AHCA’s Clifton J. Porter II

Providers are calling a $2 trillion economic stimulus package a good first step but quickly add that long-term care operators are going to need a bigger slice for an adequate coronavirus response. 

“We appreciate this first step to support our nation’s long term care providers and caregivers. This bill is critical during this time, but more help will likely be needed so that we can provide the best quality care for our residents,” Clifton Porter II, senior vice president of government relations at the American Health Care Association/National Center of Assisted Living, said in a statement. 

The Senate passed the bipartisan rescue package late Wednesday and the House was expected to do the same today. The Senate deal includes $200 million in funding for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to assist nursing homes with infection control and support states’ efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in facilities.

The Senate passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which also includes a $100 billion fund for a broad list of eligible healthcare providers, a temporary suspension of 2% Medicare sequestration cuts from May to the end of the year, and the deferral of the 6.2% payroll tax childcare funding for employees in the healthcare sector, among other provisions.

“We appreciate the many items in the Senate stimulus bill that will be helpful for long term care providers, including the loans for small businesses, the funds supporting increased healthcare resources and medical supplies, and the support for child care, which will greatly support our caregivers on the frontlines,” Porter said. 

“We hope the House will pass this swiftly so that funds can be deployed as quickly as possible,” he added. 

Infection control in nursing homes became a top focus following an outbreak at a Washington state skilled nursing facility — the first site of a hot spot on U.S. soil. More than 30 people died and more than 100 were infected at that facility alone, while many others in the area also saw a surge of infected individuals.

Also on Thursday, CMS released a summary of recent actions it has taken to combat COVID-19. Other efforts include: banning visitors, outside of essential workers, and large gatherings at nursing facilities and approving emergency Medicaid waivers for states.

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 994 deaths and 68,440 total cases as of Thursday evening. 
  • Staff members at multiple Ohio facilities are getting creative to keep residents upbeat during the pandemic. That includes roaming the halls and playing the guitar from time to time, and helping residents use a whiteboard to write messages to their relatives.