In certain circumstances, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, using section 1135 of the Social Security Act, can temporarily modify or waive certain Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP or HIPAA requirements, called 1135 waivers. There are different kinds of 1135 waivers, including Medicare blanket waivers. When there's an emergency, sections 1135 or 1812(f) of the SSA allowing HHS to issue blanket waivers to help beneficiaries access care. When a blanket waiver is issued, providers don't have to apply for an individual 1135 waiver.
This page focuses on the blanket waiver issued by HHS on March 13, 2020, waivers submitted and/or approved by HHS by both the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Hospital Association to assist providers and Kansans to address COVID-19.