HHS extends deadline to apply for certain Provider Relief Funds

The Department of Health and Human Services Friday extended to Aug. 28 the deadline for eligible Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program and dental providers to apply for $15 billion in Provider Relief Funds available through the Phase 2 general distribution to these providers.

Starting next week, HHS also will allow certain Medicare providers to apply through Aug. 28 for additional funding from the $20 billion portion of the $50 billion Phase 1 Medicare general distribution if they missed the initial opportunity to apply.

They will be considered for additional funding up to 2% of their annual patient revenues.

Medicare providers who experienced change in ownership challenges also may submit their revenue information, along with documentation proving a change in ownership, by Aug. 28 for consideration for Provider Relief Fund payment.

Because HHS used 2019 payment data to determine automatic payments for $30 billion of the Phase 1 Medicare general distribution, some previous owners received funds for providers or practices that experienced a 2020 change in ownership. They must return the payments if they cannot attest to providing COVID-19 diagnoses, testing or care on or after Jan. 31, 2020.  

“HHS is currently working to address relief payments to new providers in 2020 along with those that have yet to receive any funding for a variety of reasons, including the fact that they may only bill commercially, or do not directly bill for the services they provide under the Medicare and Medicaid programs and thus did not receive any funding yet,” the agency said. “Future announcements will be provided.”

For updated information and data on the Provider Relief Fund, visit the HHS website.