Deadline is extended to assist Ohio centers with state program

COLUMBUS – Nursing homes, assisted living centers, and adult day centers have until March 31, 2021, to seek reimbursement for investments in indoor air quality that weaken COVID-19’S spread, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation announced recently.

The new deadline gives such facilities an extra three months to apply for reimbursement from the COVID-19 Indoor Air Quality Assistance Program. The program is funded by $28 million in federal CARES (Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act dollars and administered by BWC at Governor Mike Dewine’s request, the bureau said in a news release.

“We appreciate the federal government’s extension of these life-saving dollars,” said BWC Interim Administrator/ CEO John Logue. “Adding three months to this program enables us to reach even more facilities serving vulnerable older Ohioans, and we’re pleased to do our part.”

The federal stimulus package signed into law Dec. 27 extended the time for use of the funds beyond the original Dec. 30 deadline.

The program offers up to $15,000 for eligible entities to inspect and assess their air quality needs and address those needs through portable air filtration systems, new filtration systems, maintenance on current systems, and other interventions implemented on or after March 1, 2020, through

March 31, 2021.

“It is critical we use every tool possible to ensure older Ohioans have the healthiest possible environment in these facilities,” said Ohio Department of Aging Director Ursel Mcelroy. “This program will contribute to that goal, and I am most grateful.”

For an application, FAQ, and more on the program, visit this BWC webpage. Questions can be emailed to grants@bwc. state.oh.us.

The CARES Act allows states to use federal funding from the Federal Coronavirus Relief Fund for necessary expenditures incurred by the state due to COVID-19 that were not authorized as part of the state budget.