CARES Act Provider Relief Fund
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provides information on distribution of additional funds under the CARES Act.

$50 Billion - General Allocation
$50 billion was allocated for general distribution to Medicare facilities and providers impacted by COVID-19, based on eligible providers' 2018 net patient revenue. The initial $30 billion was distributed between April 10 and April 17, and the remaining $20 billion is being distributed beginning Friday, April 24.

$100 Billion - Treatment of the Uninsured
Every health care provider who has provided treatment for uninsured COVID-19 patients on or after February 4, 2020, can request claims reimbursement through the program and will be reimbursed at Medicare rates, subject to available funding.
  • Click HERE for more information about reimbursement of COVID-19 patients.

$10 Billion - Rural Health Care Providers
$10 billion will be allocated for rural health clinics and hospitals. This money will be distributed as early as next week on the basis of operating expenses, using a methodology that distributes payments proportionately to each facility and clinic.

$400 Million - Indian Health Services
$400 million will be allocated for Indian Health Service facilities, distributed on the basis of operating expenses. This money will be distributed as early as next week on the basis of operating expenses for facilities.

$10 Billion - High Impact Areas
$10 billion will be allocated for a targeted distribution to hospitals in areas that have been particularly impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Providers who receive funds from the general distribution have to sign an attestation confirming receipt of funds and agree to the terms and conditions of payment and confirm the CMS cost report. 

The  Terms and Conditions - PDF  also include other measures to help prevent fraud and misuse of the funds. All recipients will be required to submit documents sufficient to ensure that these funds were used for healthcare-related expenses or lost revenue attributable to coronavirus. There will be significant anti-fraud and auditing work done by HHS, including the work of the Office of the Inspector General.
Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act
President Trump signs the "Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act", a supplemental COVID-19 bill. 

Updates Overview

  • Provides $75 billion more for hospitals, physicians and health care providers to support COVID-19 related expenses and lost revenue. Language remains the same as in the CARES Act and is in addition to the original $100 billion.

  • Provides $25 billion to expand COVID-19 testing capabilities, including $11 billion for states and localities and dedicated funding for FDA, community health centers, and rural health clinics.

  • Increases funding for the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program by $310 billion.

  • Increases the authorization level for the Emergency Economic Injury Disaster Grants from $10 billion to $20 billion and appropriates an additional $10 billion.

  • Appropriates an additional $50 billion for the Disaster Loans Program account to remain available until expended.
Guidance for Hospital & Physicians
Resuming Elective Procedures
The Wyoming Department of Health issues guidance on resuming elective and non-emergency procedures.

On April 19, 2020, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released updated recommendations to health care providers regarding the “re-opening of facilities” that provide non-emergent and non-COVID-19 care and procedures.

The Department of Health is recommending that hospitals and providers follow the current CMS guidelines with respect to resuming elective procedures.
WMS Provider Connect - Tues., April 21st at Noon
Every Tuesday, WMS has connected physicians from across Wyoming to share expertise, lessons learned, and community updates.

The sixth in this series will feature Wyoming Public Health Officer Alexia Harrist, MD, PhD on 4/28/20.
Join Us for this Zoom:
1-669-900-6833
Meeting ID: 559 799 163
Recordings from previous sessions are linked on the WMS COVID-19 Resource and Education pages.
Blanket Waivers for Health Care Providers
CMS updates blanket waivers - April 21, 2020.

1135 waivers ensure that sufficient health care items and services are available to meet the needs of Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries, and that health care providers that provide such services in good faith can be reimbursed for them and not be subjected to sanctions for noncompliance, absent any fraud or abuse.

Once approved, these waivers apply automatically to all applicable providers and suppliers. Providers and suppliers do not need to apply for an individual waiver if a blanket waiver is issued by CMS. Individual waivers can be issued for states, providers or suppliers. These only need to be applied for if something is needed beyond what is provided under an existing blanket waiver.

Blanket waivers are in effect, with a retroactive effective date of March 1, 2020 through the end of the emergency declaration .
Federal Telehealth Grant Programs
FCC Telehealth Pilot:  Program deadline: Until funds run out.  The Federal Communications Commission will cover 85% of eligible costs of broadband connectivity, network equipment, and information services necessary to provide connected care services to the intended patient population. The program includes immediate reimbursement for telehealth equipment and services. See related  slides on the program  and overall information :

 
Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant:  Program deadline: July 13.  USDA Rural Development offers support to help rural communities use the unique capabilities of telecommunications to connect to each other and to the world, overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density.
See the  application guide  and related  information .


HRSA Telehealth Network Grant:  Program deadline: June 15.  The US Department of Health and Human Services provides grants to promote rural tele-emergency services with an emphasis on tele-stroke, tele-behavioral health, and tele-emergency medical services. See related  information .

WMS and WyTN Release Survey Results
The Wyoming Medical Society, in collaboration with the Wyoming Telehealth Network, surveyed physicians across the state to understand the impact of COVID-19 on primary care practices and providers. With 83 responses received between March 19 and April 8, 2020, the results reflect significant impact to physicians across the state.
Click on the image to view survey results infographic.
Wyoming Key Points
Wyoming Key Points includes:

  • Wyoming stats
  • Governor Gordon unveils plans to ease restrictions
  • Lab/EPI updates
  • National Volunteer Week
  • CDC key points
  • Social Media
  • Behavioral health & wellness
Click on image to view Wyoming Key Points
WDH Health Alert Notice 4.22.20

Summary
The purpose of this HAN addendum is to provide updated information on COVID-19 testing at the Wyoming Public Health Laboratory (WPHL), serologic COVID-19 testing, rapid COVID-19 testing, the use of source control in healthcare settings, and new clinical guidance from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
All information provided in COVID-19 Health Advisory #10, issued on 4/10/20, remains applicable except for the updates provided here.
To opt-in to WMS Text Alerts: Text keyword WMS TO 85100