American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living logo

Earlier this month, the Department of Health and Human Services announced that it would distribute approximately $15 billion in grants to eligible state Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program providers, including assisted living operators. Payments from the distribution will be determined using data that eligible providers enter into an enhanced Provider Relief Fund portal.

To help operators navigate the new Provider Relief Fund Payment Portal, the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living released a tip sheet and step-by-step guide to the portal Wednesday. In it, AHCA/NCAL noted that applications are due July 20, and unlike previous relief requests, this one is not based on a first-come, first-serve prioritization.

“This means providers have plenty of time to review and ensure that all data is gathered and accurate before submissions,” the AHCA/NCAL noted in a blog post Wednesday. The agency reminded operators that there are no appeals rights, modifications or resubmissions allowed once an application is submitted. 

In addition, AHCA/NCAL advised operators to print out all materials, to take screenshots as needed and to fact check the application for errors before utilizing the portal.