Fed Funds: $291 Million for Oregon Hospitals’ Coronavirus Response Efforts

Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, along with U.S. Representatives Peter DeFazio, Earl Blumenauer, Greg Walden, Kurt Schrader, and Suzanne Bonamici, have announced that 3,454 hospitals in Oregon will receive a total of $291 million in funding to enhance their coronavirus response efforts.

The funds are being allocated through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Support (CARES) Act, which was passed by Congress last month. Hospitals may use this funding for non-reimbursable expenses attributed to COVID-19. Examples include building or retrofitting new intensive care units, increased staffing or training, personal protective equipment, the building of temporary structures and more. Forgone revenue from cancelled procedures, which has put significant strain on the health care system, is also a qualified expense.