UPDATED: Deadline Extended to 9/13: Apply for Medicaid and CHIP Provider Relief Fund

Date: 09/01/20

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently encouraged eligible providers to apply for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act Provider Relief Fund, which was expected to distribute $15 billion to eligible providers. On July 17, HHS announced that it will begin distributing an additional $10 billion in a second round of high impact COVID-19 area funding to hospitals. Governor Abbott and HHS announced that the deadline to submit an application for Medicaid and CHIP Provider Relief Fund distribution has been extended to September 13, 2020.* Additionally, beginning August 10, Medicare providers can apply for additional funding from the $20 billion portion of the $50 billion Phase 1 Medicare General Distribution.

In June, HHS announced the opening of the application period, as well as plans to distribute approximately $15 billion to eligible providers that participate in state Medicaid and CHIP programs but had not yet received a payment from the $50 billion general distribution. 

HHS has hosted a number of webinars targeted at providers and provider organizations to answer questions and assist those eligible through the application process. For more information about the application process, please review the Provider Relief Fund: Medicaid and CHIP Provider Distribution (PDF), or visit the Cares Act Provider Relief Fund webpage.

*The deadline to apply was originally July 20, 2020, then extended to August 3  and later September 13.