COVID-19 Provider Relief Fund Reporting, and Auditing Compliance and Strategies

The Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund established by the CARES Act includes $175 billion to reimburse health care providers for expenses and lost revenues attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic. More than $130 billion has already been distributed or allocated. Although the provider relief fund payments were initially described as “no strings attached,” the payments are subject to terms and conditions, including reporting requirements and post-payment audits. In July, HHS announced it will establish a formal reporting system with detailed instructions before Oct. 1. This presentation will provide an overview of the provider relief fund and the specific distributions, describe the most-recent guidance for reporting and auditing requirements, and discuss best practices and strategies for complying with these requirements and retaining provider relief funds.