The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is making $25.5 billion in new funding available for health care providers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the HHS press release, funding includes $8.5 billion in American Rescue Plan (ARP) resources for providers who serve rural Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or Medicare patients, and an additional $17 billion for Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Phase 4 for healthcare based providers who have experienced revenue loss and increased expenses associated with the pandemic.
The application portal will open on September 29, 2021 and will remain open for four weeks. Eligible providers must submit their completed application by the final deadline of October 26 at 11:59 p.m. HRSA warns that providers who previously created an account in the Provider Relief Fund Application and Attestation Portal and have not logged in for more than 90 days will need to first reset their password before starting a new application.
HRSA will be hosting webinar sessions for Phase 4 and ARP Rural applicants, featuring guidance on how to navigate the application portal.
Thursday, September 30, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET – register to attend
Tuesday, October 5, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET – register to attend
Additionally, two more October dates will be announced soon.
Who is eligible for these funds?
Phase 4 General Distribution: Providers or suppliers who bill Medicare fee-for-service (Parts A and/or B) or Medicare Advantage, Medicaid (fee-for service or managed care) or CHIP, as well as dental service providers, state-licensed or certified assisted living facilities, and behavioral health providers
Disclaimer: even if eligible, payments will be based on providers’ changes in operating revenues and expenses from July 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021. Phase 4 will also include new elements specifically focused on equity.
ARP Rural Distribution: Providers who serve Medicaid, CHIP, and Medicare patients who live in rural communities are eligible for the ARP Rural payments.
You can learn more about the application process and requirements here.