Physicians who treat Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) patients but who were previously ineligible to apply for federal Provider Relief Funds can now submit an application.
The deadline is Aug. 28.
The Health and Human Services (HHS) Department made $15 billion in funds available in June to Medicaid and CHIP physicians and providers, part of the second round of emergency grants Congress allocated from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Previously, physicians who had received any prior federal payments – even less than $10 – were precluded from applying. HHS reconsidered following vigorous advocacy by the Texas Medical Association, American Medical Association, and other physician organizations.
Provider Relief Fund payments “will be at least 2 percent of reported gross revenue from patient care,” HHS has said.
Provider relief funds also remain available to Medicaid and CHIP participating physicians who have not yet applied as well as to physicians and providers who meet any of the following criteria:
- Physicians who received an initial payment that did not total approximately 2% of their annual patient revenue;
- Physicians who received an initial payment, but missed the June 3 deadline to submit revenue information;
- Physicians who were ineligible for prior General Distribution funds due to a change in ownership or because they did not have Medicare fee-for-service revenue in 2019; and
- Physicians who had received Phase 1 General Distribution payments but rejected and returned the funds and are now interested in reapplying.
If you have questions about the application process HHS has scheduled a webinar for 2 pm (CT) Thursday, Aug. 13. Register online.
You can find the kit and other tools, resources, and information on the practice viability section of the TMA COVID-19 Resource Center.
Last Updated On
August 11, 2020
Originally Published On
August 11, 2020