Established by the CARES Act, the fund allows dental providers to apply for payments made for healthcare-related expenses or lost revenue attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that it is extending the deadline to August 28, 2020, for dental professionals to apply for funding through the Enhanced Provider Relief Fund Payment Portal. 

The Provider Relief Fund was established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). It allows dental providers to apply for payments made for healthcare-related expenses or lost revenue attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

HHS also announced that beginning August 10, and continuing through August 28, dental professionals who previously received small automatic payments from the General (Medicare) Distribution due to Medicare billings, will be allowed to apply and receive additional funding from the Provider Relief Fund. In addition, dental professionals  who experienced a recent change in ownership may submit their revenue information along with documentation proving a change in ownership for consideration for Provider Relief Fund payment.

Eligibility and application requirements are available on the American Dental Association’s Provider Relief Fund FAQ page, as well as directly from the HHS PRF Payment Portal User Guide.