Senate Approves $484 Billion in COVID-19 Funding

Posted on April 22, 2020 by Jodi Boyne

The U.S. Senate yesterday approved $484 billion to provide from the effects of COVID-19. The bill includes $75 billion for personal protective equipment, $25 billion for testing and $310 million in additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program. It is no clear at this time whether the funds for PPE will be prioritized for nursing homes and assisted living.  

The good news: The $75 billion in personal protective equipment is designated for eligible health care providers and not specifically allocated to hospitals. However, it is not clear at this time whether the funds will be prioritized for nursing homes and assisted living.

A bipartisan group of 25 lawmakers on Capitol Hill are pushing for financial relief for senior living and nursing homes. In a letter to HHS Sec. Alex Azar, the lawmakers advised him not to overlook senior living — including independent living, assisted living, memory care and continuing care retirement communities — as well as nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities.

The letter also noted senior care providers are experiencing shortages in staffing and PPE.

We are currently reviewing this legislation in more detail and working in collaboration with LeadingAge national to advance and secure support for our priorities. You, too, can take action. Tell Congress to make Aging Services a Priority. 

For more details on the Senate bill, read $484 billion COVID-19 relief bill contains $75 billion for PPE, but will senior living see any of it? in McKnight’s Senior Living.