On Tuesday, March 24, HRSA announced the distribution of $100 million to 1,381 health centers across the country. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions.
Where is the funding coming from?
The funding is provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020.
How much funding is each health center getting?
The awards range from approximately $50,000 to more than $300,000, with an average of approximately $70,000 per health center.
How was the award amount determined for each health center?
HRSA used the following distribution formula:
Base value of $50,464, plus
$0.50 per patient reported in the 2018 Uniform Data System (UDS), plus
$2.50 per uninsured patient reported in the 2018 UDS.
How can health centers use the funds?
HRSA-funded health centers may use the awards to address screening and testing needs, acquire medical supplies and boost telehealth capacity in response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Why was the COVID-19 funding issued through a separate grant?
To support tracking of Coronavirus Preparedness and Response spending across different parts of the government, COVID-19 awards were issued separately from a health center’s operational (H80) grant award with the activity code H8C. Health centers will need to separately track and account for their COVID-19 prevention, preparedness, and response-related activities supported through this funding.
What is the period of performance for the use of the COVID-19 funding?
The performance period for this funding is 12 months. Funding is available for immediate use, and pre-award costs are permitted for COVID-19 prevention, preparedness, and response-related expenses dating back to January 20, 2020. Health centers have flexibility to use COVID-19 funds as circumstances and needs evolve.
Are Health Center Program look-alikes eligible to receive supplemental funds under the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2020?
No, Health Center Program look-alikes are not eligible for funding under the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020. Funding under the act is explicitly "for grants under the Health Center Program, as defined by section 330 of the Public Health Service Act." Therefore, only Health Center Program awardees are eligible for funding.
Source: HRSA
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