As explained in the most recent Fact Sheet, CMS is suspending payments to Part B providers through its Advance Payment Program. This decision comes on the heels of a significant reinfusion of funds to provider relief efforts. The $175 billion available to providers from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (PPPHCE) Acts is being distributed by the Department of Health & Human Services through the Provider Relief Fund, and it is expected that additional funds will be disbursed by the same means.
CMS will be re-evaluating all pending and new applications received and reassessing the formulas by which is makes disbursements. In addition, several outstanding questions remain unanswered, such as how will providers return unused or unwanted funds.