December 1, 2021 3:30 a.m.

Congressman Peter DeFazio has announced nearly $27 million in relief payments to health care providers and medical suppliers who serve rural Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program and Medicare beneficiaries in southwest Oregon.

A release said the funding comes from the American Rescue Plan.

DeFazio said, “Rural providers historically operate on thin margins and need these funds to ensure that they can continue to provide high-quality care to their patients”. DeFazio said to be sure that rural providers could weather the pandemic, ARP provided payments to eligible providers. DeFazio said, “This needed funding will help vitally needed health care providers who are on the front lines of the pandemic keep their workforce, make up for lost revenue, and stay open so they can continue serving rural patients”.

The release said research has found that 47 percent of rural providers were operating in the red before the COVID-19 pandemic, and the pandemic has only worsened this reality. To help mitigate these losses, ARP provided over $7.5 billion for payments to providers and suppliers who serve the three programs.

Healthcare providers can use the funding for salaries, recruitment or retention; such as N95 or surgical masks, equipment like ventilators or improved filtration systems, capitol investments, information technology, and other expenses related to prevent, prepare for or respond to COVID-19.

Just over $7 million is going to providers and suppliers in Douglas County. That includes nearly $620,000 for Centennial Medical Group East LLC, over $329,000 for Umpqua Community Health Center LLC, and nearly $183,000 for Umpqua Health Newton Creek LLC. 12 other organizations are receiving funding as well.