HHS Extends Dental Provider Relief Fund Application Deadline
The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) once again extended the deadline for both non-Medicaid and Medicaid/CHIP dental providers to apply for distribution under the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund to August 28, 2020.
Additionally, beginning August 10, HHS will also allow Medicare providers who received payments from the $20 billion portion of the $50 billion Phase 1 Medicare General Distribution, and who missed the opportunity to apply for additional funding to submit comprehensive cost reports to potentially receive more funds.
In April, HHS distributed $30 billion directly to Medicare providers proportionate to their share of 2019 Medicare fee-for-service reimbursements. This was part one of the $50 billion Phase 1 Medicare General Distribution, which sought to offer providers financial relief equal to 2% of their annual revenues. Providers that did not submit comprehensive cost reports with CMS were asked to submit revenue information to a portal to receive the balance of their 2% payment of General Distribution funds. Some providers, including many Medicaid, CHIP, and dental providers with low Medicare revenues, did not complete an application by the deadline for this additional $20 billion round of funding. They will have until August 28, 2020, to complete an application to be considered for the balance of their additional funding up to 2% of their annual patient revenues.
AGD recently composed an overview of the Medicaid, CHIP & Dental Distribution to provide insight and assist members who are interested in applying for funds. Additionally, HHS held a webinar on July 27 to discuss the expansion of the relief fund, answer questions for dental providers, and walk through the application process.
Impact on General Dentistry: AGD strongly recommends that eligible practices act promptly, as the August 28 deadline is quickly approaching, and encourages members to review AGD guidance which features valuable information and resources including those highlighted on the HHS Provider Relief Fund webpage.
Additionally, beginning August 10, HHS will also allow Medicare providers who received payments from the $20 billion portion of the $50 billion Phase 1 Medicare General Distribution, and who missed the opportunity to apply for additional funding to submit comprehensive cost reports to potentially receive more funds.
In April, HHS distributed $30 billion directly to Medicare providers proportionate to their share of 2019 Medicare fee-for-service reimbursements. This was part one of the $50 billion Phase 1 Medicare General Distribution, which sought to offer providers financial relief equal to 2% of their annual revenues. Providers that did not submit comprehensive cost reports with CMS were asked to submit revenue information to a portal to receive the balance of their 2% payment of General Distribution funds. Some providers, including many Medicaid, CHIP, and dental providers with low Medicare revenues, did not complete an application by the deadline for this additional $20 billion round of funding. They will have until August 28, 2020, to complete an application to be considered for the balance of their additional funding up to 2% of their annual patient revenues.
AGD recently composed an overview of the Medicaid, CHIP & Dental Distribution to provide insight and assist members who are interested in applying for funds. Additionally, HHS held a webinar on July 27 to discuss the expansion of the relief fund, answer questions for dental providers, and walk through the application process.
Impact on General Dentistry: AGD strongly recommends that eligible practices act promptly, as the August 28 deadline is quickly approaching, and encourages members to review AGD guidance which features valuable information and resources including those highlighted on the HHS Provider Relief Fund webpage.