HHS Extends Application Deadline for Medicaid Providers and Plans to Reopen Portal to Certain Medicare Providers

On July 31, 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced an extension of the application deadline for Phase 2 general distribution to Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and dental providers. This extension is included as a part of an ongoing effort to provide financial relief to healthcare providers impacted by COVID-19. HHS also plans to allow eligible Medicare providers who experienced challenges in the Phase 1 application period a second opportunity to receive funding. Both groups will have until September 13, 2020, to apply. 

The goal for this extension is to reach the remaining providers participating in state Medicaid and CHIP programs that did not receive funding in Phase 1. Since the announcement, HHS has posted resources and hosted several webinars targeted at providers and provider organizations to answer questions and assist eligible providers with the application process.

In addition to the Phase 2 deadline extension, HHS will reopen the Medicare general distribution portal beginning the week of August 10, 2020. This will allow a second chance for certain Medicare providers including those that had a change of ownership an opportunity to apply for general distribution funding.   The reopened portal will remain open through September 13, 2020.

Read the full press release on the HHS website for more information. Please contact your HW Healthcare Advisor if you have any questions.