More stimulus money is now available to small healthcare practices. According to HRSA at: https://www.hrsa.gov/provider-relief/future-payments:
On September 29, 2021, health care providers will be able to apply for $25.5 billion in relief funds, including $8.5 billion in American Rescue Plan (ARP) resources for providers who serve rural patients and $17 billion for Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Phase 4 for a broad range of providers who can document revenue loss and expenses associated with the pandemic.
In order to streamline the application process and minimize administrative burdens, providers will apply for both programs in a single application and HRSA will use existing Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare claims data in calculating portions of these payments.
NEW DISTRIBUTIONS
Phase 4 General Distribution — $17 billion based on providers’ lost revenues and changes in operating expenses from July 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021.To promote equity and to support providers with the most need, HRSA will:
- Reimburse a higher percentage of lost revenues and expenses for smaller providers as compared to larger providers
- Provide “bonus” payments based on the amount of services they provide to Medicaid, CHIP, and Medicare patients, priced at the generally higher Medicare rates.
PHASE 3 RECONSIDERATIONS
To promote transparency in the PRF program, HHS has released detailed information (PDF – 175 KB available at: https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/provider-relief/phase-3-methodology-overview.pdf) about the methodology utilized to calculate Phase 3 payments. Providers who believe their Phase 3 payment was not calculated correctly according to this methodology will now have an opportunity to request a reconsideration [as follows]
If you have general questions about the PRF, please contact the Provider Support Line at 866-569-3522.
HHS recognizes that providers may have questions regarding their Phase 3 payment determinations.
HRSA is developing a structured process to review and reconsider applications and payment
determinations. Any corrections to payment determinations are subject to the availability of funds.
If after reviewing the above methodology you believe your payment was calculated incorrectly, or if you
would like to be notified when more information becomes available regarding the reconsiderations
process, please contact PRFReconsiderations@hrsa.gov.
If you would like our assistance to apply for the Phase-4 Provider Relief Fund subsidy, please email us at practicehelp@schwartzaccountants.com.