On June 15th, Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Human Services Teresa Miller announced that $260 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding would be dispersed to agencies in the commonwealth that provide care and service for those with intellectual disabilities and autism. According to Governor Wolf, “This funding will help the more than 40,000 Pennsylvanians who receive assistance through one of the Department of Human Services’ programs or facilities…It will help to improve the quality of life for these vulnerable Pennsylvanians and those who have dedicated their lives to caring for them, and it will bring relief to families and loved ones knowing we are committed to providing the highest level of care possible, even during a pandemic.”

According to the governor, $90 million will go to providers of in-home and community, supported and small group employment, companion, and transportation trip services for 120 of retainer payments covering operations from March through June; $90 million of the funding will go to providers of residential, respite and shift nursing services; and $80 million will go to providers of Community Participation Support for 120 days of retainer payments, covering operations from March through June. Payments will be made as gross adjustments, and will be available for providers by July 1, 2020.

The funding is aimed at helping to alleviate the costs of extra staffing, overtime, and personal protective equipment that was necessary to keep those providers operational during the pandemic.

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