Phase 3 of the Provider Relief Fund Announced

HHS Phase 3 of the Provider Relief Fund Announced

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has opened a new phase of the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) program. Even if you’ve already received PRF payments equaling 2% of your annual patient care revenue, you can apply for funding during this new round.

The application portal is open now through Nov. 6, 2020. To receive these funds, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Billed Medicaid/CHIP programs or Medicaid managed care plans for health-related services between Jan. 1, 2018 – March 31, 2020
• Billed a health insurance company for oral healthcare-related services as a dental service provider as of March 31, 2020
• Be a licensed dental service provider as of March 31, 2020 who does not accept insurance and has billed patients for oral healthcare-related services
• Billed Medicare fee-for-service during the period of Jan. 1, 2019 – March 31, 2020
• Be a Medicare Part A provider that experienced a CMS-approved change in ownership prior to Aug. 10, 2020
• Be a state-licensed/certified assisted living facility as of March 31, 2020
• Be a behavioral health provider as of March 31, 2020, who has billed a health insurance company or who does not accept insurance and has billed patients for healthcare-related services as of March 31, 2020.

Phase 3 widens the net of eligibility for healthcare professionals and practices. For example, the first two PRF rounds did not include those who started providing services between January 1 and March 31, 2020. Others who were rejected in previous rounds could also be eligible in Phase 3. However, you must submit the additional information requested to be eligible for the Phase 3 payment.

Additional requirements for this phase include:

• Filed a federal income tax return for fiscal years 2017, 2018 or 2019 if in operation before Jan. 1, 2020; or be exempt from filing a return
• Provided patient care after Jan. 31, 2020
• Did not permanently cease providing patient care directly or indirectly
• For individuals providing care before Jan. 1, 2020, have gross receipts or sales from patient care reported on Form 1040 (or other tax form)

Early application for Phase 3 PRF funding is strongly encouraged to facilitate a smooth process and efficient distribution of payments. We also recommend working with a healthcare CPA. By closely monitoring the PRF program, we can help you determine your eligibility and increase your chances of getting approved.

All content provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Matters discussed in this article are subject to change. For up-to-date information on this subject please contact a James Moore professional. James Moore will not be held responsible for any claim, loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any information within these pages or any information accessed through this site.