Georgia's U.S. Senators announced Friday that nearly $800 million in federal funding is coming to the state to aid in the fight against the coronavirus.
In a joint statement released Wednesday evening, Republicans David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler said the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is providing $792 million to support Georgia hospitals and healthcare providers enrolled in Medicare.
“Georgia’s medical providers are currently on the frontlines of one of the most serious public health emergencies in our nation’s history,” said Senator Perdue. “This crisis has put severe financial strain on local hospitals, and many in rural areas are quickly running out of cash for supplies and payroll. This funding will help stabilize hospitals across our state so providers can stay focused on what matters most: the health and safety of their patients.”
The funding is authorized through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Stability (CARES) Act, which both Senators supported as it made its way through Congress last month. The CARES Act allocated $100 billion to "reimburse hospitals for the care of COVID-19 patients and to make up for lost revenue due to canceling elective surgeries and other procedures," according to the statement.
“Our first and main line of defense against the coronavirus is our hospitals, health care facilities and medical professionals,” said Senator Loeffler. “This funding is critical to supporting those on the front lines and keeping Georgians safe and healthy. This is a direct result of our work to pass the CARES Act in Congress, and I remain committed to doing everything in my power to get our state the resources it needs throughout this crisis.”
The allocated funding coming to Georgia is said to be part of a $30 billion package released on Friday by the Department of Health and Human Services.
