HHS Delivers Additional Funding

Additional Provider Relief Funding -

The Department of Health and Human Services just announced the release of an additional $20 billion in a second wave of funding from the $100 billion allocated by the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund (PRF). This amount will be delivered in the same manner as the $30 billion recently disbursed (via direct deposit where possible).  The first $30 billion was based on providers' proportionate share of Medicare fee-for-service reimbursements in 2019.  The next $20 billion will go out on a rolling basis beginning April 24th and will be allocated to providers to augment allocations, so that the whole $50 billion general distribution is allocated proportional to providers' share of 2018 net patient revenue. 

The initial payments of this funding will automatically be sent to providers based on the revenue data they submit in CMS cost reports.  Providers without cost reporting data on file need to submit revenue information at https://www.hhs.gov/providerrelief

Providers who receive these funds must confirm receipt of funds, agree to terms and conditions, as well as confirm CMS cost reporting.  Just as with the first $30 billion of funding, part of the terms and conditions require recipients to submit documents at specific times to ensure that the funds were used for healthcare-related expenses or lost revenue from coronavirus.  HHS and the Office of the Inspector General have noted that they will perform significant anti-fraud and audit work on the use of the funds.

Also as with the first $30 billion wave of funding, providers must agree to not seek collection of out-of-pocket payments from a presumptive or actual COVID-19 patient that are greater than what the patient would have otherwise been required to pay if the care had been provided by an in-network provider.

Reimbursement for Treatment of Uninsured -

Providers wishing to seek reimbursement by the government for treatment of the uninsured can sign up for the new HHS program beginning Monday, April 27. Claims will be eligible for submission in early May and providers can seek reimbursement at Medicare rates for treatment as far back as February 4, 2020.  This portion of the PRF serves the dual purpose of ensuring that uninsured Americans seek treatment without financial concern as well as enabling health care providers to be compensated for providing treatment to these individuals.

To participate, providers must attest to the following:

Payments are expected to begin in mid-May.  Additional information can be found on the

 

Please reach out at any time with additional questions. We will provide more information on the remaining funding allocation as information comes available.