HHS announces new COVID-19 funding for physicians

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced $20 billion in new funding for physicians and others on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. The application period is Oct. 5 through Nov. 6.

The “Phase 3 General Distribution” money, available through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), means physicians and others who have already received Provider Relief Fund payments may apply for additional funding. It also extends eligibility to some previously ineligible providers.

Those eligible include:

• Providers who previously received, rejected, or accepted a General Distribution Provider Relief Fund payment. Providers who have already received payments of approximately 2% of annual revenue from patient care may submit more information for an additional payment based on pandemic-related financial losses or expenses.
• Behavioral health providers, including those who previously received funding and new providers.
• Health care providers who began practicing Jan. 1, 2020, through March 31, 2020. This includes Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP providers; dentists; assisted living facilities; and behavioral health providers.

Payments will first be distributed to eligible applicants who have not yet received relief funds equal to 2% of their annual patient revenue. HRSA will then distribute the remainder of the $20 billion based on each provider’s pandemic-related revenue losses and expenses, and amount of previous relief fund payments.

HHS urges those eligible to apply early, which will help expedite the review process and payment calculations. All recipients will be required to attest to receiving the Phase 3 General Distribution payment and accept the associated terms and conditions.

To learn more about the Provider Relief Program and apply for funds, visit: hhs.gov/providerrelief. For the American Academy of Family Physicians' (AAFP) summary of Provider Relief Funds, click here.

— Sandy Pogones, Senior Strategist for Healthcare Quality, and Kent Moore, Senior Strategist for Physician Payment, AAFP