Healthcare Providers Are Starting To See Their Share Of The Initial $30 Billion COVID-19 Payments

Published in Member Communities on April 10, 2020

This morning HHS announced that they would begin delivering the initial $30 billion in relief funding to healthcare providers in support of the national response to COVID-19 as part of the $100 billion provider relief through the CARES Act. 

VGM started receiving calls, texts, and emails this morning from members about money being deposited into their bank accounts. 

“We are extremely relieved, and this money props us for the next couple of months,” says Paula Vineyard with Elana Health and Loop Medical. “Most people think that since we are in healthcare we are busy, but in all actuality, business is down because referral sources are not operating as business as usual.”

Paula Vineyard is a Respiratory Therapist and has been in business for 20 years, has 25 employees, and two business in Charleston, West Virginia – Elana Health and Loop Medical. The Elana Health location is primarily oxygen and has a large sleep apnea program along with all other DME. Elana Health is also a hospice provider and has a VA contract. Loop Medical has a fittings department for mastectomy, lymphedema, and diabetic footwear. They also do oxygen, home medical, and have urinary incontinence dropship program. 

“We are pretty excited. This could not come at a better time,” says Vineyard. “We have incurred a lot of additional expenses over the past few months because of supply and demand driving costs up.”

Vineyard received an email this morning stating:

Dear valued provider:

Thank you for your tireless efforts during this critical time. President Trump is providing support to healthcare providers fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. The President signed the bipartisan CARES legislation that provides $100 billion in relief funds to hospitals and other healthcare providers on the front lines of the coronavirus response. Recognizing the importance of delivering funds in a fast and transparent manner, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is distributing $30 billion of the relief funds immediately. These are payments to healthcare providers, not loans, and will not need to be repaid.

Shortly after receiving the email, they had the deposit in their account. Elana Health and Loop Medical are fortunate in that they have not had to lay off any employees and have been able to attain the necessary PPE for their team. They have also qualified for the Payment Protection Program. 

Payments to healthcare providers is based on Medicare fee for service reimbursements in 2019. Providers are directed to a website and have to sign an attestation confirming receipt of the funds the week of April 13 via the website hhs.gov/providerrelief.

From Our Experts

A Quick Guide to the New NCD for Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation thumbnail A Quick Guide to the New NCD for Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation Discover the key changes in Medicare's new NCD for non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) for chronic respiratory failure due to COPD. A Letter from the President: Clarity, Connection, & Champions of Change thumbnail A Letter from the President: Clarity, Connection, & Champions of Change This letter explores the importance of clarity, simplicity, and strategic partnerships, while providing insights on strengthening customer relationships. NAAOP Hosts First Ever In-Person Legislative Fly-In thumbnail NAAOP Hosts First Ever In-Person Legislative Fly-In Last week, 33 stakeholders, advocates, and leaders from around the O&P industry convened at the offices of Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville PC in Washington, D.C., as part of The National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics's (NAAOP) first ever in-person legislative fly-in. Co-sponsored by OPGA, the fly-in kicked off with an in-depth discussion and strategy session surrounding several legislative priorities affecting O&P providers and patients. Unlocking the Power of Marketing Tools: Create and Deliver Compelling Content thumbnail Unlocking the Power of Marketing Tools: Create and Deliver Compelling Content In today's fast-paced digital landscape, effective marketing hinges on the strategic use of tools that streamline content creation, distribution, and performance tracking. Unlocking Opportunities: A Comprehensive Guide to the Wound Care Market for DMEPOS Providers thumbnail Unlocking Opportunities: A Comprehensive Guide to the Wound Care Market for DMEPOS Providers Unlock new revenue streams in the wound care market with our comprehensive guide for DMEPOS providers. Discover key trends, strategic planning, and how VGM can support your success in delivering effective wound care solutions. Empowering Patients with Essential DME/HME Products thumbnail Empowering Patients with Essential DME/HME Products The HME/DME industry can improve patient outcomes and show that we're truly invested in patient care by offering a full range of cash-only products. CRT Groups Unite for Congressional Fly-In thumbnail CRT Groups Unite for Congressional Fly-In NCART, NRRTS and U.S. Rehab are collaborating in a more official way on this year's congressional fly-in on Sept. 16-17 in a move that will bring together complex rehab technology (CRT) professionals from different parts of the industry. Elevate Your Expertise in Home Accessibility with Certified Installer Training thumbnail Elevate Your Expertise in Home Accessibility with Certified Installer Training VGM Live at Home, in collaboration with longtime member Access to Independence, is proud to present the upcoming Certified Installer Training, taking place September 22-25 in Ravenna, OH.