| NRHA wanted to notify you of a change to the Provider Relief Fund on justifying what is allowable under expenses. Page 21 of the attached FAQ from 9.13.21 has eliminated the term “marginal” in the last sentence (see below). Providers must still relate and document the expenses claimed (net of other reimbursements) to COVID as noted in this and other FAQs. This clarification in policy also appears to be consistent with the feedback members are receiving when talking with the HRSA PRF hotline. How do I determine if expenses should be considered “expenses attributable to coronavirus not reimbursed by other sources?” (Modified 9/13/2021) Expenses attributable to coronavirus may include items such as supplies, equipment, information technology, facilities, personnel, and other health care-related costs/expenses for the period of availability. The classification of items into categories should align with how Provider Relief Fund payment recipients maintain their records. Providers can identify their expenses attributable to coronavirus, and then offset any amounts received through other sources, such as direct patient billing, commercial insurance, Medicare/Medicaid/Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP); other funds received from the federal government, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); the Provider Relief Fund COVID-19 Claims Reimbursement to Health Care Providers and Facilities for Testing, Treatment, and Vaccine Administration for the Uninsured (Uninsured Program); the COVID-19 Coverage Assistance Fund (CAF); and the Small Business Administration (SBA) and Department of the Treasury’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Provider Relief Fund payments may be applied to the remaining expenses or costs, after netting the other funds received or obligated to be received which offset those expenses. The Provider Relief Fund permits reimbursement of marginal increased expenses related to coronavirus provided those expenses have not been reimbursed from other sources or that other sources are not obligated to reimburse. NRHA recommends you speak with your financial advisors/council on what this change may mean to your PRF expenditures and reporting. |
Mississippi Rural Health Association 