Letter to the Hon. Alex Azar, Secretary of the Dept. of Health and Human Services - Schumer, Delgado successfully secure over $1 million in federal funding for the Center for Discovery in Sullivan County
Letter
Dear Secretary Azar,
I'm writing on behalf of the Center for Discovery (TCFD), a top-tier medical institution located in Sullivan County, New York.
Unfortunately, TCFD is still awaiting its allocated funding from the Provider Relief Fund (as authorized by the CARES Act). I ask that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) immediately provide an update to TCFD on the status of its application for general distribution funding--and then transfer these funds as quickly as possible.
Not only is TCFD the largest private sector employer in Sullivan County, it is also a critical component of my district's healthcare infrastructure. As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) spread through New York, TCFD has maintained continuity of care for Upstate New Yorkers while also helping our community respond to this public health emergency. These essential services have not come free of cost, as the Center has lost $5 million in revenue in recent months while additional pandemic-related expenses have piled up.
After receiving just $13,904 from the general distribution fund for Medicare fee-for-service revenues, TCFD awaits further assistance from HHS in excess of $2 million. On May 29, my office contacted your department seeking an updated timeline for TCFD's Provider Relief Fund distributions--a request that included the Center's Taxpayer Identification Number, which should have allowed for an inquiry to be made. Two weeks later, no updates have been provided--either to my staff or to TCFD. After initially expecting additional funding to arrive via direct deposit on May 15, nearly a month has passed without any further assistance.
As a frontline healthcare provider in a critically underserved area, it is essential that TCFD receives this funding as quickly as possible. Again, I ask that your department immediately update TCFD on its application status and initiate a transfer of funds as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
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