Geisinger gets $192M in delayed FEMA reimbursements for COVID-19 expenses

PLAINS TWP. — Geisinger Health System received $192 million recently from the Federal Emergency Management Agency in delayed reimbursements for COVID-19 pandemic costs, officials said Friday at a news conference.

U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan Jr., R-8, Dallas Twp., joined Dr. Terry Gilliland, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Geisinger Health, at Friday’s news conference at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center. U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pittsburgh, planned to attend but was unable due to a voting session in the Senate.

McCormick and U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Braddock, along with Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation, have been urging through letters to FEMA the release of nearly $600 million in approved COVID-19 reimbursement funding owed to Pennsylvania hospitals and health systems. FEMA last month announced the release of those funds.

Gesinger’s share — $192 million — was “based on expenses that were incurred during the pandemic that were previously submitted to FEMA for review and approval,” Gilliland said. The COVID-19 national emergency began in March 2020 and ended in April 2023.

“COVID took an incredible toll on our communities, our people and our health systems, including the financial impact that Geisinger experienced from taking the necessary steps to serve our communities in unprecedented times,” Gilliland said. “This included increased staffing, applying for personal protective equipment, cleaning and disinfection supplies, medical supplies and pharmacology budgets. These FEMA reimbursed dollars, reimbursement dollars will help us as we continue to invest in bringing the highest levels of care to communities we serve across northeastern and central Pennsylvania.”

Bresnahan said changes in FEMA and Homeland Security Department leadership contributed to the delay in releasing the funds.

“This is about fairness,” Bresnahan said. “It’s about accountability and making sure that when our hospitals step up in a crisis, the federal government follows through with its commitments. So I’m grateful to my colleagues across Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation, to our healthcare leaders like Dr. Terry Gilliland, who all pushed us across the finish line.”