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$20 Billion in New Phase 3 Provider Relief Funding

On October 1, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announced $20 billion in new funding for providers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic. Under this Phase 3 General Distribution allocation, providers that have already received Provider Relief Fund payments will be invited to apply for additional funding that considers financial losses and changes in operating expenses caused by the coronavirus.

Previously ineligible providers, such as those who began practicing in 2020, will also be invited to apply, and an expanded group of behavioral health providers confronting the emergence of increased mental health and substance use issues exacerbated by the pandemic will also be eligible for relief payments.

Phase 3: General Distribution

Read about Phase 3 General Distribution at HHS.gov

Application Deadline

Providers will have from October 5, 2020, through November 6, 2020, to apply for Phase 3 General Distribution funding.

Who is eligible for Phase 3 General Distribution?

Read about who is eligible for Phase 3 General Distribution at HHS.gov

All providers eligible for a previous PRF distribution, plus new 2020 providers and behavioral health providers may apply.

Providers may be eligible regardless of whether they were eligible for, applied for, received, accepted, or rejected payment from prior PRF distributions.

To be eligible to apply, the applicant must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Billed Medicaid / CHIP programs or Medicaid managed care plans for health-related services between Jan. 1, 2018-Mar. 31, 2020; or
  • Billed a health insurance company for oral healthcare-related services as a dental service provider as of Mar. 31, 2020; or
  • Be a licensed dental service provider as of Mar. 31, 2020 who does not accept insurance and has billed patients for oral healthcare-related services; or
  • Billed Medicare fee-for-service during the period of Jan. 1, 2019-Mar. 31, 2020; or
  • Be a Medicare Part A provider that experienced a CMS approved change in ownership prior to Aug. 10, 2020; or
  • Be a state-licensed / certified assisted living facility as of Mar. 31, 2020
  • Be a behavioral health provider as of Mar. 31, 2020 who has billed a health insurance company or who does not accept insurance and has billed patients for healthcare-related services as of Mar. 31, 2020

Additionally, to be eligible to apply, the applicant must meet all of the following requirements:

  • Filed a federal income tax return for fiscal years 2017, 2018, 2019 if in operation before Jan. 1, 2020; or be exempt from filing a return; and
  • Provided patient care after Jan. 31, 2020 (Note: patient care includes health care, services, and support, as provided in a medical setting, at home, or in the community); and
  • Did not permanently cease providing patient care directly or indirectly; and
  • For individuals providing care before Jan. 1, 2020, have gross receipts or sales from patient care reported on Form 1040 (or other tax form)

Note: Receipt of funds from SBA and FEMA for coronavirus recovery or of Medicaid HCBS retainer payments does not preclude a healthcare provider from being eligible.

What to do if you are an eligible provider

Read CARES Act Provider Relief Fund: General Information at HHS.gov

  1. Download and read the instructions PDF for how to fill out the application form for Phase 3 General Distribution.
  2. Download and complete the application PDF for Phase 3 General Distribution.

For reference only. All applications must be submitted through the Provider Relief Application and Attestation Portal.