Funding for providers relating to COVID–19

In addition to amounts otherwise available, there is appropriated to the Secretary, for fiscal year 2021, out of any monies in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $8,500,000,000 for purposes of making payments to eligible health care providers for health care related expenses and lost revenues that are attributable to COVID–19. Amounts appropriated under the preceding sentence shall remain available until expended. To be eligible for a payment under this section, an eligible health care provider shall submit to the Secretary an application in such form and manner as the Secretary shall prescribe. Such application shall contain the following: Payments made to an eligible health care provider under this section may not be used to reimburse any expense or loss that— The Secretary shall apply any requirements, rules, or procedures as the Secretary deems appropriate for the efficient execution of this section. In this section: The term “eligible health care provider” means— a provider of services (as defined in section 1395x(u) of this title) or a supplier (as defined in section 1395x(d) of this title) that— a provider or supplier that— The term “health care related expenses attributable to COVID–19” means health care related expenses to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID–19, including the building or construction of a temporary structure, the leasing of a property, the purchase of medical supplies and equipment, including personal protective equipment and testing supplies, providing for increased workforce and training (including maintaining staff, obtaining additional staff, or both), the operation of an emergency operation center, retrofitting a facility, providing for surge capacity, and other expenses determined appropriate by the Secretary. The term “lost revenue attributable to COVID–19” has the meaning given that term in the Frequently Asked Questions guidance released by the Department of Health and Human Services in June 2020, including the difference between such provider’s budgeted and actual revenue if such budget had been established and approved prior to March 27, 2020. The term “payment” includes, as determined appropriate by the Secretary, a pre-payment, a prospective payment, a retrospective payment, or a payment through a grant or other mechanism. The term “rural provider or supplier” means— a—