If you have not yet applied for funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Provider Relief Fund (PRF), you now have more time to do so. Following a strong lobbying effort by the ADA, HHS announced that it is extending the deadline for all dentists to apply for the PRF to Aug. 28.

Additionally, HHS announced two major updates further expanding application eligibility for some dentists. Starting Aug. 10 and lasting through the Aug. 28 deadline:

• Dentists who previously received small automatic payments from the General (Medicare) Distribution due to Medicare billings will be allowed to apply and receive additional funding.
• Dentists who experienced a recent change in ownership may submit their revenue information along with documentation proving a change in ownership for consideration for PRF payment.

PRF payments for eligible providers are based on 2% of gross revenues for patient care.

All dentists are urged to apply as soon as possible. The ADA has updated its PRF FAQ and highlighted the following application information in a recent email to members:

• The first step in the application process is to validate your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). HHS has said they will soon be providing a more simplified application form, but please initiate the process of validating your TIN before the deadline. If your TIN is validated after Aug. 28, you will still be permitted to complete your application.
• If you made a mistake and already submitted your application but haven’t received payment yet, HHS allows you to submit a new application and they will use the most recent one.Once you receive payment, however, there is no ability to appeal or dispute a received payment.
• Dentists do not have to participate in Medicaid/CHIP or Medicare to be eligible.Providers also aren’t required to participate in Medicaid, Medicare, or other insurance networks if they accept payment.

Apply for the PRF online at cares.linkhealth.com.

Apply Now

For additional application information, please consult the following:

• PRF Payment Portal User Guide
• HHS Application Instructions
• Two Extensive HHS FAQs:
  • General Information about the PRF
  • Medicaid, CHIP and Dental Providers Distribution
• HHS Provider Support Line: (866) 569-3522 (5 AM-8 PM Pacific Time, Monday-Friday)
• PRF Terms and Conditions

Sincerely,



Dr. Dennis Bradshaw
WSDA President