Abbott Announces $9M in U.S. Funds for Texas Nursing Homes

Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission have announced $9 million in federal funding to help Texas nursing homes fight the spread of COVID-19. 

Nursing facilities have until Aug. 30 to apply for the funds.

“We know that older Texans are more susceptible to COVID-19, and Texas is committed to ensuring that nursing facilities have the tools they need to keep their residents and staff safe,” said Abbott. “The resources available through this federal funding will help maintain infection control within these facilities. We must continue to protect our most vulnerable populations, mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Texas, and protect public health.”

Approved providers will be eligible to receive funds for the following:

• Thermometers and temperature scanning equipment for staff and residents
• Decontamination and disinfection systems
• Plexiglass barriers or portable walls to ensure social distancing and droplet protection
• N95 fit-test equipment
• Microbe-resistant flooring and wall coverings

“Nursing facilities have this opportunity to apply for funding to enhance health and safety protections for the people they serve,” said David Kostroun, deputy executive commissioner for HHSC’s Regulatory Services Division. “During this unprecedented time, we are directing providers to pursue every avenue to mitigate the spread of this virus.”

Nursing homes are also eligible to receive up to $3,000 from HHSC to purchase iPads, other tablets, webcams and accessories to help their residents keep in touch with loved ones who are unable to visit due the governor’s restrictions. 

HHSC is using Civil Money Penalty funds to pay for these two projects. CMPs are collected from Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing facilities found out of compliance with federal requirements and can be used for projects and activities that improve quality of care or quality of life for nursing home residents. More details on applying are available on the Texas HHS website.