Today, October 5, begins Phase 3 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, with an additional $20 billion in Provider Relief Funds becoming available. These funds are reserved for providers who have diagnosed, tested, or cared for actual or possible COVID-19 patients on or after January 31, 2020. For the purpose of this program, HHS broadly views every patient as a possible case of COVID-19 for purposes of eligibility. Payment must be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, and reimburse expenses or lost revenues attributable to coronavirus.
We urge practices to apply for this funding as soon as possible.
The application portal will be open from October 5 through November 6. The site is open to all providers, regardless of network affiliation or payer contracts. HHS has contracted with UnitedHealth Group to facilitate delivery of the funding.
Am I Eligible?
All providers are eligible, regardless of whether they have applied for and/or received or denied funding under previous funding rounds. Unlike previous funding phases, under Phase 3, new providers and behavioral health providers are eligible to apply.
To be eligible, you must meet at least one of these criteria:
You must have billed Medicaid/CHIP or a Medicaid Managed Care plan between January 1, 2018 and March 31, 2020;
You must have billed Medicare fee-for-service between January 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020;
You must be a Medicare Part A provider that experienced a CMS approved change in ownership prior to Aug. 10, 2020; or
Be a behavioral health provider as of March 31, 2020 who has billed a health insurance company or who does not accept insurance and has billed patients for healthcare-related services as of Mar. 31, 2020
Additional criteria exist for dental health providers and assisted living facilities.
Requirements to Apply:
In order to apply for funding, you must have:
Filed a federal income tax return for fiscal years 2017, 2018, 2019 if in operation before January 1, 2020; or be exempt from filing a return; and
Provided patient care after January 31, 2020 (this includes health care, services, and support, as provided in a medical setting, at home, or in the community); and
Not permanently stopped providing patient care directly or indirectly; and
For individuals providing care before January 1, 2020, have gross receipts or sales from patient care reported on Form 1040 (or other tax form).
What Documents do I Need to Apply?
In order to complete the application, have on hand:
Most recent federal income tax return for 2017, 2018, or 2019, unless exempt
Gross revenues to complete the revenue worksheet
Operating revenues and expenses from patient care
How Much Can I Receive?
The cumulative total that you receive for all phases should be approximately 2% of the total patient revenue reported on your latest tax return. Funds may not be used toward expenses that have previously been reimbursed through earlier funding phases or other programs.
Need Help?
Contact our office for additional information or assistance with your application. Email anthonyv@ecmmgt.com, or call 516-775-8605.
