Schumer: Feds Should Pay Hospitals For Ebola Preparations

WAMC Northeast Public Radio

Published January 8, 2015 at 6:16 PM EST

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer is calling for the federal government to reimburse hospitals around the state that spent millions preparing for Ebola — even if they didn't see a single case of the disease.

Schumer said Thursday his office surveyed hospitals around the state, determining that dozens of them spent between $25,000 and $40,000 on Ebola training, hazmat suits and other equipment. Five hospitals designated by the state as Ebola treatment centers spent an additional $5.5 million.

In New York City, more than $20 million was spent at Bellevue Hospital : The federal government plans to announce soon how it will reimburse hospitals that treated Ebola patients.

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