More than 4,100 providers will get $560 million in Provider Relief Fund payments this week
This is far less than the $25 billion distribution requested by the American Hospital Association.
Photo: John Fedele/Getty Images
More than 4,1000 providers will receive $560 million in Provider Relief Fund payments this week.
The Department of Health and Human Services, through the Health Resources and Services Administration, is making the money available through PRF Phase 4 General Distribution payments.
Phase 4 payments have an increased focus on equity, including reimbursing a higher percentage of losses for smaller providers and incorporating bonus payments for providers who serve Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program and Medicare beneficiaries, HHS said.
Approximately 86% of all Phase 4 applications have now been processed. Remaining applications will continue to be processed throughout early 2022.
WHY THIS MATTERS
The American Hospital Association has called for $25 billion and the remaining money in the provider relief fund to go to providers that remain under financial pressure from COVID-19, especially due to labor costs and shortages.
THE LARGER TREND
With today's announcement, nearly $11.5 billion in PRF Phase 4 payments has now been distributed to more than 78,000 providers in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and five territories, HHS said.
This is in addition to HRSA's distribution of American Rescue Plan Rural payments totaling nearly $7.5 billion in funding to more than 44,000 providers since November 2021.
ON THE RECORD
"Provider Relief Funds have been a lifeline for healthcare providers across the country," said Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. "From providing life-saving care to tackling workforce challenges, these funds will help many healthcare facilities weather the pandemic's continued impact."
Twitter: @SusanJMorse
Email the writer: SMorse@himss.org
