HHS Sending Out Phase 3 Provider Relief Funds

  • by AGD Washington Advocacy Representative
  • Dec 22, 2020
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced on December 16 that the next round of Provider Relief Fund distributions was starting, as it had completed reviews of Phase 3 applications. HHS is planning to distribute $24.5 billion to over 70,000 providers, projecting that close to 90% of each applicant's reported lost revenues and net change in expenses caused by the coronavirus pandemic in the first half of 2020 will be satisfied by the payments.
 
However, over 35,000 applicants will not receive an additional payment either because they experienced no change in revenues or net expenses attributable to COVID-19 or because they have already received funds that equal or exceed reimbursement of 88% of reported losses.
 
Impact on General Dentistry: AGD appreciates that HHS is working to distribute these payments to health care providers, including many general dentists, who have been severely impacted financially due to the pandemic. Additional funding to ensure dental practices are supported in their efforts to deliver needed care to patients will likely be required. AGD is advocating for this future relief on several fronts.