NRHA is urging Members of Congress to cosponsor legislation to delay Provider Relief Fund (PRF) repayment until the end of 2021 or the COVID-19 pandemic public health emergency (PHE), whichever is later.
The Provider Relief Fund Deadline Extension Act (S. 2493 / H.R. 4735), introduced by Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Representatives Cynthia Axne (D-Iowa) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), will help ensure rural hospitals and providers have enough time to use their PRF to provide their patients with exceptional care, as well as cover the costs of staff, critical projects, equipment, and other necessary expenses.
By passing this bill, Congress will allow HHS more time to address NRHA’s concerns before collecting unused funds from rural providers, many of whom are combating new COVID-19 outbreaks in their communities.
Chief Operating Officer