HFMA Comments on the Medicare Accelerated and Advanced Payment Programs
HFMA submitted a comment letter to Congressional leaders regarding the Medicare Accelerated and Advanced Payment (AAP) Programs. In order to increase cash flow to providers of services and suppliers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress, via the CARES Act, expanded Medicare’s current AAP Programs to a broader group of Medicare Part A providers and Part B suppliers. In total, CMS has loaned $100B to 45,000 hospitals, physicians and other providers since expanding the program on March 28. HFMA is concerned about the ability of some recipients, particularly independent physician practices, to repay these loans. HFMA members believe the most expedient course of action is for Congress to forgive the Medicare APP Program loans. HFMA estimates that physicians, hospitals and other providers are currently facing between $250 to $321B in lost revenue and increased costs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The additional $100B in forgiven APP Program loan payments would supplement the already appropriated $175B in Provider Relief Funds appropriated to date. This will help ensure Americans have access to care and preserve good jobs. If Congress does not see fit to forgive the loans, HFMA members believe Congress should pass legislation instructing CMS to modify the terms of the APP Program loans as follows:
- Extend initiation of recoupment timeframe
- Reduce recoupment percentage
- Waive or reduce interest
- Extend Repayment Period