Alabama’s nursing homes could see an influx of $100 million aimed at reimbursing COVID costs under a measure approved by the state House.
Lawmakers carved out $339 million for healthcare from the remaining $1 billion in federal dollars the state received through the American Rescue Plan Act. Skilled nursing facilities are getting the same amount as hospitals, according to local reporting.
The Alabama state House approved the package Tuesday during a special session. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.
“Over the past several months, we have worked closely with the governor and members of the legislature to explain the ongoing needs of our state’s skilled nursing facilities,” Brandon Farmer, president and CEO of the Alabama Nursing Home Association, said in an email to McKnights Long-Term Care News on Wednesday.
Farmer said that that association will continue working with the state after final passage to distribute the COVID-cost funds in accordance with federal and state guidelines.
“Previous distributions were based on an individual facility’s documented, unmet need caused by COVID-19,” he added.
Alabama has 229 licensed nursing homes, with more than 31,000 caregivers serving approximately 51,000 residents.
John Matson, vice president of communications for the association, told WFSA that facilities are still regularly testing for COVID-19 and using “a lot” of personal protective equipment.
“A lot of nursing homes have modified their buildings so they can create isolation units and care for individuals who are COVID- positive,” he added.
