The Health Research and Services Administration (HRSA) opened the registration portal for providers to submit claims for COVID-19 testing and treatment reimbursement for uninsured patients.
Providers are eligible if they tested or treated uninsured patients for COVID-19 on or after Feb. 4. Claims will be submitted electronically and reimbursed based on Medicare payment rates, until funds are exhausted.
An unspecified portion of the COVID-19 provider relief fund will be used to reimburse claims related to providing treatment to uninsured patients. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act authorized a total $100 billion of aid to hospitals and other providers through the provider relief fund. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act authorized $1 billion to reimburse claims for COVID-19 testing for uninsured patients.
HRSA also issued frequently asked questions detailing information about eligible providers and services; the reimbursement process; and how to account for these payments on cost reports or similar reports. Participating providers can submit claims electronically starting May 6. Reimbursements will begin mid-May.
The association developed a members only COVID-19 funding tracker, capturing opportunities for essential hospitals to access needed resources. We encourage all members to visit the America’s Essential Hospitals coronavirus resource page for more information about the outbreak.
Contact Senior Director of Policy Erin O’Malley at eomalley@essentialhospitals.org or 202.585.0127 with questions.
