Last Friday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced which industries and groups will be receiving the next round of resources for COVID-19. The list, which included nursing homes and hospitals, notably left out senior living facilities. The announcement indicated immediate assistance for nursing homes in COVID-19 hotspots in order to provide resources and support to facilities with recognized infection control issues and help protect their vulnerable residents.

Although it’s crucial to provide aid to nursing homes during this time, assisted living and other senior living communities are being overlooked when it comes to federal assistance. These facilities also have at-risk residents and are also experiencing additional costs due to the need for more staff, personal protective equipment, test kits, and expanded operations.

On Friday, the Department of Health and Human Services also announced expanded eligibility for dentists to receive assistance through the Enhanced Provider Relief Fund Payment Portal. Senior living facility operators are hopeful this may open the door for senior living facilities to be included in the next level of consideration.

Read the full article from McKnight’s Senior Living.