CMS Medicare Memo to LTC Facilities regarding Disenrollment
(This applies to ALL states)
CMS released a memo in October to all Long-Term Care Facilities regarding the disenrollment of Medicare Advantage and PACE members to traditional Medicare. The memo can be found here.
CMS is clearly stating that “Only a Medicare beneficiary, the beneficiary’s authorized or designated representative, or the party authorized to act on behalf of the beneficiary under state law can request enrollment in or voluntary disenrollment from a Medicare health or drug plan.”
If a Beneficiary or their representative request assistance from the facility to disenroll from a plan, the facility must take steps to ensure compliance with regulations and residents rights. There are multiple steps to be adhered to, both orally and in writing to ensure compliance. State Agencies are being provided this information to monitor LTC facilities for compliance on all associated regulations. Please review the memo and the CMS guidelines for when individuals are disenrolled from a Medicare Advantage plan or PACE program to traditional Medicare.