897 state health care providers to share $115 million in federal funds
Latest round of COVID relief money to offset losses
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WTVQ/Press Release) – Almost 900 small and large health care providers are receiving $115 million in the latest round of federal COVID-19 relief funds.
These funds will be distributed as Phase 4 of the Provider Relief Fund, which was established through the bipartisan Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Kentucky’s relief funding comes as part of a nationwide, $9 billion payment to more than 69,000 healthcare providers who have experienced revenue loss or expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The nationwide average payment is $58,000 for small providers, $289,000 for medium providers, and $1.7 million for large providers.
“Nobody has felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as acutely as our healthcare providers, who have been on the front lines of this crisis since day one. Now, as many of these same heroes mobilize to assist with Kentucky’s tornado recovery efforts, they are also dealing with extensive pandemic-related expenses and revenue loss. Today’s relief funding announcement will go a long way toward easing that financial distress,” said U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican who is the Senate minority leader. “I was proud to lead several bipartisan COVID-19 relief bills to passage last year and help our healthcare providers receive the relief funding they need to survive. Kentucky and America simply cannot allow our healthcare providers to flounder while we still work to defeat the pandemic.”
“These funds will help cover the heavy losses that Baptist Health has faced in treating more than 21,000 COVID-19 patients due to the significant costs of the additional medical supplies, drugs and manpower needed for effective treatment. We thank Sen. McConnell for his role in facilitating these much-needed funds,” said Dr. Gerard Colman, CEO of Baptist Health.
“Owensboro Health is extremely appreciative of Senator McConnell’s ongoing efforts to empower health systems like ours as we meet the challenges of COVID-19,” Mark Marsh, Owensboro Health President and CEO, said. “This relief comes as we see an uptick in hospitalizations and prepare for another wave of the virus and new variants in our predominately rural service area.”
“We are extremely grateful for the additional Provider Relief Funds that have been released to providers to help cover the additional costs incurred from caring for patients with COVID. Patients with COVID require longer stays and more intense resources, many needing additional therapies, ICU care, or a ventilator. Extra supplies and Personal Protective Equipment are also required to prevent spread to associates and other patients. Meanwhile, supply costs and staffing costs have increased significantly during the pandemic due to shortages nationwide and capacity is being strained at St. Elizabeth and all hospitals requiring many to cancel elective surgeries and procedures at various points during the pandemic. The Provider Relief Fund established through Senator McConnell’s CARES Act have been critical in helping St. Elizabeth sustain high quality operations throughout the pandemic. Since we are experiencing another surge and cases are not declining, the newly released funds will help us to continue providing excellent care to our community,” said Garren Colvin, President and CEO St. Elizabeth Healthcare.
“Healthcare providers have faced challenges during this pandemic unlike anything they could have ever imagined, but have continued to show up for their patients every day and provide a vital service to their communities. ARH applauds and appreciates Sen. McConnell’s efforts to negotiate the release of these Provider Relief Funds that will be a welcome relief to our ambulatory care providers as they continue to navigate the uncharted waters of the COVID 19 pandemic,” said ARH President and CEO Hollie Phillips.
