HRSA has announced $25.5 billion in new funding available for health care providers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding includes:
- $17 billion for Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Phase 4 payments for a broad range of providers who can document revenue loss and expenses associated with the pandemic. For these Phase 4 payments, smaller providers—who tend to operate on thin margins and often serve vulnerable or isolated communities—will receive reimbursements for lost revenues and COVID-19 expenses at a higher rate compared to larger providers. Phase 4 will also include bonus payments based on the amount of services providers furnish to Medicaid/Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Medicare patients, who tend to be lower income and have greater and more complex medical needs.
- $8.5 billion from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) for providers who serve rural Medicaid, CHIP, or Medicare patients. ARP Rural payments to providers, including FQHCs, will be based on the amount of Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare services provided to patients living in rural areas as defined by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy.
Providers can apply for both programs with a single application. The application portal opens on Wednesday, September 29, 2021. More information is available on HRSA’s website regarding eligibility requirements, the documents and information providers will need to complete their application, and the application process for PRF Phase 4 and ARP Rural payments.