Reingruber Alert: New Provider Relief Funds to be Distributed

9/14/2021 - By Claudia Reingruber, CPA, CHC

Phase 4 General Distribution - $17 Billion

  • Payments will be based on lost revenues and changes in operating expenses from July 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021
  • To promote equity and assist providers with the most need, HRSA will –
  • Pay smaller providers a higher percentage of lost revenues and expenses 
  • Make “bonus” payments to providers who serve Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare patients  

American Rescue Plan Funds for Rural Providers - $8.5 Billion

  • Data illustrating increased health risks and poor outcomes for rural areas can be accessed here
  • Payments will be based on the amount of services furnished to Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare patients who reside in Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP)-defined rural areas
  • Areas that qualify as “rural” can be identified in the Rural Health Grants Eligibility Analyzer here

More Info About Phase 4 and ARP Distributions

  • Qualified rural providers will apply for both programs in a single application
  • Eligible applicants are broadly defined as “providers or suppliers of health care, services, and support in a medical setting, at home, or in the community”
  • Recipients will be asked to attest to the applicable Terms and Conditions
  • More specifics on future payments can be accessed here

New Reconsideration Process for Phase 3 Distributions

  • Providers who believe their Phase 3 payment was incorrect will be able to request a reconsideration
  • HHS has released details of the methodology used for Phase 3 payments, which is available here
  • Details on the Phase 3 Reconsideration process will be forthcoming

Final 60-day “Grace Period” Offered for PRF Reporting

  • For providers who fail to meet the PRF Reporting deadline of 09/30/2021
  • To help providers come into compliance in light of challenges due to recent natural disasters and the Delta variant
  • During the 60-day grace period, HHS will not initiate collection or enforcement actions for non-compliant providers

The Healthcare Division at Saltmarsh can help...

  • Assess eligibility for Newly Announced Future PRF Distributions
  • Evaluate the accuracy of Phase 3 Distribution and reconsideration option
  • Ensure all eligible COVID expenses are identified for 1st PRF reporting
  • Analyze options for calculating “Lost Revenue” per updated guidance 
  • Prepare documentation files in preparation for future audits of PRF fund use
  • Reevaluate need for Single Audit per update guidance
  • Review PRF worksheets for optimal and compliant 1st PRF reporting!

For questions or more information, please contact our Healthcare team, and join our email list!

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