November 11, 2020

‘Montgomery County Primary Care and Dental Grant’ Program Will Provide Up to $60,000 in Assistance to Eligible Practices That Have Been Impacted by COVID-19 Health Crisis

Montgomery County has created a program that will provide grants for independent primary care medical and general dentistry practices that have lost revenue and have incurred re-opening costs related to the COVID-19 health crisis. The “Montgomery County Primary Care and Dental Grant Program,” which was created by the County Council and is strongly supported by County Executive Marc Elrich, will be funded with $2.5 million from Federal CARES Act funds.

The program will provide a maximum grant of up to $60,000 to an eligible practice. The ranking and review system for the grants will include consideration of whether the practice is serving patients from communities and neighborhoods disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 or if the practice fills specific needs.

The program application and instructions will be posted on Wednesday, Nov. 18 here. All applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 29. That link will take potential applicants to the site where they can pre-register, learn more details about the program and access Frequently Asked Questions. Questions about the program or portal access can be emailed to grants@primarycarecoalition.org.

To be eligible for a grant, an applicant must:
  • Be a primary care medical or general dentistry practice that is not financially supported or owned by a commercial organization or large anchor organization. Practice clinicians must own a majority of the practice and retain key decision-making authority.
  • Have at least one location in Montgomery County primarily used for treating patients.
  • Have experienced a decrease in operating income attributable to the COVID-19 public health crisis that has not been previously reimbursed via another local, State or Federal program.
  • Be in good standing with the State of Maryland. All providers must also be in good standing with the appropriate state licensing agency.
  • Preference will be given to practices that serve a high percentage of patients that:
  • Reside in the 10 County zip codes most impacted by COVID-19 (20850, 20874, 20877, 20878 20886, 20901, 20902, 20903, 20904, 20906).
  • Are of a racial or ethnic minority disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
  • Experience health care access challenges due to disability or language barriers.
  • Are uninsured or eligible for Medicaid.
  • Are over the age of 60.