URGENT: HHS to Host Webcasts for Physicians on the Application Process for New $15 Billion Relief Fund Money

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched an application portal to distribute $15 billion in CARES Act Provider Relief Fund payments to eligible Medicaid and CHIP physicians & organizations. The payment will be at least two percent of reported gross revenue from patient care, and the final amount will be determined based on submitted data, including the number of Medicaid patients served. Eligible physicians have until July 20, 2020, to submit their application and report other necessary information, such as annual patient revenue data.

Two common questions related to the Provider Relief Fund Payment Portal are…

Why is there a new Provider Relief Fund Payment Portal?

The Portal will initially be used for new submissions from Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) providers seeking payments under the Provider Relief Fund starting Wednesday, June 10, 2020. At this time, this portal will serve as the point of entry for providers who have received Medicaid and CHIP payments in 2017, 2018, 2019, or 2020 and who have not already received any payments from the $50 billion Provider Relief Fund General Distribution.

What is the difference between the first Provider Relief Fund Payment Portal and the Enhanced Provider Relief Fund Payment Portal for the Medicaid Targeted Distribution?

The first Provider Relief Fund Payment Portal was used for physicians who received a General Distribution payment prior to Friday, April 24th. These physicians were required to submit financial information in order to receive approximately 2% of gross revenues derived from patient care. HHS has developed the new Enhanced Provider Relief Fund Payment Portal for physicians who did not receive payments under the previous General Distribution, including those physicians who bill Medicaid and CHIP (e.g., pediatricians, long-term care, and behavioral health professionals.)

Upcoming HHS Webcasts

HHS is hosting two webcasts at 2:00 p.m. EST—one set for tomorrow on Tuesday, June 23, and a final webcast on Thursday, June 25⁠—for physicians and other health care professionals who are interested in learning more about the application process. Registration is required! Click on the dates above to be taken to the respective registration pages. More information can also be found on the Provider Relief Fund website.