The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) extended the deadline for applications for the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund allowing providers more time to apply for the Medicaid and CHIP distribution and a second chance to apply for additional funding associated with the Medicare Provider Phase 1 General Distribution. HHS set August 28, 2020 as the application deadline for both distributions.
Medicare Providers (Phase 1) General Distribution Second Change for Additional Funding
HHS allocated and distributed $30 billion in April 2020 directly to providers proportionate to fee-for-service (FFS) Medicare payments made to providers in 2019. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) allocated an additional $20 billion to reimburse providers up to 2% of total revenue if the initial $30 billion distribution did not account for 2% of total revenue. Providers who do not submit comprehensive cost reports to Medicare were required to submit revenue data to CMS by June 3, 2020 in order to qualify for the additional payment. CMS recognized that many providers with low Medicare revenues missed the deadline to apply for additional funding and will allow providers another opportunity to submit additional revenue information to receive the enhanced payment from the the General Distribution. Providers will have until August 28, 2020 to complete the application. Providers may apply for the enhanced payment beginning August 10 at https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/cares-act-provider-relief-fund/for-providers/index.html#enhanced-provider-relief.
Medicaid and CHIP Providers (Phase 2) General DistributionÂ
HHS allocated $15 billion to Medicaid and CHIP providers who did not receive a Medicare (Phase 1) General Distribution Payment. Providers must report annual patient revenue, which will be used as a factor in determining the provider’s Provider Relief Fund payment. The payment to each provider will be at least 2 percent of reported gross revenue from patient care; the final amount each provider receives will be determined after the data is submitted, including information about the number of Medicaid patients served by the provider. More information about eligibility and the application process is available at https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/cares-act-provider-relief-fund/general-information/index.html The deadline for applications is August 28, 2020.
HHS has developed a frequently asked questions resource for providers. Providers may also call (866) 569-3522 for support from HHS.
