In order to increase cash flow to providers of services and suppliers impacted by the 2019 COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expanded its Accelerated and Advance Payment Program (MAAPP) to Medicare Part A providers and Part B suppliers. This was part of the CARES Act passed by Congress.
 
Accelerated/Advance Payments 
An accelerated/advance payment is intended to provide necessary funds when there is a disruption in claims submission and/or claims processing. These ‘loans’ become due August 1 while hospitals in Louisiana are still flooded with COVID-19 patients, still cancelling elective surgeries, and in some instances forced to reduce staff due to escalating costs associated with purchasing new equipment and other resources to deal with the pandemic.
 
Louisiana Medicare Part A Providers are Hospitals, Skilled Nursing Facilities; Part B Providers are Doctors, Durable Medical Equipment suppliers, and others. Louisiana Part A and Part B Providers received $1.5 billion under this program, made available on May 2. 
 
The first round of these payments, or about half the award, is coming due even while hospitals report massive revenue losses, and the rest of the payments will expire in about two weeks, just as Louisiana needs continued access to the funds.
 
Oschner said its healthcare system, which sees about $4 billion in revenue yearly, predicted 2020 revenue losses would fall in the $350 million to $500 million range. LCMC Chief Executive Officer Greg Feirn predicted revenue loss of about $100 million between March, April and May, excluding money spent on equipment and additional workers during the hospital’s surge. Tulane Medical Center, which is majority-owned by health care giant HCA Health Care, received $26.4 million from the federal payout for hospitals in hotspots, but hospital spokesperson Sarah Balyeat said it represents just a fraction of anticipated lost revenue and increased expenses.
 
Contact Dr. Bill. Cassidy, U.S. Senator from Louisiana, to get an update on what Congress is doing to resolve this issue before the August recess.
 
Hospital associations are asking Congress to push back the draw down deadline and repayment schedule of the MAAPP loans and lower the payback interest rate from 10 to one percent. If Congress does not resolve the issue, Louisiana stands to lose access to more than half a billion dollars in needed hospital assistance.
 
Local spokespersons on this issue: Contact C. Brylski/D. Johnson (504) 897-6110 or
 
Federation of American Hospitals members:
https://www.fah.org/fah-ee2-uploads/website/maps/FAH-Louisiana.pdf
 
Rural providers: Howard Castay, Board Member, Teche Action Clinics/Morgan City, [email protected]

​Understanding both the professional and financial uncertainty facing native New Orleans musicians, trombonist, composer and producer Delfeayo Marsalis is launching a new non-profit designed to help keep the city’s music culture thriving. 
“My dad dedicated his life to growing and promoting New Orleans musicians,” said Marsalis the legendary New Orleans pianist Ellis Marsalis who succumbed to Covid-19 on April 1, 2020 at the age of 85. “Today, the global health pandemic presents a threat to New Orleans’ culture bearers like none before. No less than our centuries-old musical heritage is at risk. With all performance venues shut down indefinitely and the musical tourism industry boarded up, our artists are struggling with both professional and financial uncertainty. Keep NOLA Music Alive was organized to fill a huge void.”
Delfeayo kicks off the fundraising effort with a “Double-Nickel Birthday Bash” virtual performance Sunday, August 2, 5 p.m. CDT/6 p.m. EDT marking his 55th birthday. To attend the concert, log on to Facebook.com/Delfeayo Marsalis. The concert will feature dynamic performances by the Uptown Jazz Orchestra and vocal powerhouse Tonya Boyd-Cannon.
Donations can be made now at www.knoma.org. Donors can indicate how their funds are to be utilized and/or include a personal dedication in honor of a particular person or artist. 
“We know the need is there, so now is the time to step up and help,” says Marsalis.
The idea to start the KNOMA initiative arose from a local record store’s tribute to Marsalis’ father. 
“Peaches Records in Uptown New Orleans, for decades a supporter of local artists and New Orleans music, posted a sign that read, ‘Thank you Ellis Marsalis for Keeping NOLA Music Alive!’ the day after my dad’s passing,” Marsalis said. He developed a plan, assembled a board of directors, and secured lead funding for KNOMA, assuring that 100 percent of all donations go directly to New Orleans musicians and culture bearers. 
Artists, who must be native-born or long-term resident performers in New Orleans to receive assistance, can apply for grants through KNOMA’s website.
“We can no longer take for granted the brass bands on corners, the street musicians in Jackson Square, and the players in our clubs who perform with the joy and celebration that millions of visitors equate with the Big Easy,” says Marsalis.  “We have to keep our music, the heart of New Orleans, beating for generations to come!”
 For more information and to donate, visit www.knoma.org
 Media contacts for interviews with Mr. Marsalis: 

• Ann Braithwaite, Braithwaite & Katz Communications; 781-259-9600; Text: 781-367-9760, [email protected]
• C. Brylski or D. Johnson (504) 897-6110; [email protected]; (504) 460-1468

 
​MISSION
Keep NOLA Music Alive assists in sustaining New Orleans culture by providing emergency aid to native musicians and culture bearers. 

ABOUT A rich and thriving musical culture attracts countless visitors to New Orleans from around the world. Native culture bearers—from musicians to dancers and other performers—have sustained this centuries old heritage for future generations to enjoy. The Covid-19 pandemic [and Katrina before it] has exposed the vulnerability of these individuals, who even in good times can suffer from circumstances beyond their control. Keep NOLA Music Alive, a 501c3, provides emergency assistance to those artists who live the music of the city where jazz was born. 

ELIGIBILITY Applicants must earn their livelihood substantially through performance in New Orleans and can demonstrate unexpected financial hardship. A written application must be submitted. ​