In case you missed the e-blast from earlier this week discussing Phase 3 Provider Relief Funding under the leadership of President Trump and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), here is some general information to clarify eligibility and the application process (as they relate to you as podiatric physicians and surgeons):

Eligibility

HHS is making a larger number of providers eligible for Phase 3 General Distribution funding, including:

• Providers who previously received, rejected or accepted a General Distribution Provider Relief Fund payment. Providers that have already received payments of approximately 2% of annual revenue from patient care (Phase I which was received as an automatic deposit from HHS and Phase II which required and application and was either approved or denied based on funds received in Phase I) may submit more information to become eligible for an additional payment.
• BIG CHANGE* Healthcare providers that began practicing January 1^st through March 31^st 2020. This includes Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, dentists, assisted living facilities and behavioral health providers.

Apply Early (applications will be accepted from October 5^th – November 6^th 2020)

All eligible providers will be considered for payment against the below criteria.

1. All provider submissions will be reviewed to confirm they have received a Provider Relief Fund payment equal to approximately 2 percent of patient care revenue from prior general distributions. Applicants that have not yet received Relief Fund payments of 2 percent of patient revenue will receive a payment that, when combined with prior payments (if any), equals 2 percent of patient care revenue.
2. With the remaining balance of the $20 billion budget, HRSA will then calculate an equitable add-on payment that considers the following:
   • A provider’s change in operating revenues from patient care (decrease of patient volume=decreased receivables)
   • A provider’s change in operating expenses from patient care, including expenses incurred related to coronavirus (additional PPE, higher cost medical supplies with limited quantities, safety measures taken to resume or continue operation/sneeze guards/modifications to waiting areas, etc.)
   • Payments already received through prior Provider Relief Fund distributions.

For more information visit: https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/cares-act-provider-relief-fund/for-providers/index.html#how-to-apply