Saratoga, NY – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requesting that they prioritize funding for nursing homes, especially those in COVID-19 “hot spots”, to meet their needs. According to data provided by the New York State Department of Health, at least 2,000 nursing homes residents across New York State have now died from COVID-19. Nursing home deaths in New York may continue to climb because of chronic staffing shortages that have been exacerbated due to the COVID-19 crisis, a shortage of protective supplies, and a continued lack of available testing. This bipartisan letter was signed by members of the New York delegation.
“As the Representative for the highest population of seniors in New York State, ensuring they are protected is a top priority,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “I am joining my New York colleagues in calling on HHS and CMS to prioritize funding for long-term care facilities, who are already facing issues with a lack of PPE and available testing. I will continue to work with our North Country public health officials and nursing homes to meet the needs of our most vulnerable.”
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