For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Alex Weintz; Aweintz@amberintegrated.com; 914-282-3229
Oklahoma Nursing Homes to Receive Emergency Funding to Offset COVID Mitigation Expenses
Relief offers a “lifeline” to facilities during pandemic
OKLAHOMA CITY — Care Providers Oklahoma today thanked Governor Kevin Stitt, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for delivering over $68 million in emergency COVID-relief funding for nursing homes and facilities that care for people with disabilities. Additionally, Care Providers Oklahoma acknowledged the work of Sen. Greg McCortney and Rep. Marcus McEntire for their efforts to assist nursing homes and nursing home residents.
OHCA submitted a state plan amendment (SPA) to CMS requesting approval to redirect federal funds towards “Medicaid Disaster Relief for the COVID-19 National Emergency” on March 26 2021. On May 12, CMS approved that request, allowing OHCA to redirect federal dollars, including:
- Approximately $48 million for nursing facilities and $3 million for intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICFs/IID) to support pay for direct care staff and other personnel. Many facilities have faced skyrocketing payroll costs after awarding “hero pay” incentives to staff during the COVID pandemic.
- Approximately $8 million for nursing facilities and $500,000 for ICFs/IIDS for continuation of infection control and prevention programs and the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Approximately $8 million for nursing facilities and $500,000 for ICFs/IIDS for enhanced social and mental health programming and activities to ensure the health and wellness of Medicaid beneficiaries.
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