By Hank Russell
U.S. Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) announced that significantly delayed reimbursement payments from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) relating to the federally declared COVID-19 disaster under its Public Assistance (PA) program will soon reach New York hospitals. The announcement comes after Garbarino sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) last month, requesting a status update and calling for the expedited review and release of these critical funds.
Garbarino, chair of the Congressional Homeland Security Committee, told NOTUS in January that there was still money that was owed New York hospitals for services during the pandemic in 2020.
“It’s a lot of work that they did, and they were promised the reimbursement for,” Garbarino told NOTUS. “And they’ve jumped through all the hoops. They’ve proven all the money that they were owed. And now they’re just waiting to get back. So, it really does affect their bottom line.” He said part of the delay had to do with the partial shutdown of the Homeland Security Department.
On February 25, Noem told Garbarino that the money has been released and the state’s health system will be reimbursed in the amount of over $2 billion.
“FEMA’s decision to approve the obligation of outstanding COVID-19 reimbursement claims that had been delayed under the Biden administration, including more than $2 billion for New York State, will help restore the resilience of our nation’s health infrastructure and ensure our communities are prepared to face the emergencies of tomorrow, rather than being burdened by those of yesterday,” Garbarino said.
John D’Angelo, President and CEO of Northwell Health, said the hospital system is expected to receive $267 million in long-delayed COVID funding. “We are profoundly grateful for [Garbarino’s] extraordinary and unwavering support of healthcare, and for advocating on behalf of the communities who rely on these vital services every day.”
“New York’s hospitals incurred billions in emergency expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic to save as many lives as possible,” said Kenneth E. Raske, President, Greater New York Hospital Association. “After years of delays — and thanks to the dogged efforts of House Homeland Security Chairman Andrew Garbarino — the process for our hospitals to finally receive their long-overdue FEMA funds is underway. I am deeply grateful to Chairman Garbarino for his leadership and unwavering commitment to freeing up these critically important funds.”
“New York’s hospitals were on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading the nation in responding to an unprecedented public health crisis,” said Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) President Bea Grause, RN, JD. “Billions in federal FEMA reimbursement have been owed to many of our hospitals for several years, impacting their ability to recover from the fiscal devastation of the pandemic. As chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, Chairman Garbarino knows firsthand the important role New York’s hospitals play in responding to crises.”
Patrick M. O’Shaughnessy, DO, MBA, president and CEO of Catholic Health and Chair of the HANYS Board of Trustees, added, “At a time of significant fiscal challenges for healthcare providers, this funding provides meaningful relief and helps ensure we can continue delivering high-quality care to the communities we serve.”