WASHINGTON, DC — On Wednesday, May 13, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released $600 million in previously unobligated FEMA Public Assistance funds related to COVID-19 response costs. This announcement comes less than two months after Rep. Bresnahan sent a letter to DHS urging the release.

“This is a welcome announcement for the hospitals and providers who care for our families daily,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “Pennsylvania hospitals stepped up during COVID-19 and did everything asked of them and more to protect patients and support frontline workers. This funding is going to go right back into the system, meaning more support for patients and medical professionals alike.”

Almost $200 million was awarded to the Geisinger System, which includes Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Luzerne County. Additionally, $7.8 million was awarded to the Pocono Medical Center DBA Lehigh Valley Hospital in East Stroudsburg and over $2 million was awarded to the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Corporation in Luzerne County.

During the COVID pandemic, FEMA offered Public Assistance grants to help offset the significant costs to hospitals. While a significant portion of that funding was distributed, close to $600 million in reimbursements to Pennsylvania healthcare providers remain outstanding.