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Coverage of the COVID-19 Vaccination for Medicare Advantage Members (Updated February 12, 2024. Retroactively Effective to January 1, 2024.)


Purpose

This communication provides notice regarding information and procedure codes related to the coverage of SARS-CoV-2 (Coronavirus Disease 2019 [COVID-19]) vaccines and administration of the vaccines​ that have been granted US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and/or have received an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Coverage of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines granted an EUA shall remain in effect during the applicable EUA declaration, unless the specific EUA for a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine has been terminated and/or revoked. 


This policy communication, addressing COVID-19 vaccine for Medicare Advantage​ members, replaces the version that was published on December 15, 2023, and includes the following updates:​


  • ​Retroactively effective to January 1, 2024, the narrative for HCPCS procedure code M0201 has been updated as follows:

    • ​FROM: COVID-19 vaccine administration inside a patient's home; reported only once per individual home, per date of service, when only COVID-19 vaccine administration is performed at the patient's home

    • TO:  Administration of pneumococcal, influenza, hepatitis B, and/or COVID-19 vaccine inside a patient's home; reported only once per individual home per date of service when such vaccine administration(s) are performed at the patient's home​




Background

COVID-19 vaccine provides protection against COVID-19 viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs, and cause contagious respiratory illness. COVID-19 viruses can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. COVID-19​ viruses are always changing, so vaccination may be recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Scientists try to match the viruses in the vaccine to those most likely to cause COVID-19​ in a specific year. 

Coverage of vaccines are based on approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and recommendations from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). ​

Coverage Statement

MEDICALLY NECESSARY​

The monovalent COVID-19 vaccine is considered medically necessary and, therefore, covered as a preventive service when there is US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)​ approval or FDA ​Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and the vaccine is in accordance with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidance​ for the following indications​: 
  • Routine one- to three-dose vaccination against COVID-19 for individuals ages 6 months and older  
  • An additional COVID-19 vaccination for individuals ages 65 years of age and older
  • An additional COVID-19 vaccination for individuals​ who are moderately or severely immunocompromised ​

A home visit for the sole purpose of administration of COVID-19 vaccine may be appropriate for individuals who meet either of the following criteria:​

  • ​The individual has difficulty leaving the home to get the vaccine, which could mean any of these: 

    • A condition, due to an illness or injury, that restricts their ability to leave home without a supportive device or help from a paid or unpaid caregiver

    • A condition that makes them more susceptible to contracting a pandemic disease like COVID-19 

    • Generally unable to leave the home, and if they do leave home, it requires a considerable and taxing effort 

  • The individual i​s hard ​to reach because they have a disability or face clinical, socioeconomic, or geographical barriers to getting a COVID-19 vaccine in settings other than their home. These individuals face challenges that significantly reduce their ability to get vaccinated outside the home, such as challenges with transportation, communication, or caregiving​.​


NOT ELIGIBLE FOR SEPARATE REIMBURSEMENT

For individuals currently receiving home care services, administration of COVID-19 vaccine is not eligible for separate reimbursement consideration from the home care visit. 


BILLING REQUIREMENTS

The updated monoval​ent COVID-19 vaccine is covered under Part B regardless of whether the vaccine is administered without a physician's order and without physician supervision.


​REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

​The individual's medical record must reflect that the care provided is according to the pertinent FDA EUA's criteria and requirements. These medical records may include, but are not limited to, records from the professional providers' office, hospital, nursing home, home health agencies, therapies, and test reports.


The Company may conduct reviews and audits of services to our members, regardless of the participation status of the provider. All documentation must be made available to the Company upon request. Failure to produce the requested information may result in a denial for the service.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​


Coding

CURRENT PROCEDURAL TERMINOLOGY (CPT) CODES 

ELIGIBLE 

90480 

91304

​91318    

91319  

91320  

91321  

91322 


HEALTHCARE COMMON PROCEDURE CODING SYSTEM (HCPCS) CODES 

ELIGIBLE

M0201 Administration of pneumococcal, influenza, hepatitis B, and/or COVID-19 vaccine inside a patient's home; reported only once per individual home per date of service when such vaccine administration(s) are performed at the patient's home​

02/12/2024