COVID-19 UPDATE #200
October 25, 2021
HRSA EXTENDS PRF APPLICATION WINDOW AND PROVIDES PHASE 4 RURAL CHOW GUIDANCE
Today the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) announced that providers have additional time to complete their Provider Relief Fund Phase 4 and Rural Application. The new FAQ states:
  • All applicants must complete the first step of the application process (i.e., submitting their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and associated information for Internal Revenue Service (IRS) validation) no later than October 26, 2021, at 11:59 PM EST. 
  • The required IRS validation that occurs after completion of the first step may take a few days. 
  • If an applicant submits their TIN for validation by the October 26, 2021, deadline and that TIN is subsequently validated by the IRS, the applicant will have until November 3, 2021, at 11:59 PM EST to complete and submit their application.

Additionally, last week, HRSA provided the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) with guidance on changes of ownership. Based upon the guidance, between the seller and the buyer, the eligible applicant depends on:
  • The filing TIN that is associated with the application. 
  • If the “seller” no longer has a filing TIN, they would not be eligible. 
  • If the “buyer” has a new filing TIN and the sale has been approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services by the date the organization initiates its Phase 4 application, the buyer is the entity eligible to apply. 

Providers may contact HRSA’s Provider Support Line for assistance with challenging issues, such as TIN validation, at (866) 569-3522. 
PPE AND OTHER SUPPLIES AVAILABLE THROUGH bttn
Through a collaborative effort with the Washington State Dental Association, LeadingAge Washington, the Washington Association for Community Health, and others, WHCA members are invited to order PPE, COVID testing, and other supplies through bttn. This is a back-up solution available to long term care and other healthcare providers. Here are some of the details:
  • Free shipping for all orders no matter the size with a 7 - 14 day lead time.
  • Bulk orders and pricing are available (over 50 cases). Please contact Julianna Gordon via email or phone at (775) 636-4542.
  • A page has been set up for easy ordering; you will find featured items at the group discount rate.

Alongside the 500+ products available for purchase, bttn is also including a "Product Request Form" where you can ask for any products you need and the bttn team will find the products and apply the group order rate. Use this discount code at checkout to receive the group order discount: WASUPPLY10.
  • DRE Nitrile Gloves - $160/case of 1,000 (preferred by WA dentists)
  • Vanguard Nitrile Gloves - $221/case of 2,000
  • BYD N95 - $1,185.60/case of 960
  • BYD 3 Ply Masks - $286/case of 2,000
  • Cavi Wipes - $194.40/case of 12 canisters (160 wipes/canister)
  • CareStart Rapid Antigen - $12/test (CLIA-waived)
  • BinaxNOW Rapid Antigen (CLIA-waived) - $11.50/test
  • CareStart At-Home

Ordering is now very simple.
  • Go to http://bttnusa.com between October 25 and November 5, 2021, and click on "Shop."
  • On the right under Category, click on “Washington State Group Order."
  • Select the product(s) you need and enter quantity, add to your cart and click "checkout" when done.
  • Don’t forget to enter the code: WASUPPLY10.
  • bttn offers bulk ordering (50 or more cases), please reach out to their Business Development team directly for other pricing options - (775) 636-4542

To contact bttn directly, email support@bttnusa.com or call the support line at (206) 825-2042.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
WHCA continues to post resources and information as it becomes available on our website. If you have questions or need additional information, please call the WHCA office at (800) 562-6170.