WASHINGTON, D.C.  — More than $130 million will be allocated to 121 rural health care providers such as hospitals, clinics and community health centers across the state through the CARES Act, according to a news release. 

Previously, a total of $187,806,676 for Maine hospitals and other health care providers has been allocated to help respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rural hospitals, many of which were operating on thin margins prior to COVID-19, have been particularly devastated by this pandemic, the release noted. 

Thus, rural health care providers in Maine are being provided a total of $131,501,672 in federal aid amid the pandemic. 

As healthy patients delay care and cancel elective services, rural hospitals are struggling to keep their doors open, according to the release. 

Rural acute care general hospitals and critical access hospitals will receive a minimum $1,000,000, with additional payment based on operating expenses, the release stated.