1. Limited Phase 4/ARP Rural Extension to Nov. 3: The Human Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) earlier this week noted that providers who had submitted their Tax Identification Number (TIN) for validation by the October 26 deadline to apply for Phase 4 and/or ARP Rural PRF dollars, now have until Nov. 3 at 11:59 p.m. EST to complete the remainder of the application process (the financial portion). Given the complexity of the application, providers are encouraged to start right away identifying the needed information to ensure they have submitted sufficient documentation to support their request for funds. Providers are reminded that if the numbers they report in their application differ from those in their most recent federal tax return and/or audited financial documents, they should submit additional supporting documentation including a cover letter explaining the circumstances that cause there to be differences. Here are some key HRSA resources providers should review before finalizing their application: 

• Application instructions – they include as much detail as we have on what counts for patient care revenue and expenses, and where a provider should obtain this information on their tax returns.
• Definitions
• Payment Methodology – Here HRSA outlines exactly what they will look for and what might flag their application. 
• FAQs

2. Phase 3 Request for Reconsideration, Nov. 12:  Providers who received Phase 3 funds but believe the amount received is incorrect based upon the Payment Methodology established by HRSA have until Nov 12 at 11:59 p.m. EST to submit a request for reconsideration of their Phase 3 payment. It is possible that a provider might receive additional funds if HRSA agrees that the original Phase 3 payment determination was incorrect. This is not an opportunity for providers to correct the information submitted in their Phase 3 application. More details about requesting reconsideration can be found here.

3. First PRF Report Grace Period Ends Nov. 30: Providers who received PRF payments between April 10 and June 30, 2020 were required to submit their first report by Sept. 30 but were given 60 additional days to submit the reports – a “grace period” – without penalty. The grace period comes to an end on November 30 at 11:59 p.m. EST. If providers have not yet started looking at what is required for this report, they are encouraged to begin immediately to ensure they have enough time to complete the report. LeadingAge hosted a webinar on “Complying with the New PRF Reporting Requirements” that was recorded and can still be viewed that talks through the steps providers will need to take to report. This webinar is designed specifically for aging service providers. Additional reporting resources are available on HRSA’s PRF website.