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Graves Announces Nearly $100 Million to Help Protect Louisiana's Senior Citizens from Coronavirus

U.S. Congressman Garret Graves (South Louisiana) announced Louisiana will receive $98,475,000 in 256 payments for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) to help combat the devastating effects of this pandemic.

"We are seeing a disproportionate impact in nursing homes across our state and country. These senior citizens aren't just stats. They are each someone's parent, grandparent, relative or a lifelong friend that have become part of one of the most vulnerable populations. These funds are a vital investment necessary to protect loved ones from becoming exposed to this virus and will help to address the needs of our seniors in nursing home communities," Graves said.

This funding, which supplements previously announced provider relief funds, will be used to support senior citizens in nursing homes suffering from significant expenses or lost revenue attributable to COVID-19. There has been $175 billion in relief funds provided to hospitals and other health care providers through the bipartisan CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act to help protect healthcare services as a result of extraordinary changes and expenses associated with coronavirus.

Distribution Methodology

HHS will make relief fund distributions to SNFs based on both a fixed basis and variable basis. Each SNF will receive a fixed distribution of $50,000, plus a distribution of $2,500 per bed. All certified SNFs with six or more certified beds are eligible for this targeted distribution.

Nursing home recipients must attest that they will only use Provider Relief Fund payments for permissible purposes, as set forth in the Terms and Conditions, and agree to comply with future government audit and reporting requirements.

To view the HHS press release, click here.

Graves previously announced $2.3 million in funding to address coronavirus testing in underserved areas of south Louisiana.