More than $1.75 billion in Phase 4 Provider Relief Fund payments are going out to more than 3,600 providers, the Department of Health and Human Service’s Health Resources and Services Administration announced Wednesday.
With this distribution, approximately $21 billion in funding has been distributed; $13.5 billion in PRF payments have gone out to nearly 86,000 providers, and almost $7.5 billion in American Rescue Plan rural payments have gone to more than 44,000 providers since November.
“Provider Relief Fund resources continue to make it possible for providers to recruit and retain key personnel, implement safety measures, and keep their doors open to care for their patients,” HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson said in a statement.
HHS opened applications for $25.5 billion in COVID-19 provider funding in September. Phase 4 payments are targeted to reimburse smaller providers for a higher percentage of losses during the pandemic. Bonus payments are included for providers who serve Medicaid, Medicare and Children’s Health Insurance Program beneficiaries.
This week’s distribution announcement comes after HHS in March announced that it was distributing $413 million in PRF dollars to COVID-19-affected healthcare providers. This week’s fifth distribution does not provide the targeted funding sought by the senior living and care industry, which has called for a replenishment of the PRF.
With the latest payments announced Wednesday, 92% of all Phase 4 PRF applications have been processed. Remaining applications require additional manual review, but the review by HHS is on track to be completed in May. Providers can use the PRF payments received in the first half of 2022 to cover losses and expenses until June 30, 2023.
