The following information is current as of April 28, 2020:

Through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the federal government has made funding available to reimburse providers for COVID-19 testing and treatment, regardless of insurance status. Providers can seek reimbursement for COVID-19 testing and testing-related visits, as well as treatment for uninsured individuals with a COVID-19 diagnosis, for dates of service on or after February 4, 2020.

How it works: Providers enroll in the program and submit claims for reimbursement electronically. Providers will be reimbursed generally at Medicare rates based on the Medicare fee schedule. Testing and testing-related visits are eligible for reimbursement for all uninsured patients. Treatment costs are eligible for reimbursement only if the patient tests positive for COVID-19.

For each claim, providers must attest that:

• They checked coverage eligibility and confirmed that the patient is uninsured
• They will accept the defined program reimbursement as payment in full
• They will not balance bill patients
• They agree to the program terms and conditions

Covered services include:

• Specimen collection, diagnostic and antibody testing
• Testing-related visits including in office, urgent care or emergency room settings or via telehealth
• Treatment, including office visits (including via telehealth), emergency room, outpatient/observation, and others (see website for complete list)
• FDA-approved vaccine, when available

How to enroll: Click here.

Once enrolled: Begin submitting patient information on Wednesday, May 6, 2020.

Visit the program page for more information.

• Update on CARES Payment May 6, 2020
  Providers who bill Medicare likely received an automatic payment from the first CARES Act’s Provider Relief Fund distribution a few weeks ago. CMS is now distributing a second round of payments. Providers may need to submit additional information to receive this second payment. All Medicare providers who received that first payment should log in to this portal to confirm. FAQs available here.