Additional Resources Available to Plan Care for Afghan Refugees

The MHA continues to compile relevant information for providing healthcare to Afghan refugees to help members prepare for the possibility of these individuals coming to Michigan. Through its national healthcare networks, the MHA has learned of 13,000 refugees who have been placed in Wisconsin and the potential for 1,300 coming to Michigan.

In addition to the resources and guidance the association recently provided to support members providing care to refugees, the following references may be useful.

The MHA will keep members apprised as new guidance becomes available. Members seeking additional support or information are encouraged to contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.

Apply by Oct. 26 for Additional COVID-19 Provider Funds

The Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) recently opened an application process for $25.5 billion in federal COVID-19 funding for providers. The same application process is used for both Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Phase 4 and American Rescue Plan (ARP) Rural payments.

The PRF Phase 4 funding is open to a broad range of providers with changes in operating revenues and expenses due to the pandemic. ARP Rural funding is open to providers who serve rural beneficiaries of Medicare, Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program, known in Michigan as MIChild.

Additional information, including eligible provider types and application instructions, is available on the HRSA website. The agency must receive applications by Oct. 26, and members are encouraged to begin the process as soon as possible. Registration for webinars featuring guidance on using the application portal are also listed online. HRSA intends to start distributing the ARP funds by late November and the PRF funds by mid-December.

Members with questions may contact Vickie Kunz or Lauren LaPine at the MHA.