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The Department of Health and Human Services that it is immediately distributing to providers $30 billion from the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act added $100 billion to this fund to reimburse health care providers for health care-related expenses or lost revenues not otherwise reimbursed that are directly attributable to COVID-19.

Funds are arriving via direct deposit beginning today as payments, not loans, which will not need to be repaid. HHS provided additional details, including on eligibility; calculation of distribution amount; necessary provider actions; and priorities for distribution of the $70 billion remaining from the CARES Act appropriation.

See the AHA Special Bulletin for more details.

In a statement, AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack said, “The AHA is pleased that HHS today released emergency funds to hospitals and health systems from the CARES Act. This initial round of funding will begin to give providers on the front lines of the fight against the virus much-needed support and resources.

“America’s hospitals and health systems, and our dedicated caregivers, continue to urge the department to release the remaining CARES Act emergency relief funds in an expedited manner. In particular, additional targeted relief for hospitals in hot spots, children’s hospitals, rural hospitals, hospitals with a high percentage of payments under Medicare Advantage and hospitals caring for high numbers of Medicaid and uninsured patients need immediate relief. In addition, hospitals that received funds today will clearly need additional assistance. This is a life-line to many front line providers and will help ensure that we can continue to deliver the care that our patients and communities are depending on.”