The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has increased the cash flow available to Medicare providers during the COVID-19 public health emergency by providing accelerated/advance payments to providers when there is a disruption in claims submission and/or claims processing. This is essentially a short-term loan. Below is a summary of this Program.

Eligibility for Providers and Suppliers:

• Have billed Medicare within 180 days of request.
• Not be in bankruptcy.
• Not be in active medical review or program integrity investigation.
• Not have any outstanding delinquent Medicare overpayments.

Amount of Payment:

• For most providers and suppliers, 100% of Medicare payment amount for a three-month period.
• For most hospitals, 100% of the Medicare payment amount for a six-month period.
• For Critical Access Hospitals, 125% of the Medicare payment amount for a six-month period.

Processing Time:

• Each Medicare Administrative Contractor (“MAC”) will work to review and issue payments within seven (7) calendar days of request.

Repayment Obligations:

• Generally, one year for hospitals.
• All other Part A and Part B providers and suppliers will have 210 days to repay.

How to Apply:

• Contact your MAC (WPS for Missouri and Palmetto for Illinois)

See CMS Fact Sheet for More Details:
https://www.cms.gov/files/document/Accelerated-and-Advanced-Payments-Fact-Sheet.pdf

Prepared by:

Stuart J. Vogelsmeier
Phone 314-436-8349
Email: sjvogels@lashlybaer.com

Richard W. Hill
Phone: 314-436-8317
Email: rhill@lashlybaer.com

Scott A Pummell
Phone: 314-436-8369
Email:spummell@lashlybaer.com

This summary and legal alert is an overview of the new guidance. It is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal advice for a specific factual situation.