HHS to Distribute $2B More in Provider Relief Fund Payments

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), is making available more than $2 billion in Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Phase 4 General Distribution payments to more than 7,600 providers nationwide this week. These payments follow the nearly $9 billion issued by HHS in December 2021.

Provider Relief Fund payments, according to HHS, have been critical in helping health providers prevent, prepare for, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Providers have used funds to remain in operation and to continue supporting patient care by covering a variety of costs, including personnel, recruitment and retention initiatives, medical supplies, information technology, and other activities.

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 serving Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Medicare beneficiaries.

Additional information from HHS is available here.