HHS Provides Additional Details on
$5 Billion Targeted Distribution and
Phase 2 Application Deadline
Details Emerge on $5 Billion Targeted Distribution
Late last week, the federal government announced details on incentives that will be used to pay nursing homes from a previously announced $2 billion Provider Relief Fund as part of the $5 billion targeted distribution to assist with infection control. Providers will not have to apply for this funding as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will use required data submissions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to measure performance and distribute the funding accordingly. There will be two outcomes utilized to determine performance in comparison to the baseline level of infection in the community in which the provider is located. 1.) Their ability to keep new COVID-19 infection rates low among residents. 2.) Their ability to keep COVID-19 mortality low among residents. This $2 billion will be distributed on a monthly basis in four $500 million increments throughout the remainder of the calendar year.
PRF Application Deadline September 13 (Includes Private Pay Assisted Living Facilities)
The Phase 2 General Distribution applications must be completed by September 13, 2020, and include both nursing homes and private pay assisted living organizations. LeadingAge noted that HHS has indicated they are using the broad term for assisted living which would “include those providers who are state-licensed or certified and provide assisted living-type services even if the state does not call them 'assisted living.'” Many nursing home providers, especially continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), may be eligible for significant increases to the general distributions they have received to date. Do not miss out on applying for the Phase 2 General Distribution and be aware that the application process may take several days https://cares.linkhealth.com/#/.
