Subject:
Title
Authorization to apply for additional funding made available through Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funding, and comply with outlined terms and conditions associated with the United States of America Department of Health & Human Services second distribution of $20 Billion to healthcare system providers.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Authorize Bureau Director of Safety & Emergency Services, to enter an application for additional funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
• The application must be submitted on-line.
• The application represents the second distribution of CARES related funding.
• Safety & Emergency Services automatically received a distribution on April 17, 2020, in the amount of $1,605,741.68 from the 1st distribution of funds from the CARES Act.
• It is estimated no additional funds will be available from this 2nd distribution and a possible return of $443,493 may be required from the 1st distribution.
• The application provides necessary data to be utilized for any subsequent distributions.
Body
Body
Strategic Plan:
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.2 Be Responsible stewards of the public’s resources
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of County services and support
Summary:
Pinellas County Safety & Emergency Services (SES) may be eligible to receive additional distribution from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding from the $50B General Distribution set-aside from the $100B for healthcare system providers. The $50B General Distribution was allocated:1) Through an immediate distribution of $30B, of which Pinellas County SES received an automatic distribution of $1,605,741.68. This amount was based upon the provider’s share of total Medicare fee-for-Service (FFS) revenue in 2019; and 2) Through an application portal where providers who may be eligible for a portion of the remaining $20B General Distribution can apply. Governmental providers are asked to enter formation into the portal from their most recent audited Financial Statements. Based on recent communications from U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) related to the general calculation which will be applied to distribute the $20B, it is questionable, but not definite, as to whether SES will receive additional funding from the remaining $20B. It’s possible a partial return of funds will be requested from the first distribution due to an overpayment. Additionally, HHS has noted that the information entered into the portal as a part of the application process for this 2nd distribution may be used to determine any future Provider Relief Fund distributions.
An Attestation form must be executed when applying for additional General Distribution funding. Providers who receive more than $150,000 in funds, are required to submit a calendar-year quarterly fiscal report to the U.S Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Pandemic Reponses Accountability Committee within 10-days after the end of each quarter.
Background/Explanation:
The bipartisan CARES Act executed on March 27, 2020, provides $100 billion in relief funds to hospitals and other healthcare providers on the front lines of the coronavirus response. To be eligible for funding, the provider must have received Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) reimbursements in 2019 and be in good standing with CMS. Funds must be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, and reimburse care related expenses or lost revenues that are attributable to coronavirus. The $100B distribution was allocated in the following manner: $50B General Distribution; $10B High impact areas; $10B Rural areas; $1B for uninsured COVID-19 patients; and the remaining balance to be distributed in a manner in which HHS determines will optimize the beneficial impact of the funds.
Fiscal Impact:
Based upon the general calculation provided by HHS, it is expected that SES will not receive additional funding from the remaining $20B. HHS has noted that providers should apply as data required may be the basis for future Provider Relief Fund distributions.
Based on the formula, there is a possibility a return of $443,493 may be required from the first distribution of $1.6 Million. The receipt of $1.6 Million has been included in the FY20 Revised Budget, but a return of funds has not.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this is granted under Pinellas County Code Section 2-62 (a)(4).
Staff Member Responsible:
James Fogarty, Bureau Director, Safety & Emergency Services Department
Partners:
N/A
Attachments:
Terms-and-conditions-provider-relief-20-b
Notification letter from US Dept HHS re: CARES 2nd distribution.pdf
2nd distribution calculation for 20B.pdf