Provider Relief Fund: Information and Resources

Note: Previous phases of the Provider Relief Fund distributions were issued in 2020. Information about those distributions has been removed from this website to make the current opportunity as clear as possible.

On September 10, 2021, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a fourth phase of provider relief funding. It will distribute an additional $17 billion to pediatricians and other providers who have experienced lost revenue and increased expenses due to COVID-19. HHS also announced $8.5 billion will be available through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) for providers who serve rural Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program, or Medicare patients. Providers will be able to apply from September 29 to October 26, 2021 and will use a single application to apply for both programs. Eligible providers can receive payments from both programs. In Phase 4, HHS is offering additional funds for smaller providers and bonus payments for providers who serve a large number of Medicaid, CHIP, or Medicare patients.

See here for more information regarding Phase 4 and ARP Rural Payments here. A one-page fact sheet provides a summary for health care providers.

Where is the portal?

Am I eligible?

I received funding during the phase 2 general distribution. Am I eligible to apply for additional funding?

Yes. In Phase 4, HRSA will base payments on lost revenue and increased expenses from July 2020 through March 2021, a time period separate from what was considered in previous phases. In addition, HRSA has set aside 25% of the Phase 4 funds to make bonus payments to providers based on the amount and type of services provided to Medicaid, CHIP, and Medicare beneficiaries from January 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020.

Am I guaranteed funding if I apply?

The Academy encourages all eligible pediatricians to apply as early as possible to increase the likelihood they receive Phase 4 funding. HHS is urging all eligible providers to apply early; do not wait until the last day or week of the application period. Applying early will help to expedite HHS’s review process and payment calculations, and ultimately accelerate the distribution of all payments.

I received funding during the phase 3 general distribution but think my payment was calculated incorrectly. What can I do?

I haven’t applied for provider relief funding in previous rounds. Can I apply now?

When is the deadline to apply?

Is this a loan or a grant?

What terms and conditions will I need to comply with if I accept the funding?

HHS has posted terms and conditions for the various phases of the General Distribution: Phase 1 (initial $30 billion), Phase 1 (second $20 billion), Phase 2 (Medicaid & CHIP), Phase 3, and Phase 4. Terms and conditions for the ARP rural funding are also available. Additionally, HHS has a list of FAQS related to complying with the terms and conditions of Provider Relief Funding. The Academy is closely tracking updates to these requirements and will share information and guidance as it becomes available.

I have run into a problem or have a question. Can you help?

The AAP continues to advocate for needed financial support for pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists. Find more information about AAP advocacy and priorities here.

Last Updated

10/12/2021

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics