October 29, 2020

NYS Council members,

We are following up on our prior communications sharing information about and reminding all NYS Council members to apply for Phase 3 Provider Relief Funds.  The portal will close on Nov. 6, 2020 at 11:59 pm.  We encourage you to read below and consider applying for this funding support. 

Across the country, fewer than 10,000 mental health and substance use disorder /addiction care providers  have sought payment from the COVID-19 Provider Relief Funds Portal, even though the current tranche of cash is available to providers even if they are not Medicaid- or Medicare-enrolled.  That total number of behavioral health applicants includes behavioral health providers paid in the previous two tranches — to Medicare-enrolled providers and Medicaid-enrolled providers.  The failure of behavioral health providers to access these funds that do not have to be paid back unless you are subsequently unable to document need– could make it less likely that future requests to Congress for assistance from our field will be met with new funding.  Remember: The application process has been simplified for this last bite at the apple.

Please let us know if there is anything we at the NYS Council can do to assist you with your application.  Yes, there are reporting and paperwork requirements, but the application process has been simplified for this last bite at the apple.

The link to apply is HERE. There is a fact sheet that can be downloaded, as well as the PDF of a previous webinar and a previously recorded webcast on how to apply.

Finally, providers can also register for one last webcast, scheduled for November 2, at 3 p.m. ET.