$100 Billion Should Be Added To Provider Relief Fund For Coronavirus-Related Needs, Industry Groups Say

Congress should pass another COVID-19 funding package, adding $100 billion to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Provider Relief Fund and dedicating “a sizable portion” of that amount to assisted living communities and nursing homes to pay for testing, personal protective equipment and support for residents and staff members, the American Health Care Association / National Center for Assisted Living said Monday.

“Without replenishing funds for federal and state agencies, healthcare facilities, including nursing homes and assisted living communities, could find themselves less than completely prepared for the challenges of the upcoming cold and flu season, which could inevitably result in an uptick in new COVID cases,” AHCA/NCAL President and CEO Mark Parkinson said. “With the cold and flu season adding a real complication to the ongoing COVID pandemic response, the need for extra testing, personal protective equipment and staffing, will need to be met in order to keep caregivers and residents safe.”

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