A $100 million state healthcare provider relief program has been announced.
The program will be funded from the federal CARES Act money and is aimed at providers that have absorbed the costs used in dealing with Covid-19.
The application window will open in the coming weeks.
Governor John Carney and the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) on Tuesday announced the creation of a Health Care Relief Fund to support Delaware health care providers through the COVID-19 crisis.
Governor John Carney and the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) on Tuesday announced the creation of a Health Care Relief Fund to support Delaware health care providers through the COVID-19 crisis.
Eligible for grants would be home health care agencies, intellectual and developmental disability providers, nursing homes and assisted-living facilities, behavioral health service providers, and Delaware’s hospital systems.
Funding from the Health Care Relief Fund can be used to support COVID-19 related investments, including technology upgrades, purchases of personal protective equipment (PPE), and environmental modifications in health care facilities.
Healthy Communities Delaware – a statewide public-private partnership that works to address social determinants of health – also will receive funding for distribution to Delaware communities that have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
“Like other industries, we know health care providers have had a difficult year balancing their regular services with the uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Molly Magarik, secretary of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. “We also know that some of our low-income and minority communities have borne the brunt of this pandemic. That’s why we’re excited to announce an additional $100 million in funding that will support providers and entities to address the gaps and continued need for such resources as telehealth equipment and personal protective equipment.”
Magarik said the emphasis will be on Kent and Sussex counties. The two counties did not receive CARES Act funding, while New Castle County was allocated $300 million.
Applications are not yet available. Magarik said the announcement was made so providers can get their paperwork in order. Further guidelines will be released.
Questions about the Health Care Relief Fund can be emailed to DHSS_CaresQuestions@delaware.gov.
