The federal government on Thursday announced $20 billion in new funding for assisted living communities and other providers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic. Providers can start applying on Monday.

The phase 3 general distribution from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Provider Relief Fund covers previously ineligible providers, including assisted living operators and others that began operations in January through March as well as an extended group of behavioral health providers confronting the emergence of increased mental health and substance use issues exacerbated by the pandemic. The funding also is intended to offer the opportunity for providers that have already received funding to apply for additional funds based on financial losses and changes in operating expenses due to COVID-19.

Eligible providers can receive 2% of annual revenue from patient/resident care, plus an add-on payment that considers a provider’s change in operating revenues and expenses from that care, and payments already received through prior relief fund distributions. The application window is Oct. 5 to Nov. 6.

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