The SD Department of Social Services (DSS) issued a Memorandum on the Coverage of COVID-19 Testing and Treatment for the Uninsured.
Providers are now able to be reimbursed for the testing and treatment of uninsured COVID-19 patients. HHS will provide reimbursement to providers generally at Medicare rates, providers should begin the enrollment process with the Health Resources and Services Administration to receive the funds. Services provided to uninsured patients treated on or after February 4, 2020 will be eligible for reimbursement. Claims should be submitted beginning on May 6, 2020, with distribution starting in mid-May. The follow services will be eligible for uninsured patients:
- Specimen collection, diagnostic and antibody testing
- Testing-related visits including in the following settings: office, urgent care or emergency room or via telehealth.
- Treatment, including office visits (including via telehealth), emergency room, inpatient, outpatient/observation, skilled nursing facility, long-term acute care (LTAC), acute inpatient rehab, home health, DME (e.g., oxygen, ventilator), emergency ground ambulance transportation, non-emergent patient transfers via ground ambulance, and FDA approved drugs as they become available for COVID-19 treatment and administered as part of an inpatient stay.
- FDA-approved vaccine, when available.
To receive the most current information regarding reimbursement and treatment for providers serving the uninsured, please refer to the HRSA website at https://www.hrsa.gov/CovidUninsuredClaim or to HRSA’s Frequently Asked Questions at https://www.hrsa.gov/coviduninsuredclaim/frequently-asked-questions
