COVID-19 FUNDING: Nearly $150 Million to be awarded through SHIP grants to support rural hospitals COVID-19 efforts

Funds to support rural hospitals which are seeing increased demands for clinical services and equipment, as well as experiencing short-term financial and workforce challenges related to responding to meeting the needs of patients with COVID-19 seeking care at their facilities have been identified by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Federal Office of Rural Health Policy.  Specifically, HRSA has announced the receipt of $180 million in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to support COVID-19 related activities, of which nearly $150 million will go to hospitals responding to this health crisis.  This funding will be awarded through the Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program (SHIP) grant mechanism.  It is anticipated the award amounts to be approximately $90,000 to every SHIP eligible hospital in Missouri.  This is complementary funding through other COVID-19 programs, such as the one announced for financial relief for Medicare providers.