UPDATE: Medicaid Provider Relief Fund Application Deadline Extended to August 28

The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) has announced a second application extension for its Medicaid Provider Relief Fund disbursement.  As we previously discussed, the deadline was initially July 20, 2020, but was later extended to August 3, 2020.  On July 31, 2020, HHS extended it yet again to August 28, 2020.  The $15 billion allocation is critically needed by Medicaid providers throughout the country that were not eligible for other, more Medicare-focused disbursements.  In its press release, HHS stated:

The initial deadline of July 20, 2020, was extended to August 3, 2020, based on provider feedback that they learned about the program too close to the deadline and needed more time to complete their application. HHS continues to keep an open line of communication with provider organizations, congressional, state and local leaders, in a collective effort to get the word out about this program, and HHS has learned that a second extension would be beneficial to those providers. By giving providers until August 28, 2020 to apply, HHS is hopeful it has struck the right balance in terms of providing as much flexibility as possible, recognizing the constraints on smaller practices already operating on thin margins with limited administrative staff. HHS will also soon be providing a more simplified application form in response to ongoing dialogue focused on improving the provider experience.

Unlike previous relief funds, this tranche of funding is not automatic.  The application portal, form, and related terms and conditions can be found here.

For more information, please contact Hedy S. Rubinger or Alexander B. Foster.