of the Social Security Act (10/27/09) [PDF, 321KB] Background and Q's & A's on President Obama's 10/24/09 Emergency Declaration for H1N1 Flu (Posted: 10-28-09) [PDF, 124KB] H1N1 Fact Sheet - Requesting an 1135 Waiver (11-04-09) [PDF, 66KB] H1N1 Fact Sheet - Hospital Alternative Care Sites during H1N1 Public Health Emergency (10-27-09) [PDF, 200KB] H1N1 - Medicare FFS - Emergency Qs & As (11-13-09) [PDF 334KB] H1N1 - Medicare FFS - Emergency Qs & As that May be Implemented Only with a § 1135 Waiver (11-13-09) [PDF 231KB] H1N1 Fact Sheet-Medicare FFS Provider Billing (9-25-09) [PDF, 70KB] CMS Pandemic Influenza Operations and Response Plan [PDF, 3614KB] Guidance to States on New H1N1 Billing Codes [PDF, 86KB] H1N1 Fact Sheet-Medicaid/CHIP Provider Billing (10-26-09) [PDF, 108KB]
Related Links Inside CMS
H1N1 Questions and Answers for people with Medicare FACT SHEET: Coverage of H1N1 Vaccine in Medicaid/CHIP Programs [PDF, 106 KB] FACT SHEET: Coverage of H1N1 Vaccine in Medicare Program [PDF, 70 KB] MLN Matters SE0920: Medicare Fee-for-Services (MFFS) Billing for the Administration of the Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Vaccine [PDF 108KB] EMTALA Fact Sheet [PDF, 166 KB] 2009 H1N1 Guidance for States [PDF, 128 KB] Survey and Certification Issues Related to All Hazards
Related Links Outside CMS
H1N1 Flu Questions and Answers H1N1 Flu Planning Tips for School, Community, Business, Hospital, Travel and Transportation Industry Planners CDC H1N1 Flu site Late Breaking News CDC H1N1 Flu site General Information Provider information - Community Pan-Flu Preparedness: A Checklist of Key Legal Issues

Page Last Modified: 11/18/2009 3:42:35 PM
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