FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 22, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that his administration has secured more than $105 million in FEMA disaster funds to reimburse six Kentucky hospitals and Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) for expenses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospitals receiving funding include AdventHealth Manchester, Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH), Baptist Health, Pikeville Medical Center, T.J. Samson Community Hospital and UofL Health.
“What our hospitals did during the pandemic is nothing short of heroic, and my administration worked hard to make sure the reimbursements they were owed under the president’s emergency declaration were delivered,” said Gov. Beshear. “While this funding is being received years later, it couldn’t come at a better time, as our hospitals face challenges due to federal Medicaid cuts. This $105 million will make a difference for these hospitals and the Kentucky families who depend on them, which is why today’s news is so great.”
The more-than-$105 million reimbursement was for costs incurred and damages received between January 2020 and May 11, 2023, under FEMA Disaster 4497 – Kentucky COVID-19 Pandemic Major Disaster. Funding was used for hospital safety, patient care, materials and supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), medical support, contract labor, emergency protective measures, medications like remdesivir and more.
AdventHealth Manchester is being reimbursed $1,628,812.06;
ARH is being reimbursed $22,944,962.88;
Baptist Health is being reimbursed $17,207,818.93;
Pikeville Medical Center is being reimbursed $1,447,750.47;
T.J. Samson Community Hospital is being reimbursed $6,917,666.16;
UofL Health is being reimbursed $13,397,435.97; and
KYEM is being reimbursed $41,820,598.35.
“Our first responders and hospitals went to great lengths to protect the lives of Kentuckians during the pandemic, and I am grateful that we were able to secure this funding and provide the reimbursements these hospitals and our team deserve,” said Eric Gibson, director of KYEM. “We are processing the funds as quickly as possible so teams can put those dollars to good use as they continue to care for and protect people across our commonwealth.”
Leaders from each of the hospitals shared the positive impact this reimbursement will have on their current operations.
“On behalf of T.J. Samson Community Hospital, we are deeply grateful to Gov. Beshear and FEMA for recognizing the extraordinary challenges and unprecedented expenses that hospitals faced throughout the pandemic,” said Neil Thornbury, CEO of T.J. Regional Health. “There were tremendous demands on healthcare organizations across Kentucky, and this funding acknowledges both the sacrifices made by healthcare workers and the ongoing need to ensure rural communities have access to strong, dependable healthcare close to home. We are proud of how our team responded during one of the most difficult periods in healthcare history, and this support will help us continue building for the future.”
“This is exciting news, especially for the support it will provide in expanding access to care in rural communities,” said Chris Graff, system vice president of financial operations at Baptist Health. “In addition to identifying new opportunities to expand care and bring services closer to home for patients and families across the commonwealth, the funds will provide support for projects already underway in rural communities, including the 80,000-square-foot expansion at Baptist Health Corbin.”
“On behalf of UofL Health I want to thank the state, as well as FEMA, for the release of these funds and the ongoing leadership to ensure the strength of Kentucky’s healthcare system,” said UofL Health CEO Dr. Jason Smith. “There were so many providers across the state that stepped up to do their part to stand up testing sites, deliver vaccines, protect our neighbors and alleviate fears. This money goes a long way to close that chapter and open up what I hope is the next chapter of healthcare in the commonwealth.”
“AdventHealth Manchester is grateful to Governor Beshear and the Commonwealth of Kentucky for this meaningful support. During the COVID-19 pandemic, rural hospitals like ours faced unprecedented pressure as we worked to protect our patients, team members and community while continuing to serve as a local safety net. AdventHealth Manchester incurred significant costs for staffing, supplies, personal protective equipment and other resources needed to care for Kentuckians during that extraordinary time,” said Nick Bejarano, president and CEO, AdventHealth Manchester. “This funding will support our ability to continue serving Clay County and the surrounding region with compassionate, whole-person care close to home. We are proud of the resilience and dedication our team showed during one of the most difficult periods in history, and we remain committed to preserving long-term access to high-quality care for our communities and to Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ.”
“We are grateful for Gov. Beshear’s leadership and support in helping secure these FEMA reimbursement funds for ARH and healthcare providers across Kentucky. This important support acknowledges both ARH’s response to the COVID-19 public health emergency and the remarkable dedication of our physicians, nurses, clinicians and team members who served on the front lines throughout the pandemic.
Their compassion, resilience and unshakable commitment helped protect our communities and guide them through one of the most challenging periods in modern healthcare and continues to define who we are as an organization today,” said Hollie Harris, president and CEO of ARH. “As ARH marks 70 years of service to Eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia, we are also looking ahead. These funds come at a time when we remain focused on strengthening our health system to navigate an evolving healthcare landscape – supporting our workforce, preserving access to essential services, and ensuring high-quality care for the communities that depend on us today and for generations to come.”
“This FEMA Public Assistance award is a testament to the extraordinary commitment Pikeville Medical Center made to our community during one of the most challenging public health crises in modern history,” said Donovan Blackburn, president and CEO, Pikeville Medical Center. “Our team answered the call without hesitation, and we are grateful this funding reflects the true cost of that service. We appreciate the leadership and support of our government partners at every level. Their guidance made it possible for us to remain focused on what matters most: caring for the people of Eastern Kentucky.”
