The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is expanding its accelerated and advanced payment program for Medicare providers to support hospitals and doctors on the front lines of the rapidly spreading, global pandemic.
Taking advantage of the recently established Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the agency is freeing up cash to support providers during the public health crisis. The payments provide emergency resources given the disruption in claims and can be requested by Part A and B providers, medical equipment suppliers as well as doctors and hospitals.
In a statement issued on Saturday, CMS clarifies the expansion of the program is only for the duration of the crisis. Requests will be accepted and processing immediately, according to the agency, and checks will be issued within seven days of the request.
“With our nation’s health care providers on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19, dollars and cents shouldn’t be adding to their worries,” CMS Administrator Seema Verma said in a news release.
Today’s action will ensure that they have the resources they need to maintain their all-important focus on patient care during the pandemic.
For more on the CARES Act and advanced payments, check out CMS’ fact sheet.
Take a look at Home Health Care News and AAFP for more on the expansion.
And check out Modern Healthcare and Bloomberg Law for further analysis.
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