Get reimbursed at Medicare rates with HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program

Washington State Health Care Authority sent this bulletin at 10/26/2021 01:10 PM PDT

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Are you a health care provider who treats the uninsured for COVID-19? Do not miss the opportunity to get reimbursed at Medicare rates!

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) COVID-19 Uninsured Program provides reimbursement at Medicare rates to health care providers for COVID-19 testing, treatment and vaccinations of uninsured individuals. Do not miss this opportunity! Enroll today!

HRSA, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), administers the COVID-19 Uninsured Program. Eligible reimbursements are made directly to health care providers.

Who is considered uninsured?

Anyone without health insurance, no matter their immigration status. An individual is considered uninsured if they did not have any health care coverage at the time services are rendered.

Is a Social Security Number (SSN) required to submit a claim?

An uninsured individual does not need to have or provide an SSN to their provider to participate in the HRSA Uninsured Program. An SSN and/or government ID may be requested but it is not required. Claims submitted without an SSN and state of residence will require provider attestation. For more information, visit HRSA COVID-19 patient details.

Is confirmation of immigration status required to submit claims for reimbursement?

No. Health care providers are not required to confirm immigration status prior to submitting claims for reimbursement. Providers may be reimbursed at Medicare rates for COVID-19 testing and treatment of uninsured individuals, regardless of immigration status.

Why would a provider choose reimbursement through the HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program instead of Alien Emergency Medical (AEM)?

The HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program reimburses providers at Medicare rates and covers additional services including but not limited to: skilled nursing facilities, long-term acute care, durable medical equipment, and home health. While AEM may cover COVID-19 testing and treatment, it is limited to medically necessary emergencies, such as acute hospitalizations.

HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program	AEM
Medicare reimbursement rate	Medicaid rate (lower)
Broad covered services	Limited to emergency services
No verification of immigration status	Income limits apply
Provider driven	The client has to apply

HRSA Uninsured Program resources

FAQs for COVID-19 Claims Reimbursement
Uninsured Patient COVID Services Poster (hhs.gov)
Uninsured Patient COVID Services Poster Spanish (hhs.gov)
Provider support line: 866-569-3522

Other resources

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About the Health Care Authority (HCA)

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is committed to whole-person care, integrating physical health and behavioral health services for better results and healthier residents.

HCA purchases health care for more than 2.5 million Washington residents through Apple Health (Medicaid), the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program, the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) Program, and the COFA Islander Health Care Program. As the largest health care purchaser in the state, we lead the effort to transform health care, helping ensure Washington residents have access to better health and better care at a lower cost.

Please do not reply directly to this message. For more information, visit the HCA website, where you'll also find contact information.

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The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) complies with all applicable federal and Washington state civil rights laws and is committed to providing equal access to our services. Visit HCA’s website to view complete nondiscrimination statements.