Chiropractor eligibility for coronavirus relief funds expanded by U.S. government in October

All payment recipients will be required to attest to receiving the Phase 3 General Distribution coronavirus relief funds payment…

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced it will be making up to $20 billion in new Phase 3 General Distribution coronavirus relief funds available for providers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic, including chiropractors.

The relief is targeted for providers that have not yet received Provider Relief Fund distributions.

“The Administration is committed to providing relief resources in an equitable manner to assist the diverse health care provider community regardless of whether they accept Medicare or Medicaid payments,” the HHS.gov website stated in a press release. “HHS is also announcing it will be updating its most recent PRF reporting instructions to broaden use of provider relief funds.”

Under the Phase 3 General Distribution, which began accepting applicants on October 5, 2020, HHS invited providers that had already received PRF payments to apply for additional funding that considers changes in patient care operating revenue and expenses caused by the coronavirus.

“We have worked closely with stakeholders across the health care system to ensure that the Provider Relief Fund reaches all American health care providers that have been impacted by the pandemic,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. “Today, we are expanding the pool of eligible providers to include a broader array of practices, such as residential treatment facilities, chiropractors, and vision care providers that may not have already received payments.”

Providers and all Phase 3 applicants will have until 11:59 p.m. EST on Nov. 6, 2020, to submit their applications for payment consideration. Once validated, these providers will receive a baseline payment of approximately 2% of annual revenue from patient care plus an add-on payment that considers changes in operating revenues and expenses from patient care, including expenses incurred related to coronavirus. All payment recipients will be required to attest to receiving the Phase 3 General Distribution coronavirus relief funds payment and accept the associated Terms and Conditions.

For more information on coronavirus relief funds go to hhs.gov/about/news/2020/10/22/hhs-expands-relief-fund-eligibility-and-updates-reporting-requirements.html.