Centene Program Helps Providers with Grant Writing, Business Loans

Centene has created a support program to assist its network providers with grant writing, small business loan applications, and other key activities.

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The program is designed to help providers who are seeking benefits from the Small Business Administration (SBA) through the CARES Act. Signed into law on March 27, 2020, the CARES Act contains $376 billion in relief for American workers and small businesses.

As part of the provider support program, Centene has launched a dedicated online portal where providers can research benefits and work directly with experts to apply for them.

Providers can use these resources to apply for small business loans, a paycheck protection plan, and other grants they may be eligible for, including debt relief, loan advances, and express loans. Centene will also provide access to webinars and one-on-one consulting with key experts.

The company is partnering with nationally recognized healthcare consultants, organizations, state government agencies, and former SBA executives to explore additional funds through state offered loans and grants that providers may access.

"Our providers are on the front lines every day, taking care of the most vulnerable populations," Michael F. Neidorff, Chairman, President, and CEO. "We've launched this program to make sure our partners have the support they need to access key benefits so they can continue their fight against COVID-19."

With the rapid spread of coronavirus, small businesses are facing unprecedented economic disruption – including small providers. Small businesses may encounter issues ranging from inventory and supply chain shortfalls to insurance coverage issues and changing market demand. SBA is working with a number of local partners to mitigate the impact COVID-19 is having on small businesses, helping them navigate their own preparedness plans.

Centene has also aimed to support small providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company recently announced that it would reduce the administrative burden to providers by eliminating the need for them to collect co-pays, and by removing authorization requirements for COVID-19 related treatment.

Centene also stated that it would deliver critical support to safety net providers, including Federally Qualified Healthcare Centers (FQHCs), behavioral health providers, and long-term service and support organizations.

"As a country, we must come together to serve the people that will be hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are driven to help our communities and members in their time of need, and the measures announced today are designed to help our most vulnerable populations," Neidorff said at the time.

"We will also continue to support our key local partners, including Safety Net providers, as they are the essential service providers in the communities we serve."

With the launch of this providers support program, Centene will continue to help its network clinicians.

"Expanding our partnership with Centene to include assistance for our members seeking SBA support is a major benefit to our centers and the individuals we serve," said Kelly Buckland, Executive Director of the National Council of Independent Living, who represents thousands of organizations and individuals including individuals with disabilities, Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs).