HRSA Opens Application Process for Additional Distributions of COVID-19 Relief Funds

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced the portal is now open for providers to apply for $25.5 billion in COVID-19 relief funds. Providers will submit a single application for both $17 billion in a “Phase 4” distribution from the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) and $8.5 billion in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds designated for rural providers. The application portal will close Oct. 26 at 11:59 p.m. ET. The AHA strongly encourages members to apply for this funding as soon as possible.

In addition, HRSA announced that it will be holding webinars for Phase 4 and ARPA applicants, featuring guidance on how to navigate the application portal. The first of these webinars is Sept. 30 at 3 p.m. ET. Interested hospitals should register via HRSA’s website.

HRSA Sept. 10 announced details regarding the distributions above. See AHA’s Special Bulletin for more details. The agency has stated that it hopes to begin distributing ARPA funds in mid- to late November, and PRF funds in early to mid-December.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and subsequent laws included $178 billion in the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund to reimburse health care providers for health care-related expenses or lost revenues not otherwise reimbursed that are attributable to COVID-19. The ARPA provided $8.5 billion to reimburse rural health care providers for health care-related expenses and lost revenues attributable to COVID–19.

FURTHER QUESTIONS

If you have questions, please contact AHA at 800-424-4301.