Update: The CARES Act Provider Relief Fund

Published in Member Communities on April 14, 2020

As most DMEPOS suppliers are now aware, the Department of Health and Human Services has begun the distribution of $30 billion in funds from the $100 billion Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act. 

Commencing last Friday, all health facilities that billed Medicare in 2019 will receive a grant from the Fund. Each TIN will receive approximately 6.2% of its 2019 Medicare fee-for-service payments (not including Medicare Advantage). For example, a provider or supplier that received $1 million in Medicare payments in 2019 will receive a relief payment of approximately $62,000.

This payment will not need to be repaid. Payments will be made automatically, without the need to file an application. Many provider/suppliers accounts were paid April 10, with the goal being no later than this week.

Click here to read more.

From Our Experts

Keeping You at the Center in a Complex and Artificial World thumbnail Keeping You at the Center in a Complex and Artificial World VGM President Lindy Tentinger shares how keeping people at the center is guiding VGM's evolution, strengthening connections, and simplifying the customer experience. 2026 National Health Expenditure Data Update thumbnail 2026 National Health Expenditure Data Update The 2026 National Health Expenditure Data Update examines how DME spending growth aligns with the shift toward home-based care and value-based healthcare. Digging into Denials: Stop Fixing Denials and Start Preventing Them thumbnail Digging into Denials: Stop Fixing Denials and Start Preventing Them Learn how HME providers can reduce recurring denials by identifying workflow, payer, authorization, and documentation issues before they impact reimbursement. Telling the Patient's Story Through NIV Documentation thumbnail Telling the Patient's Story Through NIV Documentation Under CMS's new policy, NIV documentation requires more than a diagnosis. Learn key strategies for medical necessity, compliance, and reimbursement. Telling the Patient's Story Through NIV Documentation thumbnail Telling the Patient's Story Through NIV Documentation Under CMS's new policy, NIV documentation requires more than a diagnosis. Learn key strategies for medical necessity, compliance, and reimbursement. What the Numotion/Hanger Merger Could Mean for CRT and O&P Providers thumbnail What the Numotion/Hanger Merger Could Mean for CRT and O&P Providers Read what the proposed Numotion/Hanger merger could mean for CRT and O&P providers from VGM's SVP of Membership, Tyler Mahncke. What the Numotion/Hanger Merger Could Mean for CRT and O&P Providers thumbnail What the Numotion/Hanger Merger Could Mean for CRT and O&P Providers Read what the proposed Numotion/Hanger merger could mean for CRT and O&P providers from VGM's SVP of Membership, Tyler Mahncke. Turning Unmet OSA Need Into Measurable Referral Growth thumbnail Turning Unmet OSA Need Into Measurable Referral Growth Discover strategies for HME providers to convert undiagnosed OSA into referral growth by enhancing PCP relationships and improving patient care outcomes.