According to a Feb. 24 press release, 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) Phase 4 General Distribution payments this week to more than 4,100 providers.
The release states that “With today’s announcement, nearly $11.5 billion in PRF Phase 4 payments has now been distributed to more than 78,000 providers in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and five territories. This is in addition to HRSA’s distribution of American Rescue Plan (ARP) Rural payments totaling nearly $7.5 billion in funding to more than 44,000 providers since November 2021.”
Further, “Provider Relief Fund payments have been instrumental in helping healthcare providers prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus. Providers have used the funds to remain in operation and to continue supporting patient care. Healthcare organizations that are facing workforce shortages and staff burnout also are able to use these funds to support their recruitment and retention efforts.”
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra was quoted in the release saying that “Provider Relief Funds have been a lifeline for healthcare providers across the country,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. “From providing life-saving care to tackling workforce challenges, these funds will help many healthcare facilities weather the pandemic’s continued impact. The Biden-Harris Administration will continue to ensure our providers have the necessary support and tools to keep our families safer and healthier.”
The release concludes by adding that approximately 86 percent of all Phase 4 applications have been processed and the remaining applications will continue to be processed throughout early 2022.
