The Federal Emergency Management Agency has released $600 million in public assistance funding to Pennsylvania to reimburse hospitals and health systems for expenses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.

U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-9, recently announced the release of the funding.

The funding follows Meuser’s efforts to secure funds for hospitals that provided critical care during the public health emergency.

Most recently, he and several colleagues sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security urging it to expedite the release of the funds. FEMA is an agency within the Department of Homeland Security.

As part of the funding, Geisinger Health System, which serves communities across northeastern and central Pennsylvania, will receive more than $190 million. WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital will receive approximately $1.8 million, and Lehigh Valley Hospital–Schuylkill will receive approximately $1.8 million.

“During the pandemic, Pennsylvania hospitals stepped up to provide lifesaving care to patients and families in our communities under extraordinarily challenging circumstances,” Meuser said. “These reimbursements will help ensure our health care providers are made whole for the significant costs they incurred while responding to this unprecedented crisis.”

The 9th District includes all of Bradford, Columbia, Lebanon, Montour, Northumberland, Schuylkill, Sullivan and Wyoming counties, plus part of Berks, Luzerne and Lycoming counties.