Economic Relief Resources for Local Government & Healthcare Providers

Medical Professionals

LOCAL GOVERNMENT & HEALTHCARE ASSITANCE

 

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

The CARES Act created a Coronavirus Relief Fund, allocating $150 billion dollars to state and local governments across the country with populations greater than 500,000. With $11 billion directed toward Washington D.C, US Territories, & tribes, there is a $139 billion to be directed toward eligible state and local governments.

Are local governments eligible for aid? 
 
Yes, but only those with populations of 500,000 or more. Any aid received is subtracted from the amount available to the state government. However, they may only receive 45 percent of the amount associated with their population. North Carolina will receive slightly over $4 billion in aid from the federal government; therefore local governments are eligible for 45 percent of their population size in proportion to the total population of North Carolina. 
 

What do I have to do to get payment?

To receive your local government payment, the Chief Executive of the locality must sign a certificate and send it to the US Treasury Secretary stating the funds will be used for its intended purposes.

 

When will my local government payment come?

Local government payments will be distributed from the US Treasury on or after April 26.

North Carolina Recipients: 

 

North Carolina

Total Allocation

$4,067,110,763

 

State Share

$3,585,606,805

 

Guilford County

$93,738,358

 

Mecklenburg County

$193,760,212

 

Wake County

$194,005,388
 
Are nonprofits covered in the act? 
 
Yes. Section 2103 provides states funds to reimburse nonprofits and government agencies for half of the costs they incur through the end of 2020 to pay unemployment benefits. 
 
HEALTHCARE
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The CARES Act allocated $100 billion for eligible healthcare providers who will test, diagnose, and provide care for coronavirus (COVID-19). This includes any eligible Medicare and Medicaid providers as well as for-profit and non-for-profit providers.

What other financial relief measures are included?

  • CARES Act temporarily lifts Medicare Sequester – which cut payments by 2 percent – from May 1 to December 31, 2020
  • CARES Act increases Medicare payments that would otherwise be made to a hospital for treating a patient with COVID-19 by 20 percent during the COVID-19 emergency
  • CARES Act allows for Advanced Medicare Payments to Hospitals
  • Allows qualified facilities to request a six-month advanced lump-sum or periodic payment to purchase essential supplies, create additional infrastructure and keep the doors open
  • Payment based on net reimbursement of unbilled charges or unpaid bills
  • Most hospitals can receive 100% of prior period payments
  • Critical Access Hospital – 125%
  • Hospitals would not be required to start paying down loan for four months
What kind of benefits are available to community health centers? 
 
The cares act reauthorizes HRSA grant programs that promote the use of telehealth technologies. Telehealth allows for flexibility and reduces the risk that patients going in for a physical appointment will expose themselves to others. 
 
Do rural health care services benefit under the Act? 
 
Yes. Section 3213 of the cares act reauthorizes grant programs that strengthen rural community health. The programs focus on quality improvement and increasing health care access of rural residents, who are disproportionately older and at increased risk for more severe illness if they contract coronavirus. 
 
Are there other provisions that affect local providers? 
 
Yes. Section 3215 pertains to volunteer health care professionals. It significantly limits the liability of doctors who volunteer medical services during the public health emergency. 

What do I have to do to get my payment?

Eligible providers must submit an application to the Department of Health & Human Services Secretary.

What can funds be used for?

  • Leasing of properties;
  • Building or construction of temporary structures;
  • Medical supplies and equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and testing supplies;
  • Increased workforce and trainings;
  • Emergency operation centers;
  • Retrofitting facilities; and
  • Surge capacity.

Supplemental Awards – Federally Qualified Health Centers

The CARES Act also includes $1.32 billion in supplemental formula funding for Federal Qualified Health Centers. North Carolina’s Ninth District Recipients:

 

North Carolina 09

Total Allocation

$1,356,265

ROBESON HEALTH CARE CORPORATION

Pembroke, NC

$794,930

 

ANSON REGIONAL MEDICAL SERVICES, INC.

Wadesboro, NC

$561,335