Volume 20.39
There has been substantial confusion throughout the healthcare industry regarding expenses and lost revenues which will be eligible for justification of Provider Relief Funds. With every update from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”), more issues are identified as we prepare for the scheduled February reporting. Of course, it does not help that HHS has not released the reporting format that will be required.
One issue that has received significant attention is the potential for using lost revenue from fundraising and similar activities by entities that depend on these activities to support patient care services. Yesterday, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (“NHPCO”) received a letter from HHS that included the following:
“Additionally, your letter inquired about using PRF funds to reimburse lost fundraising and thrift store revenue. PRF funds may be used to reimburse lost revenue attributable to coronavirus, and lost fundraising and thrift store revenue may qualify as reimbursable lost revenue. To calculate lost revenues attributable to coronavirus, providers are required to report revenues received from Medicare, Medicaid, commercial insurance, and other sources for patient care services. Providers should report fundraising and thrift store revenue in 2019 and 2020 as a revenue source if it was raised to fund patient care services.”
We applaud efforts across the industry to secure clarification and as advocates for the healthcare industry. Special thanks to NHPCO and others who have considered lost support revenues due to the COVID-19 PHE as important in the use of PRF.
While may questions remain unanswered regarding COVID-19 PHE expenses and lost revenue determinations, we have developed our approach to preparing for reporting the use of PRF. We encourage all providers to recognize the importance of planning for the upcoming reporting. The first report is currently scheduled to cover the period ending December 31, 2020 with a February 15, 2021 reporting date.
THE HEALTH GROUP IS IN INITIAL PLANNING STAGES FOR FALL 2021 LIVE PROGRAM
The Health Group, LLC has provided live programming every year since 1993, except for 2020. Due to the many requests for continuing our healthcare finance programming, we are planning for a program in the Fall 2021. We are very hopeful that events will allow for this to occur. Your comments regarding such programming are greatly appreciated at contact@healthgoup.com.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
The Health Group, LLC has relocated to:
1300 Fort Pierpont Drive
Suite 102
Morgantown, WV 26508
Telephone, fax, and emails are unchanged. We thank everyone for their patience during our relocation.