WILKES-BARRE, PA — On Friday, June 5, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) and Geisinger President & CEO Terry Gilliland held a press conference to discuss the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) May release of Public Assistance funding for Pennsylvania healthcare providers to help offset COVID-19 response costs.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, our hospitals and frontline workers stepped up in extraordinary ways, expanding capacity overnight, protecting patients, and saving lives under immense pressure,” said Bresnahan. “These Public Assistance funds are long-overdue reimbursements that hospitals were already promised for costs incurred during COVID. Now, this funding is going to go right back into the system, meaning more support for patients and medical professionals alike.”

“Geisinger appreciates the efforts of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation in advocating for the release of these critical funds,” said Gilliland. “These reimbursement dollars will help as we continue to bring the highest levels of care to the communities we serve across central and northeastern Pennsylvania.” 

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 remained outstanding. 

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.