HHS extends application deadline for Medicaid/CHIP Provider Relief Fund

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has extended(www.hhs.gov) the Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Provider Relief Fund application deadline to Aug. 3.

HHS first opened applications for the COVID-19 relief funds in June. The agency plans to distribute approximately $15 billion to eligible providers that participate in state Medicaid and CHIP programs and have not yet received a payment from the $50 billion General Distribution to Medicare providers. Both funds are part of the Coronavirus Aid, Security and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

A fact sheet(click.icptrack.com) from the Health Resources & Services Administration explains the application process and addresses frequently asked questions. The application portal is available here(www.hhs.gov).

— Kent Moore, Senior Strategist for Physician Payment at the American Academy of Family Physicians