Congress opts not to use Provider Relief Fund allocations as an infrastructure funding source
Earlier reports indicated that Provider Relief Fund money would be used to help pay for the pending bipartisan infrastructure bill, but the legislative text includes no such language.
Study establishes a link between surges in COVID-19 cases and risk of mortality at hospitals
Statistical analysis shows nearly a quarter of COVID-19 deaths during the first six months of the pandemic could be ascribed to high caseloads at hospitals.
Coronavirus
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In response to requests, HHS offers accommodations on deadlines for Provider Relief Fund spending and reporting (updated)
The new deadlines apply to allocations received after June 30, 2020. Reporting on use of funds is required only for designated time periods during which a provider’s payment exceeded $10,000.
HHS sends letter to providers, insurers reinforcing requirements for COVID-19 vaccination and testing to be free for all recipients
Xavier Becerra, secretary of HHS, issued a letter emphasizing that out-of-pocket fees for COVID-19-related services are prohibited.
CMS increases the payment rate for administering authorized monoclonal antibody treatments to patients with COVID-19
CMS has provided a nearly 50% boost in payment to providers that administer monoclonal antibodies to beneficiaries with COVID-19.
Issues with Provider Relief Fund disbursements get a hearing in Becerra appearance before Congress
HFMA and various hospital associations have signed letters requesting a delay in the deadline for Provider Relief Fund recipients to use their funds.
Rural healthcare providers get almost $1 billion in federal funding to help with COVID-19 response
HRSA has announced the upcoming distribution of nearly $1 billion in federal funding for rural healthcare providers to use in COVID-19 testing, treatment and vaccination efforts.
New HRSA funding is available to providers that administer the COVID-19 vaccine and don’t receive full payment from a health plan
The Health Resources and Services Administration announced a new program to reimburse healthcare providers for administering COVID-19 vaccines to patients whose health plans either do not cover vaccination fees or require cost-sharing.
HHS issues various updates to Provider Relief Fund FAQs
HHS updated its 60-page list of FAQs for recipients of Provider Relief Fund payments.