HHS extends application deadline for Medicaid providers and plans

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has extended its application deadline for the phase 2 general distribution to Medicaid, Medicaid managed care, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and dental providers in response to financial trouble stemming from COVID-19.

The department also plans to allow certain Medicare providers who experienced challenges in the phase 1 Medicare general distribution application period a second opportunity to receive funding. The deadline for both groups is Friday, August 28.

By pushing the deadline back, HHS said it hopes to strike the right balance in terms of offering as much flexibility as possible to providers, recognizing the constraints on smaller practices already operating on thin margins with limited administrative staff. The department will also provide a simpler application form in response to ongoing dialogue focused on improving the provider experience.