Home health workers will get hazard pay

October 24, 2020

Gov. Ralph Northam last week announced $73 million in federal funds will provide hazard pay for home health personal care attendants who served high-risk patients during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

An estimated 43,500 workers who served Medicaid members between March 12 and June 30 can each get a one-time, pre-tax payment of $1,500.

The funds come from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Recovery and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services, which oversees the commonwealth’s Medicaid program, will work with providers over coming weeks to distribute payments to eligible workers, according to a press release from the governor’s office.