Letter to Administrator Seema Verma, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services - Harder Demands Feds Provide Unspent Coronavirus Funding to Nursing Homes

Letter

Administrator Verma,

It has come to my attention that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has been slow to issue Congressional funds to state and local governments who desperately need and are counting on this aid. Given the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on our nation's nursing homes and long-term care facilities, I urge you to immediately issue those funds without further delay.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) appropriated $100 million for CMS to identify and support nursing challenges amidst the pandemic. Out of this funding, only $81 million is currently earmarked towards state agencies and, as of early June, almost none of these funds have been issued. It is concerning that while Americans are dying, CMS is sitting on much-needed federal aid that can help nursing homes develop solutions to address their challenges.

Deaths in nursing homes account for almost 40 percent of all U.S deaths from COVID-19. In my own district, they've accounted for half. The data speaks for itself. We know where the problem is so why are you not issuing this federal aid?

It is imperative that we protect our seniors and prioritize swift action to save lives. I look forward to your timely response.

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