In an effort to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, conserve medical supplies and prepare for and address the surge of COVID-19 patients, hospitals and other healthcare providers took a number of steps in recent weeks, including:

• delaying or canceling elective and non-emergent procedures,
• delayed or rescheduled appointments,
• retrofitted and/or constructed facilities,
• expanded to previously non-hospital locations,
• increased purchasing of supplies and, in some cases,
• closed clinics and furloughed large numbers of staff.
  
  

These moves have placed unbearable economic strain on the full spectrum of healthcare providers. Financial assistance is clearly needed to support the healthcare industry’s fight against COVID-19.

Toward the end of the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), in Title VIII, is a provision funding the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund (“Emergency Fund”) account appropriated to the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) in the amount of $100 billion. This funding is much needed relief for hospitals and systems on the front-line of the COVID-19 response, and economic relief for providers, and potentially other organizations, which have suffered lost revenue as a result of the virus.

"The $100 billion fund is for the benefit of 'eligible healthcare providers for healthcare-related expenses or lost revenues that are attributable to coronavirus.'”

Eligible healthcare providers are: (1) public entities, Medicare or Medicaid enrolled suppliers and providers, and (2) other for-profit and non-profit entities, as specified by the Secretary, that provide diagnoses, testing, or care for actual or potential COVID-19 individuals.

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