The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), representing more than 14,000 nursing homes and long term care facilities across the country that provide care to approximately five million people each year, released the following statement applauding the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Trump Administration for today's announcement of new grant distributions for Medicaid-dependent providers.

The following statement is attributable to Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL:

"We applaud the Administration for providing specific funding for long term care facilities and other providers who do the valiant work of serving Medicaid beneficiaries. Not only are our residents - seniors and those with underlying conditions - most at-risk if they contract COVID-19, but of these individuals, those who also rely on Medicaid are especially vulnerable due to the program's notorious underfunding for care. These nursing home, assisted living and intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities urgently need these resources from the federal government to acquire testing, equipment and staffing to protect their residents. We appreciate the Administration recognizing this need and hope they expedite the aid to our heroes on the frontlines."