HHS Releases Provider Relief Funds FAQs

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Yesterday Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released updated Provider Relief Funds Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). You can download this file using the following link: HHS Provider Relief Fund FAQs

Providers finally getting some guidance on "eligible expenses" they will be able to cover using Provider Relief Funds. The following are expenses listed by HHS:

  • supplies used to provide healthcare services for possible or actual COVID-19 patients;

  • equipment used to provide healthcare services for possible or actual COVID-19 patients;

  • workforce training;

  • developing and staffing emergency operation centers;

  • reporting COVID-19 test results to federal, state, or local governments;

  • building or constructing temporary structures to expand capacity for COVID-19 patient care or to provide healthcare services to non-COVID-19 patients in a separate area from where COVID-19 patients are being treated;

  • acquiring additional resources, including facilities, equipment, supplies, healthcare practices, staffing, and technology to expand or preserve care delivery.

HHS also clarifies the timeframe during which eligible expenses will apply: "Providers may have incurred eligible health care related expenses attributable to coronavirus prior to the date on which they received their payment. Providers can use their Provider Relief Fund payment for such expenses incurred on any date, so long as those expenses were attributable to coronavirus and were used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. HHS expects that it would be highly unusual for providers to have incurred eligible expenses prior to January 1, 2020."

In addition, HHS defined "lost revenues that are attributable to coronavirus"

Based on the HHS definition lost revenue "means any revenue that you as a healthcare provider lost due to coronavirus. This may include revenue losses associated with fewer outpatient visits, canceled elective procedures or services, or increased uncompensated care."

As always, if you have any questions or if we can be of service, please do not hesitate to contact your MSL, P.A. representative.