Are You Eligible for More Money With Phase 4 of the Provider Relief Fund?

HHS Announces More Funding Available for Substance Abuse Programs - Emphasis on Smaller Providers

On September 10, the Department of Health and Human Services announced that there will be an addition $25.5 billion in new funding available to healthcare providers as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This funding will be streamlined through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Phase 4. The PRF provides funding to health care providers who can provide documents showing revenue loss and expenses related to the pandemic.

Combined application for American Rescue Plan and Provider Relief Fund Phase 4 will open on September 29. There will be a 60-grace period for reporting in response to recent natural disasters and the effects of the Delta variant. Here is how they break down: 

Provider Relief Fund- Phase 4 General Distribution

Amount- $17 billion

Based on- providers’ lost revenues and changes in operating July 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021. PRF Phase 4 will reimburse smaller providers, who tend to operate on thin margins and often serve vulnerable or isolated communities, for their lost revenues and COVID-19 expenses at a higher rate compared to larger providers.

These distributions do not need to be repaid to the US government, assuming providers comply with the terms and conditions.

• 75% of the Phase 4 allocation will calculated based on revenue losses and COVID-related expenses.

• 25% of the Phase 4 allocation will be put towards bonus payments that are based on the amount and type of services provided to Medicaid, CHIP, and Medicare patients.

America Rescue Plan

Amount- $8.5 billion

Based on- the amount service providers furnish to Medicaid, CHIP, and Medicare beneficiaries living in Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP)-defined rural areas. ARP rural payments will also generally be based on Medicare reimbursement rates.

How do I prepare?

1. Review your eligibility at the PFR Future Payments web page

2. Review your eligibility at the Rural Health Grants Eligibility Analyzer web page

3. Prepare supporting documentation, such as tax documents and financial statements (second half of 2020, first quarter of 2021)

Concerns about Phase 3?

HHS has released the methodology used to calculate Phase 3 payments to promote transparency in the PRF program, and give providers the opportunity to request a reconsideration if they believe their portion was calculated incorrectly. 

Where can I learn more?

If you are interested in learning more about this funding and your eligibility, visit the PRF Reporting website or call the Provider Support Line at (866) 569-3522, for TTY dial 711.

If you are interested in joining the ROC community, please complete this form for consideration: https://tinyurl.com/5btxe39z