Federal COVID-19 Provider Relief Funds: Following the Money

Congress acted quickly to help the nation’s health care system weather the COVID-19 pandemic by providing an unprecedented level of funding, first through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, passed March 27, followed by the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Health Care Enhancement Act, passed April 24.

Yet more than two months after the CARES Act was passed, 35 percent of the aid remained unallocated.

This commentary examines the relief funds in the CARES and PPP Acts intended to help providers prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19.