​​​Hospital and Skilled Nursing Facility COVID-19 Worker Retention Payments

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) today issued instructions to help Covered Entities, Covered Services Employers (CEs/CSEs), and independent physicians or physicians that are part of a Physician Group Entities (PGEs) prepare for the upcoming Worker Retention Payments (WRP)​ registration and application processes. DHCS released new guidance on the WRP webpage, including a program timeline and updated information on eligible physicians and the registration and application submission processes.

Beginning on October 21, 2022, CEs/CSEs and PGEs are required to register with DHCS in order to participate in WRP. Once registered, approved CEs/CSEs and PGEs will be provided a link to apply for retention payments on behalf of eligible workers. Applications will be accepted between November 29, 2022, and December 30, 2022. DHCS encourages early submissions so all applications can be validated prior to the final due date. DHCS anticipates issuing payments to CEs/CSEs and PGEs in January 2023.

Please visit the WRP webpage to review the new information about the registration and application submission processes for the WRP and updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document​​. Sign up for DHCS' WRP stakeholder announcements to stay informed of new developments.