Although nursing homes appreciate the recent release of $4.9 billion in financial assistance, the bullseye on them continues growing. Troubles that preceded the COVID-19 crisis have gotten worse for facilities caring for high risk seniors. They face scrutiny over death rates from COVID-19, as well as how they will use relief money.… Continue Reading
New guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on June 13 delays the quarterly reporting requirement for Provider Relief Fund recipients. The initial report no longer is due in early July.… Continue Reading
The CARES Act requires Medicare providers to attest to multiple certifications. Former prosecutors examine how law enforcement may scrutinize these certifications. Marisa Darden, David Maria, and Thomas Zeno also offer tips on how providers who receive CARES Act funds can insulate themselves from scrutiny.… Continue Reading
On May 29, and June 2, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) updated its “Provider Relief Fund FAQs” on disbursements made to providers from the $175 billion Provider Relief Fund initially established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, for expenses and lost revenues attributable to the coronavirus pandemic. HHS’s … Continue Reading
The Small Business Administration provides Guidance in its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the Paycheck Protection Program to assist both borrowers and lenders. See analysis here in the Anticorruption blog by Kevin McCart, Claiborne Porter, Trevor Garmey, and Christina Knox.… Continue Reading
Health Care Providers may now register for the COVID-19 Uninsured Program, allowing them to be reimbursed for the COVID-19 tests and treatment they have provided to uninsured individuals. The Health Resources & Services Administration (“HRSA”) anticipates that providers may begin submitting claims on May 6, and will begin receiving reimbursements by the middle of May. … Continue Reading
Following up on Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma’s statements on Tuesday, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a press release announcing the immediate disbursement of $30 billion to Medicare hospitals and providers starting April 10. These payments have been or are already in the process of being … Continue Reading
In just the past week, the federal government has issued a flurry of legislative and regulatory aid packages, programs and rule changes for hospitals and health systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures are designed to give emergency financial support and to cut through regulatory roadblocks to delivering care during the crisis. The federal … Continue Reading
As tempting as it may be just to take stimulus money, remember that money comes with strings – and eyes. The stimulus packages establish requirements that must be satisfied (the strings). Moreover, watchdogs like the Department of Justice will be watching. See our discussion here on the Anticorruption blog.… Continue Reading
On March 28, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced an expansion of its Accelerated and Advance Payment Program (the Program). The Program is designed to help providers with “significant cash flow problems resulting from…unusual circumstances of the hospital’s operation.” 42 U.S.C. § 1395g (e)(3). Usually deployed during times of natural disasters, … Continue Reading
On Friday, March 27, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was enacted into law. The CARES Act provides broad relief to the many sectors of the economy reeling from the effects of COVID-19, including provisions aimed at giving critical financial and operational relief to hospitals and other providers on the front lines … Continue Reading
