HHS Releases $25.5 Billion in COVID-19 Relief Funding

September 17, 2021

The application portal will open on September 29 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is releasing $25.5 billion in new funding for physicians and other healthcare professionals to help recoup revenue losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The following two programs are available:
 

• General Distribution – Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Phase 4: Of the $25.5 billion, $17 billion is designated for healthcare professionals who experienced losses in revenue between July 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021. PRF Phase 4 will reimburse at a higher rate for smaller practices or individual physicians serving vulnerable communities compared to larger medical groups. Healthcare professionals are also eligible to receive financial bonuses if they serve patients insured by Medicaid; the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP); and/or Medicare.

 

• American Rescue Plan (ARP) Rural: The other $8.5 billion is earmarked for rural healthcare professionals who treat patients insured by Medicaid or Medicare and children who have coverage under CHIP. The ARP Rural payments will be based on Medicare reimbursement rates.

 
Healthcare professionals can apply for both programs in a single application.
 
The application portal will open on Sept. 29, 2021. Watch future editions of Physician Advocate for more information.
 
If you have questions, please contact the ISMS Health Policy Research and Advocacy team by email.