Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, $100 billion in funds has been allocated to reimburse health care providers for experiences incurred treating COVID-19 patients. On April 10, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the immediate payment of $30 billion of relief funds to eligible providers throughout the American health care system. These payments made to health care providers do not require repayment. See the facts below regarding the disbursed funds.

Who is an eligible provider?

All facilities and providers that received Medicare fee-for-service reimbursements in 2019 are eligible for this initial distribution.

How do I receive my funds?

Payment was made or will be made automatically via your automated clearing house (ACH) account information on file with UnitedHealth Group or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The payments are made via Optum Bank with “HHSPAYMENT” as the payment description. Providers who normally receive paper checks from CMS will receive a paper check in the mail within the next few weeks.

How much should I expect to receive?

You can estimate your payment by dividing your total 2019 Medicare fee-for-service (not including Medicare Advantage) payments received by $48 billion. Then multiply the quotient by $30 billion.

Are there any strings attached to these payments?

These payments do not require repayment; however, as a condition for receiving these funds, you must agree not to seek the collection of out-of-pocket payments from COVID-19 patients that are greater than what the patient would have otherwise been required to pay if an in-network provider had provided the care. Within 30 days of receiving payment, you must sign an attestation confirming receipt of the funds and agreeing to the terms and conditions of this payment. You can access the portal to sign this attestation by clicking here.