Medicare Emergency Payment Program Expands for COVID-19

Providers and suppliers that rely on payments from Medicare can now apply for a financial boost, thanks to a new decision meant to help practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During times of natural disaster and emergency, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has the power to issue accelerated or advanced payments to Medicare providers and suppliers, injecting cash where it is needed most. As the coronavirus continues to advance in every corner of the nation, CMS has expanded the Accelerated/Advance Payment Program to meet the challenge.

Hospitals, doctors, durable medical equipment suppliers, and any other Medicare Part A and Part B providers that match a handful of criteria can apply. To qualify you must:

• Have billed Medicare for claims within 180 days immediately prior to the date of signature on your request form
• Not be in bankruptcy
• Not be under active medical review or program integrity investigation
• And not have any outstanding delinquent Medicare overpayments

The application is submitted to your Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC), and in most cases can cover up to 100% of your Medicare payment amount for the next three months. For select cases, that period can extend up to six months. 

For more information about the Accelerated/Advance Payment Program, including how to apply and what to include in your application, see the full details in the CMS statement.