U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines sent a letter to U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Azar urging the department to direct funding from the Coronavirus economic relief package to support nursing homes, skilled nursing centers, and senior living communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We must not overlook those individuals who work within the senior living community, such as those working in independent living, assisted living, memory care and continuing care retirement communities,” Daines wrote. “Allocating a meaningful level of support from the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund to this industry is critical to the seniors who call these facilities home as we continue to take steps to reduce COVID-19 spread and support our health care providers on the front lines.”
To read the full letter, click HERE.
In the Coronavirus Economic Relief Package, Daines secured $100 billion to ensure healthcare providers and hospitals continue to receive the support they need for COVID-19 related expenses and lost revenue.
Stakeholder Quotes:
“Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are on the front lines in the fight to keep Montana’s seniors safe during this pandemic. We are experiencing huge cost increases and workforce challenges as we strive to keep both residents and staff safe. Allocations from the emergency fund created under the CARES Act is critical to our efforts. We appreciate Sen. Daines recognition of the vital role of senior care facilities and his help in bringing our needs to the attention of HHS to assure we and our staff can continue to meet the challenges of caring for Montana’s most vulnerable seniors during this difficult time.” – Rose Hughes, Executive Director, Montana Health Care Association
“Our situation in Shelby couldn’t be more alarming. Frontier communities like ours already have significant financial challenges and now with our COVID-19 crisis, our financial situation has become even more bleak. Emergency funding is vital to help us care for the residents in our assisted living facility who are some of our most vulnerable citizens.” – William Kiefer, CEO, Marias Medical Center
Background:
Daines has been leading the efforts in Congress to respond to the coronavirus outbreak impacting the country. To read about Daines’ COVID-19 related efforts click HERE.