KENTUCKY — Kentucky is set to receive nearly $130 million which will be distributed to 347 skilled nursing facilities across the state as they battle COVID-19. The money, which will be distributed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), comes from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, introduced by Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY). 


What You Need To Know


  • $130 million will be distributed to Kentucky's 347 skilled nursing facilities

  • Each facility is eligible for roughly $50,000

  • Additional payments of $2,500 per bed will go to facilities with six or more beds

Each skilled nursing facility is eligible to receive roughly $50,000, and HHS will distribute an additional payment of $2,500 per bed to facilities with six or more beds. The funds may be used for conronavirus-related expenses such as paying staff salaries, increasing testing and purchasing personal protective equipment.

“The coronavirus pandemic continues to have a devastating effect on Kentucky seniors, especially those living in nursing facilities. This funding will go a long way to help protect the facilities’ residents and caregivers, many of whom are working overtime to try and keep seniors healthy during this crisis,” said McConnell. “As Senate Majority Leader, I’m proud the CARES Act is delivering relief to high-risk seniors and those who care for them.”

Kentucky will receive more federal funding from this distribution than 80% of other states. 

Once the funds are distributed, Kentucky healthcare providers will have received more than $1 billion from the CARES Act.

“We are grateful for this much-needed assistance for skilled nursing facilities in Kentucky. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused dramatic increases in the costs it requires to keep our residents and staff safe from the deadly virus. We are thankful for HHS for this strong stand with nursing facilities and also for Senator McConnell’s support and leadership,” said Betsy Johnson, president of the Kentucky Association of Health Care Facilities.

This announcement of additional CARES funding follows Gov. Andy Beshear's (D) announcement May 20 that Kentucky would receive $300 million in CARES funding for local governments.