HRSA Allocates $25.5 Billion for Provider Relief Fund Phase 4, Opening September 29

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has allocated $25.5 billion to the Provider Relief Fund (PRF), which is split into a $17 billion General Distribution Fund and another $8 billion from the American Rescue Plan Act specifically for providers who serve rural Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or Medicare patients. Rural providers are defined by the HHS Federal Office of Rural Health Policy.

Phase 4 payments will be based on lost revenues and expenditures due to the COVID-19 pandemic between July 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021. Because providers in rural communities have been especially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, HRSA will reimburse these providers at higher rates and will include bonus payments—based on Medicare reimbursement rates—for those most affected.

The application will be open for four weeks. Additionally, HRSA is implementing a 60-day grace period for PRF reporting requirements due to simultaneous challenges around the country. To prepare for these forthcoming applications, make sure you have your most recent tax documents and financial statements for the second half of calendar year (CY) 2020 and the first quarter of CY 2021.

ACOG continues to advocate for state and federal financial support to ensure our members’ needs are met. For more information regarding application details, visit ACOG’s Step-by-Step Guide to How Ob-gyn Practices Can Access HHS Federal Relief Funds.