Moses Lake Today

McKay Healthcare and Rehabilitation has repaid more than half of its debt to Grant County, partly due to the federal aid received during the pandemic.

Erica Gaertner, McKay administrator, fears the debt may begin to creep up again as McKay faces the high costs of coronavirus testing.

As of September 30, McKay had reduced the amount owed to the county by $310,000. At the end of September last year, McKay owed $670,000 according to The Wenatchee World.

McKay received federal funds to help make up some of its revenue lost during the pandemic. This allowed the facility to cover its exepnses while putting additional funds towards paying its debts. McKay established debt with Grant County when funds were borrowed to cover bills the organization didn't have enough cash to meet. The district borrowed the money from the county and will pay it back with interest. 

McKay has also been able to pay down its debts to staffing services and has not used temporary certified nurse assistants since March. 

The facility must maintain a coronavirus testing rate based on the positivity rate in the county. If the county-wide rate is greater than 10%, McKay must test staff twice per week and offer twice per week testing to residents. Of the tests available, one option is $982 per box of 30 tests. The facility did receive $52,000 in federal grants to help pay for testing but those funds will go quickly as more tests are required.