$20 Billion Additional Provider Relief Funds Available – Phase 3

Yesterday, October 1, 2020, The Department of Health and Human Services announced a new $20 billion distribution from the Provider Relief Fund (PRF). This “Phase 3” distribution aims to provide additional financial assistance to providers. Specifically, those who continue to experience financial challenges, previously ineligible providers, and behavioral health providers.

Providers will have from October 5, 2020 through November 6, 2020 to apply for Phase 3 General Distribution funding.
 

Provider Relief Fund Eligibility

HHS is making a large number of providers eligible for Phase 3 General Distribution funding, including:

• Providers who previously received, rejected or accepted a General Distribution.
• Provider Relief Fund payment. Providers that have already received payments of approximately 2% of annual revenue from patient care may submit more information to become eligible for an additional payment.
• Behavioral Health providers, including those that previously received funding and new providers.
• Healthcare providers that began practicing January 1, 2020 through March 31, 2020. This includes Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, dentists, assisted living facilities and behavioral health providers.

Payment Methodology

All eligible providers will be considered for payment against the below criteria.

1. All provider submissions must confirm they have received a Provider Relief Fund payment. This payment must be equal to approximately 2 percent of patient care revenue from prior general distributions. Applicants that have not yet received Relief Fund payments of 2 percent of patient revenue will receive a payment that, when combined with prior payments (if any), equals 2 percent of patient care revenue.

2. With the remaining balance of the $20 billion budget, HRSA will then calculate an equitable add-on payment that considers the following:

• A provider’s change in operating expenses from patient care, including expenses incurred related to coronavirus.
• Payments already received through prior Provider Relief Fund distributions.