HHS Announces $20 Billion in New Phase 3 Provider Relief Funding

The portal for applications for Phase 3 of the General Distribution from the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund (PRF) is now open. Providers who have already received Provider Relief Fund payments are invited to apply for additional funding that considers financial losses and changes in operating expenses caused by the coronavirus. Previously ineligible providers, such as those who began practicing in 2020, are also invited to apply. The deadline to apply is November 6, although HHS strongly recommends submitting your application as soon as possible, to expedite the review process.

Eligibility

Providers may be eligible regardless of whether they were eligible for, applied for, received, accepted, or rejected payment from prior PRF distributions.

To be eligible to apply, a provider must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Billed Medicaid / CHIP programs or Medicaid managed care plans for health-related services between Jan. 1, 2018–Mar. 31, 2020; or
• Billed Medicare fee-for-service during the period of Jan. 1, 2019–Mar. 31, 2020.

Additionally, to be eligible to apply, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Filed a federal income tax return for fiscal years 2017, 2018, 2019 if in operation before Jan. 1, 2020; or were exempt from filing a return; and
• Provided patient care after Jan. 31, 2020 (Note: patient care includes health care, services, and support, as provided in a medical setting, at home, or in the community); and
• Did not permanently cease providing patient care directly or indirectly; and
• For individuals providing care before Jan. 1, 2020, have gross receipts or sales from patient care reported on Form 1040 (or other tax form).

The receipt of funds from SBA and FEMA for coronavirus recovery or of Medicaid HCBS retainer payments does not preclude a health-care provider from being eligible. Providers should apply if they have lost revenues and/or have increased expenses attributable to COVID-19 that have not been reimbursed by other sources.

Application

Providers will need to submit a new application, even if they previously submitted revenue details for a prior PRF distribution. The application has been updated to include some additional data entries in order to calculate payment based on financial impact of COVID-19.

Acceptance or Rejection of Funds

If you ultimately receive payment from this Phase 3 PRF, you must accept or reject the funds within 90 days through the Provider Relief Fund Application and Attestation Portal. Failing to reject or attest actively will be viewed as acceptance. For information about how to accept the funds, see the Attestation FAQs, the Terms and Conditions FAQs, and review the Terms and Conditions. For information about how to reject the funds, read the Rejecting Payments FAQs.