Editor's note: This press statement was received Nov. 6, 2020.
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) has received approval from Governor Dunleavy to begin distributing approximately $4 million in CARES Act funds to residential congregate care facilities to help address additional expenses incurred as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Assisted living homes, skilled nursing facilities and other residential congregate facilities approved by DHSS, such as mental health and substance use disorder treatment programs, will be eligible to receive a one-time flat rate payment to help offset expenses related to COVID-19.
The funds are intended to provide financial support to these facilities so they can maintain their operations at full capacity and ensure their services continue to be available even as COVID-19 cases increase in Alaska. The facilities are a critical step on the spectrum of care, especially for hospitals that rely on them to provide a safe setting for patients following acute-care hospitalizations.
“We recognize that it’s challenging for residential congregate facilities to provide care for residents with complex needs while also preventing exposure to COVID-19,” said Commissioner Adam Crum. “I’m pleased DHSS is able to provide this additional support so these facilities have the financial resources to provide care to residents with COVID-19 and compensation to employees who must not work while positive for COVID-19. These payments will help ensure a safe environment for staff and all patients under their care.”
The payments can only be used consistent with the CARES Act requirements and are given to providers to:
• Purchase personal protective equipment.
• Make minor environmental modifications.
• Pay the wages of employees who test positive for COVID-19 while they stay home to isolate.
• Pay relief workers to cover for those employees while they are unable to work.
A tiered system will be used to determine the amount of the payment based on the size of the facility. To receive the funds, providers must simply submit a signed statement confirming their interest in participating in the program and that funds will only be used for these specific purposes. More detailed information, including the form to be signed and submitted, will be sent directly to providers through standard electronic means of communications from the DHSS division they regularly work with.
