The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) began distributing billions of dollars to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) to provide relief for significant expenses or lost revenue related to the coronavirus. The funding supplements earlier provider relief funds allocated by the CARES Act. Since the onset of the pandemic, SNFs have seen a 6% decrease in their patient population as residents have passed away and potential residents have chosen other care settings. These facilities may use the additional funds to address needs related to labor, testing and personal protective equipment. HHS Secretary Alex Azar said the funds will “help nursing homes keep the seniors they care for safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.” (HHS news release, 5/22/20)
