H1N1

2009 H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu”) is an influenza virus that causes illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009 and is different from the flu virus that is typically experienced in the US every flu season. In June 2009, the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic. A pandemic is a global disease outbreak.

In anticipation of concerns about this new virus and in response to questions about H1N1, Medicare, and Medicaid, CMS has and continues to develop information products including a comprehensive set of questions and answers with Original Medicare coverage and payment information, Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) information, and more (see downloads and links below). Check back frequently for updated information, including products for people with Medicare and people with Medicaid.

The HHS Pandemic Flu site below (see Related Links Outside CMS) also includes questions and answers about H1N1, including how the virus is spread and how to prevent it.