Humana is making real-time updates to our processes in response to COVID-19 so we can better serve and support our providers.
Claims processing and payments
We have made changes to benefits and administrative requirements to streamline processes and increase access to care.
Suspension of Medicare sequestration
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed into law on March 27, 2020, included provisions to temporarily suspend the Medicare sequester between May 1, 2020, and Dec. 31, 2020. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 extended the temporary sequestration suspension through March 31, 2021. On April 14, 2021, the CARES Act was amended and the temporary sequestration suspension extended through Dec. 31, 2021. As of Dec. 10, 2021, S.610 - Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act extended the temporary sequestration suspension through March 31, 2022. During this time, Medicare plans did not have Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) premium and fee-for-service claim payments reduced.
As further directed by S.610, Medicare sequestration withholding was reinstated, effective April 1, 2022, at 1%. The 1% withhold remained in effect until June 30, 2022. On July 1, 2022, the sequestration withhold percentage returned to 2%.
Credentialing:
The Humana credentialing team is applying any federal or state emergency regulations for COVID-19 including such items as:
- Waiving site visit requirements
- Approving licensed providers to practice outside of their licensed state
- Placing a hold on the de-credentialing process (only for providers missing information)
These are temporary credentialing changes based on the emergency regulations. The normal procedures will apply when the emergency regulations are lifted.
If there are additional ways we can support you and your healthcare organization, please call our Provider Relations department at 866-427-7478 or contact your Humana representative.
Durable medical equipment (DME) delivery
To support social distancing, DME vendors should waive the signature-at-delivery requirement for DME-delivered to members with a COVID-19-related diagnosis.