The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) began releasing the $7.5 billion American Rescue Plan (ARP) Rural Distribution this week. ARP Rural payments are being made to providers and suppliers who have served rural Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Medicare beneficiaries from January 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020.
Every eligible provider that served at least one rural Medicare, Medicaid, or CHIP beneficiary will receive funding. Eligibility for the Rural Distribution is based on the number of beneficiaries whose residency is designated as rural rather than the physical location of the provider.
Approximately 40,000 providers in 50 states, Washington, D.C., and six territories will receive ARP Rural payments. HRSA will begin distributing the Phase 4 $17 billion in mid-December.
ARP Rural Distribution Update
HRSA is releasing the Rural Awards on a rolling basis. State-by-state total awards for all health care providers are available
here. The data is currently organized by total provider awards. Provider type (e.g., SNF and AL) specific amounts are not yet available. Provider specific awards may be
located by provider name and zip code.
As with other awards, within 90 days of receiving a payment, recipients must sign an attestation confirming receipt of the funds and agreeing to the Terms and Conditions of payment by re-entering the
Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Application and Attestation Portal. If a recipient chooses to reject the funds, they must also complete the attestation to indicate this and return the funds within 15 calendar days.
If providers believe their Rural Award was made in error, HRSA’s calculation methodology is
available for review. Questions about ARP Rural Awards should be directed to the Provider Support Line at 866-569-3522 (for TTY dial 711).
Phase 4 Distribution Update
HRSA continues to indicate it will begin releasing the $17 billion in Phase 4 awards on a rolling basis in mid-December. Many ARP Rural payment recipients will also be eligible for additional funding through the
$17 billion PRF Phase 4 opportunity that was also made available during the same time period. Providers could apply for both opportunities through a single application.
HRSA expects to begin releasing PRF Phase 4 payments in December 2021. Similar to the ARP Rural payments, HRSA plans to send individual communications to providers when final payment determinations are made. Providers with questions about the Phase 4 and ARP Rural application process should contact the Provider Support Line at 866-569-3522 (for TTY dial 711).