The U.S Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is beginning distribution of the second portion of a total $50 billion general distribution to providers under the CARES act this week. An initial payment of $30 million was previously distributed based on each provider’s proportion of Medicare (excluding Medicare Advantage) payments for a prior period. HHS will distribute the remaining $20 billion of the general distribution to these providers so that the entire $50 billion general distribution is allocated proportional to providers’ share of 2018 aggregate net patient revenue. A hospital could see significant difference in the amount of the first and second distribution, depending on their payor mix.
Some hospitals and providers may have their payments delayed if they have not uploaded information submitting and confirming their revenue amounts. We strongly recommend that hospitals and providers ensure this has been done. The HHS portal for uploading the information is here. More information is on the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund Webpage and Frequently Asked Questions. (Andrew Busz, andrewb@wsha.org)
