HHS has launched an online portal on April 6, 2020 for providers to submit claims for treatment and testing of COVID-19 uninsured patients. An unprecedented number of Americans have filed for unemployment claims and according to data released last Friday, the unemployment rate is at 14.5% which is highest since the great depression. Since a majority of Americans receive their health insurance from their employers, many of them have lost their health insurance along with their jobs. Besides, the COVID-19 virus does not care if you have insurance or not. Congress understands this and they passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act which allocated $1 billion to reimburse providers to treat uninsured patients with COVID-19. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act earmarked $100 billion in relief funds for providers, with a requirement that the funds be used to pay for the expenses of un-insured COVID-19 patients. We do not know and when the funding for this program will run out so it is important that if you have provided COVID-19 testing or treatment for uninsured patients with COVID-19 diagnosis on or after February 4, 2020, submit your claims as soon as possible. HHRS has selected United health group as the sole administrator of the program. Who can submit claims for COVID-19 Testing or Treatment of Un-insured patients? Reimbursement will be made for providing services and testing of all claims with primary COVID-19 diagnosis that would generally be covered by Medicare including Hospitals (In-patient) Private practices (Outpatient/Ambulatory care) Laboratories DME SNF / Long term Acute Care (LTAC) How much payment will I receive? Payment will be based on current Medicare rates unless otherwise specified. There is no guidance on how long the funding for the program will last. How to submit claims for COVID-19 testing or treatment of un-insured
