On July 20, 2020, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) notified providers that if they received $10,000 or more in funds from the general or targeted Provider Relief Fund (PRF) established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, reports on how those funds were used will be required. HHS expects to release (through the Health Resources and Services Administration [HRSA] website) detailed instructions on reporting requirements by August 17, 2020. Specifically, reports will be required of any provider who received one or more payments exceeding $10,000 in the aggregate from:
General distributions:
- Initial Medicare
- Additional Medicare
- Medicaid, dental and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Targeted distributions:
- High-impact area
- Rural
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Indian health service
- Safety net hospital
In the reports, providers will be asked to explain how they complied with PRF applicable terms and conditions. HRSA will provide a number of question-and-answer sessions via webinar in advance of the report’s deadline. From a timing perspective, according to HHS’ notice, the reporting system will become available to recipients on October 1, 2020. The deadlines are as follows:
- All recipients must report within 45 days of the end of calendar year 2020 on their expenditures through the period ending December 31, 2020.
- Recipients that have expended PRF in full prior to December 31, 2020, may submit a single final report at any time during the window that begins October 1, 2020, but no later than February 15, 2021.
- Recipients with PRF unexpended after December 31, 2020, must submit a second and final report no later than July 31, 2021.
