March 30, 2020

CMS announced an expansion of its accelerated and advance payment program for Medicare participating health-care providers and suppliers, to ensure they have the resources needed to combat the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). This program expansion includes changes from the recently enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. CMS acknowledges that there has been significant disruption to the health-care industry, with providers being asked to delay non-essential surgeries and procedures, other health-care staff unable to work due to child-care demands, and disruption to billing, among the challenges related to the pandemic.

Accelerated and advance Medicare payments provide emergency funding and address cash flow issues based on historical payments when there is disruption in claims submission and/or claims processing. CMS is expanding the program for all Medicare providers throughout the country during the public health emergency related to COVID-19. The payments can be requested by hospitals, doctors, durable medical equipment suppliers and other Medicare Part A and Part B providers and suppliers.

To qualify for accelerated or advance payments, the provider or supplier must:

• have billed Medicare for claims within 180 days immediately prior to the date of signature on the provider’s/supplier’s request form;
• not be in bankruptcy;
• not be under active medical review or program integrity investigation; and
• not have any outstanding delinquent Medicare overpayments.

Medicare will start accepting and processing the Accelerated/Advance Payment Requests immediately. CMS anticipates that the payments will be issued within seven days of the provider’s request.   

CMS has provided a Fact Sheet, which lays out additional details and the process for requesting an accelerated or advance payment.