# Plain Language Summary: COVID-19 Funding for High Medicaid Providers

This bill sets aside $10 billion in federal funding to help healthcare providers that serve a lot of Medicaid patients cover costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The money is meant to reimburse these providers for expenses they incurred fighting the virus—like buying protective equipment, testing supplies, and extra staff—as well as for revenue they lost when patients couldn't come in for regular care during lockdowns and closures.

The bill specifically targets certain types of healthcare facilities: hospitals that serve large numbers of low-income patients, children's hospitals, individual doctors and practitioners who work with Medicaid patients, and other providers the government determines have treated a lot of COVID-19 cases. To get the money, these providers have to apply and prove they actually spent money on COVID-related expenses or lost income because of the pandemic. They also can't use this funding to cover costs that have already been paid for by insurance companies, other government programs, or any other source.

The bill gives the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the federal official overseeing this program) a lot of flexibility in how to distribute the money and what paperwork providers need to submit. Providers have to keep detailed records showing exactly what they spent the money on and prove they're using it only for legitimate COVID-related costs. The funding remains available to be spent through the end of the fiscal year, so providers don't lose it if they don't use it immediately.

To provide funding relating to COVID-19 for high Medicaid providers, and for other purposes.

Rush, Bobby L.

 <p>This bill provides additional FY2021 funding for health care providers with high caseloads of Medicaid patients for COVID-19 expenses and lost revenue, including for capital expenses, medical equipment, staffing, and other operational costs. Providers must submit documentation justifying the need for funds, including qualifying expenses and lost revenue. Funds may not be used for expenses or losses that have already been reimbursed or that another source is obligated to reimburse.</p>