FEMA releases $600M in COVID-19 reimbursements for PA Hospitals, GWV receives $192M
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE CO. (WOLF) — Congressman Rob Bresnahan joined local healthcare leaders at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center to announce the release of $600 million in long-delayed FEMA Public Assistance funds for Pennsylvania healthcare providers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On May 13, Congressman Bresnahan announced the release of previously unallocated COVID-19 Public Assistance funding from FEMA.
Nearly $200 million was awarded to the Geisinger Health System, including Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Luzerne County.
COVID-19 took a major financial toll on healthcare providers. President/CEO of Geisinger, Dr. Terry Gilliland, explained how this funding will help Geisinger recover and invest in patient care.
“This included increased staffing, buying personal protective equipment, cleaning and disinfection supplies, medical supplies, and pharmacology projects. These FEMA reimbursement dollars will help us as we continue to invest in bringing the highest levels of care to the communities we serve across Northeastern and central Pennsylvania,” said Gilliland.
Congressman Bresnahan and Senator Dave McCormick pushed DHS and FEMA to release long-delayed COVID-19 reimbursement funds. That effort helped secure $192 million for Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and other healthcare providers.
“For several years after the pandemic, the unexpected and significant cost that came with COVID-19 were never fully reimbursed. That's why, alongside with the Pennsylvania congressional delegation, we work to push FEMA and the administration to release these long overdue public assistance funds,” said Bresnahan.
“These are reimbursements that hospitals were already promised for costs incurred during the COVID emergency. It's great to see nearly $200 million going to Geisinger, along with nearly $400 million for hospitals and health systems throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania, combined with investments across the Commonwealth bringing that total funding to nearly $600 million,” said Bresnahan.
Despite delays in receiving pandemic reimbursement funds, healthcare providers said the funding will support future growth.
“I want to thank the thousands of Geisinger employees who made tremendous sacrifices to care for our communities during the pandemic. It seems like a long time ago, but it really wasn't. They showed up, they suited up, and they cared for our patients,” said Gilliland.
“This is an important step forward, and we will continue to ensure hospitals in Northeastern Pennsylvania receive every single dollar that they are owed,” said Bresnahan.
The funding also includes $7.8 million for Lehigh Valley Hospital–Pocono and more than $2 million for the Northeastern Pennsylvania Corporation.