Hospitals to Receive $40 Million for COVID-Related Lost Revenue

Hospitals can expect to start receiving payments by second week in July. 

Wisconsin hospitals will receive $40 million in direct payments from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to assist with lost revenue and expenses incurred during a three-month period due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The state health department will distribute funds for revenues lost in March, April and May. The funds are provided by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

“Our hospitals have been doing more with less throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, caring for vulnerable Wisconsinites and keeping our communities healthy and safe,” said Gov. Tony Evers in a statement Thursday. “This support is critically needed as we continue to battle this virus and ensure high quality care for Wisconsinites.”  

Hospitals will receive a single payment from DHS based upon their percentage of both inpatient and outpatient Medicaid revenue, compared to other facilities throughout the state. Calculated payments will be offset by COVID-19 related relief payments provided by other federal programs, private insurance, the Indian Health Service, Medicaid, or Medicare. 

The $40 million program is in addition to the distribution of personal protective equipment, as well as COVID-19 test kits and other supplies directly to hospitals and health care partners across the state. The State Emergency Operations Center has worked closely with hospital systems throughout the response.

DHS will be reaching out to hospitals with more details on the program. Hospitals can expect to begin receiving payments by the second week in July.