In conjunction with various state agencies, the Ohio Office of Budget and Management (OBM) has opened the portal for certain Ohio healthcare providers to apply for additional COVID funding. The State of Ohio has recognized the need to assist healthcare providers during the ongoing pandemic, noting providers have incurred significant losses and continue to incur losses and additional costs due to the COVID crisis.
The portal is currently available to the following types of providers:
- Assisted Living
- Behavioral Health
- Critical Access, Rural, Distressed Hospital
- Home Health Waiver Provider
- MyCare Waiver Provider
- Ohio Home Care Waiver Provider (OHCW)
- PASSPORT Waiver Provider
- Private ICF for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICFs/IID)
- Skilled Nursing Facility
Each provider type will receive funds based on a calculation determined by the state agency with which it works. Skilled nursing facilities can expect to receive 21.1% of the June 30, 2020, Medicaid per diem times 3 months of Medicaid days. ICFs/IID can expect to receive 22.92% of the June 30, 2020, Medicaid per diem times three months of days.
As of publication, the Ohio Controlling Board has only approved half of the requested funding. As a result, providers will receive two separate payments, each representing half of the total amount expected to be received. The remaining funds are on the agenda for the Controlling Board’s July 27 meeting, and it is expected the funding request will be approved.
Unfortunately, as this time, DODD waiver providers have not been allocated any COVID funding by the State. Governor DeWine’s administration has stated they are looking at possible funding options for DODD waiver providers, but currently do not have a timetable for when funding may be available for these providers.
Additional details are available in OBM’s information and frequently asked question document.
Accessing the portal
The portal can be accessed on the Ohio Grants Partnership website. Although the website lists September 30, 2020 as the application deadline, OBM has indicated that this is just a placeholder and there is no deadline established. The application does not request any financial or statistical data at this time. Providers with banking information already established with Ohio will receive the funds electronically, while others will receive payment via check.
In order to submit the form, the applicant must agree to the following attestation:
As the duly authorized representative of the above-named Provider, I certify, attest, and agree to accept this economic support payment. These funds will solely be used to continue to provide services and to address costs related to business interruption and increased costs resulting from the COVID-19 health emergency. I will use these funds and maintain proper documentation in accordance with Ohio Department of Medicaid Guidance and FAQ document. The state of Ohio will be issuing a 1099 as reporting is circumstance dependent, and recipients should consult with an accounting professional for guidance on how funds should treat it. By submitting this registration, I certify that the statements herein are true, complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I am aware that any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or claims may subject me to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties. (U.S. Code, Title 218, Section 1001).
It is important to note that the U.S. Department of Treasury is the primary funding organization, via the CARES Act. Therefore, the funds from the State of Ohio will be considered “federal awards” along with funds received from the Department of Health and Human Services for purposes of determining whether a recipient organization is subject to the Single Audit Act. It is unknown at this time whether the Ohio COVID funding will be considered for Single Audit purposes for for-profit entities, as is the case for HHS Provider Relief funding.
Please contact your HW Healthcare Advisor if you have any questions or need assistance in completing the application.
