HHS Issues $560 Million in COVID-19 Provider Relief Fund Payments

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), is making more than $560 million in Provider Relief Fund (PRF) payments to more than 4,100 providers throughout the U.S.

With this week’s announcement, nearly $11.5 billion in PRF payments have been distributed to more than 78,000 providers in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and five territories. This amount is in addition to HRSA’s distribution of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Rural payments totaling nearly $7.5 billion in funding to more than 44,000 providers since November 2021.

According to HHS, the PRF payments have been instrumental in assisting health care providers prevent, prepare for, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Providers have used funds to remain in operation and continue supporting patient care. Health organizations facing workforce shortages and staff burnout are also able to use the funds to support recruitment and retention efforts.

Approximately 86 percent of PRF Phase 4 funding applications have been processed. Remaining applications will continue to be processed throughout early 2022.

Additional information is available here.