On March 27th, the President signed into effect the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
As we all struggle with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we would like to make sure you were aware of these two provisions in the CARES Act that may help us all survive the economic hardships faced.
The CARES Act contains $349 billion dollars in forgivable loans for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These loans can be used to meet their payroll and other critical business expenses.
Beginning Friday, April 3, 2020, providers with fewer than 500 employees can apply through their bank or SBA lending institution for a Corona Virus Emergency Loan. Small businesses can take out loans up to $10 million, based upon a formula tied to payroll costs, to cover employees making up to $100,000 a year. The loans may be forgiven if the provider uses the loan only for payroll, interest payments on mortgages, rent, and utilities. Forgiveness would be reduced proportionally by any reduction in employees retained compared to the prior year and a 25% or greater reduction in employee compensation.
The program is open until June 3,2020 but it’s advised to apply as soon as possible as there is a loan cap on the program.
For more information:
www.uschamber.com/sites/default/files/023595_comm_corona_virus_smallbiz_loan_final.pdf
www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources
On March 28, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the expansion of its Accelerated and Advance Payment Program for the duration of this public health emergency. CMS is authorized to provide accelerated or advance payments to any Medicare physician, provider or supplier who submits a request to the appropriate Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) and meets the required qualifications.
Have billed Medicare for claims within 180 days immediately prior to the date of signature on the physician’s request form
Not be in bankruptcy
Not be under active medical review or program integrity investigation
Not have any outstanding delinquent Medicare over payments
Most providers will be able to to request up to 100% of their Medicare payments amount for a three month period. MAC will begin processing payments within 7 days of the request.
Recoupment of advance payments will begin 120 days after the funds have been disbursed, and they will be taken from the claims submitted at that time until the full amount has been repaid. Providers can request to repay the funds directly instead of having them recouped through claims submissions. No interest will be charged on COVID-19 advance payments that are repaid within 210 days of disbursement.
If repayment within this time frame is a hardship for the practice, providers can request that the MAC provide an extended repayment plan; however 10.25% interest will be charged on extended repayment plan payments.
To request accelerated or advance payment, complete and submit a request form: Accelerated/Advance Payment Request forms vary by contractor and can be found on each individual MAC’s website. Complete the form and submit it to your MAC via mail or email.
For more information:
www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/cares-act-medicare-advance-payments-covid-19-emergency
www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/medicare/cares-act-medicare-s-covid-19-advance-payment-program-faqs
Working together, while apart, we will emerge from this crisis stronger than ever.
Stay Well,
Eldad De-Medonsa, PhD
President, Billing Dynamix
