President Trump has signed into law the third coronavirus stimulus bill – the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). In the CARES Act, the law makes available federal loans to nonprofits through the Small Business Administration (SBA). For members’ convenience, please find a summary of the SBA loans available. Questions, contact Jack Phillips.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 27, 2020
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Tom Wolf issued a statement to reassure all Pennsylvanians that essential services critical to the lives, health and safety of vulnerable populations will continue regardless of actions taken to slow the spread of COVID-19.
“Under no circumstances will this administration withdraw life-sustaining services from Pennsylvanians who depend on these support systems,” Gov. Wolf said. “My commitment to maintaining essential services is uncompromised by the COVID-19 pandemic. We will not abandon older adults, individuals with disabilities, low-income families, children or any other vulnerable population during this challenging time. This administration will continue to do everything in our power to ensure that the most vulnerable among us continue to receive the services and supports they need and on which they depend.”
Specifically, the governor cited the following services and supports that will continue throughout the COVID-19 response regardless of mitigation strategies or the severity of the situation:
This is not an exhaustive list of services that will continue regardless of circumstances.
“This is an all-hands-on-deck operation to save lives and maintain essential services. I want to thank the workers on the front lines of this crisis and acknowledge the personal sacrifice many of them are making because they are dedicated to serving vulnerable populations,” said Department of Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller. “I also want to assure these workers that the Wolf Administration is focused on doing everything we can to support and protect you. Please know that your efforts are appreciated and we are committed to supporting you through this crisis.”
Visit the PA Department of Health’s dedicated Coronavirus webpage for the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19.
Guidance to DHS providers related to COVID-19 is available here.
MEDIA CONTACT: Erin James, 717-425-7606
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To help providers manage the COVID-19 emergency, MITC is providing two easy-to-set up applications free of charge.
myCommunications helps providers maintain contact with their staff without relying on employees’ personal email addresses – very important right now. Download the fact sheet to learn more!
myMileage and Expenses allows staff to submit expense claims without having to come into the office. It also helps to make sure staff don’t suffer reimbursement delays for mileage, etc. – minimizes personal interactions. Download the fact sheet to learn more!
Unfortunately, MITC cannot provide the software without one-on-one training, as the surge in Software Requests would compromise our ability to respond at the level customers expect.
For more information, email [email protected].
Please join us for a special free webinar on Thursday, April 2 at 2:00 pm EDT to learn more about software that can help providers manage this emergency, and other more routine emergencies like snow days!
Register Here
Additionally, MITC is offering a webinar on Monday, March 30 at 2:00 pm as follows:
HR 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, has been signed. Join us for an emergency webinar on Monday, March 30 at 2:00 pm EDT to learn more about the Emergency Sick Pay Law and how to track sick and FLMA pay.
Early this morning, the Pennsylvania Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) unanimously approved the following:
Resolution by the Pennsylvania Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) Urging Governor Wolf to Develop Principles and Guidelines for Allocating Lifesaving Resources and MA Funding During COVID-19 Crisis
Recognizing that Pennsylvania will have limited hospital capacity to respond to the grim epidemiological projections associated with the COVID-19 virus:
The Medical Assistance Advisory Committee of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (MAAC) urges Governor Wolf to develop and release principles and guidelines (Guidelines) for how scarce lifesaving resources (e.g., ICU units, personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, and any emerging & recommended anti-viral pharmaceutical interventions) will be equitably allocated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Guidelines and principles must ensure that when it comes to the allocation of life-saving treatment:
In developing guidelines for allocating lifesaving resources, we urge the Governor to consult with the Hospital Association of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Medical Society, the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers, and provider and advocacy organizations representing older adults and people with disabilities, whose constituencies are represented among our membership.
Medical ethicists should also be included to help ensure an ethical framework, and the established guidelines should be messaged by the Governor and made available to health care providers and the public.
Furthermore, the MAAC resolves and urges to the Governor and Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) to utilize all of the additional funds received as a result of the enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) provision contained in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (HR 6201) and other Acts to provide for the care, services, and equipment necessary to meet the needs of Pennsylvania’s Medical Assistance participants and those providing their care and services.
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