On July 10, 2020 the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), announced approximately $3 billion in funding to hospitals serving a large percentage of vulnerable populations on thin margins and approximately $1 billion to specialty rural hospitals, urban hospitals with certain rural Medicare designations, and hospitals in small metropolitan areas. HHS is also opening the provider portal to allow dentists to apply for relief. HHS recognizes the urgent need these vital funds play in supporting safety net providers and those serving large rural populations facing financial devastation catalyzed by the pandemic.
On June 9th, Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the launch of the Enhanced Provider Relief Fund Payment Portal where eligible Medicaid, Medicaid managed care and CHIP providers were the first to begin reporting their annual patient revenue information for funding.
On July 10th, HHS announced that this portal and the application process are open to dentists who have not previously been eligible to receive funding through the Provider Relief Fund. This decision will provide the necessary funding for dental practices to continue to rebound across the country, allowing patients to receive the critical dental care they need and ensuring dental providers are not left behind during these complex times.
Being an active part of the HHS process, helping represent the dental industry and ensuring dentists, hygienists, and support staff were included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and other emergency funds, the ADSO is committed to supporting dentists in reopening practices across the country and providing safe dental visits to patients.
Dental providers are helping Americans fight this pandemic by stopping non-urgent visits or suspending elective procedures, all in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. These dentists have subsequently incurred financial losses and are therefore being provided funding relief through an additional $3 billion in funding that was made available for dental providers. Eligible dentists will receive a reimbursement of two percent of their annual reported patient revenue and will have until July 24, 2020 to apply for funding through the Enhanced Provider Relief Payment Portal.
It is important to note that application for this funding is open to all dental practices. This includes DSO affiliated practices, non-affiliated practices, dental group practices, solo practitioners and other dental business modalities.
Eligible dentists will receive a reimbursement of two percent of their annual reported patient revenue and will have until July 24, 2020 to apply for funding through the Enhanced Provider Relief Fund Payment Portal. This second phase of General Distribution will continue to expand to include other providers submitting applications for future relief funding opportunities or as directed by HHS.