The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) announced on September 10, 2021, that an additional $25.5 billion in COVID-19 relief funds will be made available to healthcare providers.
Here’s what healthcare providers need to know and how they can apply for the relief.
Applications are open here.
Overview of the Provider Relief Fund
Qualified providers of healthcare services and support can receive Provider Relief Fund payments for healthcare-related expenses or lost revenue due to COVID-19. These distributions do not need to be repaid to the U.S. government, assuming providers comply with the terms and conditions.
What Kind of Funding Is Available?
The $25.5 billion in relief funds is divvied up into two buckets:
- $17 billion for Provider Relief Fund Phase 4 for a broad range of healthcare providers who can document revenue loss and expenses associated with the pandemic
- $8.5 billion in American Rescue Plan resources for healthcare providers who serve rural patients
What Kinds of Healthcare Providers Can Apply?
A provider is defined as “any provider or supplier of healthcare services and support in a medical setting, at home or in the community.”
Providers include, but aren’t limited to:
- Primary care practices
- Dental practices
- Outpatient clinics
- Physical therapists
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Assisted living facilities
- Outpatient clinics
- Home health agencies
You can find a full list of providers and other information about the funding here.
When Can Healthcare Providers Apply for Relief Funds?
As of September 29, 2021, healthcare providers can access the application portal here.
How Can Healthcare Providers Apply for Relief Funds?
Healthcare providers can apply for relief funds via the Provider Relief Fund Application and Attestation Portal.
You’ll want to gather the following supporting documentation:
- Internally generated financial statements that substantiate operating revenues and expenses from patient care in 2019 Q1, Q3 and Q4; 2020 Q3 and Q4; and 2021 Q1
- Federal income tax return, audited financial statements or internally-generated audited financial statements submitted in their entirety
You can also search the Rural Health Grants Eligibility Analyzer to determine whether you might qualify for the $8.5 billion in American Rescue Plan funds.
Get Help Navigating the Application Process
The Health Resources & Services Administration is hosting webinars for Phase 4 and ARP Rural applicants, featuring guidance on how to navigate the application portal.
You can register for one of the webinars here:
- Thursday, September 30, 3:00-4:00pm EST - register here
- Tuesday, October 5, 3:00-4:00pm EST - register here
- Wednesday, October 13, 3:00-4:00pm EST - register here
- Thursday, October 21, 3:00-4:00pm EST - register here
Learn More About the Funding
You can find more details about the additional funding here.
Other Informational Resources
The Health Resources & Services Administration offers extensive details about the Provider Relief Fund:
- About the Provider Relief Fund and other programs
- Terms and conditions for recipients of Provider Relief Fund distributions
- Phase 4 distribution details
Need Help?
Contact us here or call 800.899.4623.
Published on September 27, 2021