The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to the health care industry. To support providers during this crisis, the federal government established the Provider Relief Fund (PRF), a $178 billion initiative to offset health care-related expenses and lost revenues attributable to the pandemic. Payments were distributed to eligible Medicare providers that billed Medicare fee-for-service (Medicare Parts A or B) in 2019. A recent audit by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) highlights how selected home health agencies nationwide, including those in Florida, have used these funds responsibly.

While the report does not specify the states included in the audit sample, its findings are broadly applicable to agencies in Florida.

Key Findings: Accountability in Action

The audit reviewed a non-statistical sample of 25 home health agencies, which received over $209 million in PRF payments during 2020. The findings were clear: the selected agencies fully complied with federal requirements for spending these funds. Here’s how they used their allocations:

• $108.7 million to offset lost revenues.
• $58.8 million for general and administrative expenses.
• $42.1 million for health care-related expenses.

For example, agencies reported using funds for personal protective equipment (PPE), sick pay for employees, and retention bonuses to stabilize their workforce during the pandemic.

Looking Ahead: Building on Success

The OIG report highlights that no recommendations were necessary due to the strong compliance observed. Florida home health providers should take pride in this achievement but must also remain vigilant as new health care challenges emerge.

• Related: OIG: Home Health Agencies Complied With Provider Relief Fund Requirements (McKnight's Home Care, 12/1/24)