HHS Releases Additional $450 Million in COVID-19 Relief Funds to Rural Health Care Providers

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, rural healthcare providers, including surgeons, often have struggled to remain financially viable while also meeting the needs of the communities they serve. Building upon last year’s American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, the US Department of Health and Human Services has released another $450 million in payments to rural health care providers to address workforce challenges, lost revenues, and increased expenses. The ARP Act was designed for individuals and systems strained by the pandemic, distributing distribution of $7.5 billion in payments to providers and suppliers who served rural patients covered through Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and Medicare in January 1, 2019, through September 30, 2020. Disbursal began in November 2021.