Participate in the latest #MGMAAdvocacy poll on practice financial sustainability

Help MGMA learn how COVID-19 has financially impacted your medical group so far by taking this 3-minute survey. The information collected will be used to inform MGMA’s advocacy efforts, educate policymakers, and develop new resources to assist your practice. All responses will remain anonymous. The MGMA COVID-19 Financial Impact Survey will close tomorrow, July 24 at midnight ET. 

HHS publishes timeline for Provider Relief Fund reporting requirements

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released an overview of future reporting requirements for providers that received payments under the Provider Relief Fund. HHS outlined the timing of future reporting requirements for providers that receive payments exceeding $10,000 in the aggregate from any Provider Relief Fund distribution (i.e., any payment under the $50 billion general distribution; Medicaid distribution; or a targeted distribution). The overview does not indicate whether providers that received $10,000 or less will be subject to any reporting obligations and does not provide detail as to the form or content of reports. However, the following timeline is provided:

·     August 17, 2020: Release of detailed instructions

·     October 1, 2020: Reporting system is available

·     February 15, 2021: Report due for calendar year 2020 expenditures

·     July 31, 2021: Second report due for those who expended funds in 2021 

2020 APM participation: Check qualifying participant status now

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updated the Quality Payment Program (QPP) participation tool to include the first snapshot of 2020 performance year data from alternative payment model (APM) participants. Group practice leaders can now use the tool to see if clinicians achieved qualifying participant (QP) status through an advanced APM based on the first snapshot period, which includes payment and patient data from dates of service between Jan 1, 2020 and March 31, 2020. There are three snapshots in a given performance year and clinicians participating in an advanced APM only need to achieve QP status during one snapshot period to qualify for advanced APM incentives (e.g., a 5% bonus and exemption from MIPS). At this time, you may also use the tool to see if clinicians within your group are affiliated with a MIPS APM. 

New recommendations on anti-discrimination rules during COVID-19

HHS’ Office for Civil Rights released guidelines for healthcare providers aimed at preventing discrimination based on race, color, and national origin during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance is applicable to group practices and providers that receive federal funding and suggests that these entities create proactive policies preventing discrimination, including:

·     Adopting policies to prevent harassment and discrimination;

·     Confirming existing policies and procedures with respect to COVID-19 related care does not exclude individuals on the basis of race, color, or national origin; and

·     Making available information available to individuals and patients on how the practice complies with anti-discrimination laws and regulations.

MGMA recommends members review these guidelines and use this as an opportunity to ensure compliance with existing federal laws. 

Deadline extended to apply for Medicaid/CHIP Provider Relief Fund payment

HHS announced an extension to the application deadline for Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) providers seeking a payment from the Provider Relief Fund. Eligible Medicaid and CHIP providers now have until Aug. 3 to complete an application for this distribution. A new fact sheet from HHS reflects the updated deadline, along with additional information on eligibility and the application process.