By Jim Hagerty
Reporter

ROCKFORD – Rockford’s Mercyhealth Javon Bea Hospital will receive nearly $13 million in federal relief funds for treating COVID-19 patients during the coronavirus outbreak.

The funds are part of Illinois’ share of a $12 billion relief package from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for 6,000 medical centers that provided inpatient care for 100 or more COVID-19 patients through April 10. Illinois will receive $694,340,792. Mercy’s totals $12,910,709.40.

“(Relief funds) and will be used to support healthcare-related expenses or lost revenue attributable to COVID-19 and to ensure uninsured Americans can get testing and treatment for COVID-19,” HHS said in a release.

View the list of hospitals and the amount each received here.

The distribution methodology takes into consideration the challenges faced by facilities serving a significantly disproportionate number of low-income patients.

The federal government has several health care relief packages in the works. Health and Human Services is distributing $50 billion across the healthcare system to providers and facilities that bill Medicare. It will mark $10 billion for rural hospitals and clinics.

Tribal healthcare providers will receive $400 million across the county. Rockford’s two other hospital networks are expected to receive relief funds in future allocations of the package.