Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-7) led a bipartisan effort asking US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra to release Provider Relief Funds toward ALFs. In a press release announcing the request made by 58 members of Congress, VHCA-VCAL President and CEO Keith Hare said, “Assisted living providers have been on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19 from day one. Relief funding is absolute critical to ensure they can continue to protect their residents from the virus.”

Specifically, the legislators urged Sec. Becerra to target additional funding from the Provider Relief Fund, which is estimated to include an additional $23 billion of congressionally approved funding still available, to assisted living providers. The letter notes ALFs continue to face extraordinary cots in procuring personal protective equipment, COVID-19 tests, and necessary staff, all while facing record-low occupancy rates.

Click here to read the full letter to Sec. Becerra.