On March 28, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the expansion of the accelerated and advance payment program to fast track cash flow to Medicare physicians and other clinicians who have been financially impacted by COVID-19.
Through this program, participating physicians should submit information through their local Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) to be considered for an advance of 100% of Medicare payment amount for a three-month period. Ohio’s MAC is CGS and that office can be reached by calling 1.855.769.9920 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. CDT.
- Have billed Medicare for claims within 180 days immediately prior to the date of signature on the provider’s/supplier’s request form.
- Not be in bankruptcy.
- Not be under active medical review or program integrity investigation.
- Not have any outstanding delinquent Medicare overpayments.
Medicare will start accepting and processing these requests immediately. CMS anticipates that payments will be issued within seven days of the provider’s request. Beginning 120 days from the issuance of the advanced payment, physicians will have 210 days to submit claims to offset the advance payment amount.