HHS to distribute $1.4 billion to free-standing children’s hospitals

Almost 80 free-standing children’s hospitals will receive $1.4 billion in relief funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, the Department of Health and Human Services today said.

To receive funding, children’s hospitals must be exempt under the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services inpatient prospective payment system or be a Health Resource and Services Administration-defined Children’s Hospital Graduate Medical Education facility.

HHS said eligible hospitals will receive 2.5% of their net revenue from patient care.

“The AHA thanks HHS for distributing additional targeted emergency relief funds to children’s hospitals on the frontlines in the fight against this pandemic,” AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack said.

“This funding will help ensure these hospitals have the resources they need to care for their patients and communities. In addition, we continue to urge the Administration to distribute additional relief to all hospitals and health systems, as well as those in so-called 'hot spots.'”