County Creates Program Providing Grants for Medical and Dentistry Practices

Independent primary care medical and general dentistry practices who have lost revenue due to the COVID-19 health crisis can now apply for a grant.

The “Montgomery County Primary Care and Dental Grant Program,” created by the Montgomery County Council, will provide up to $60,000 to an eligible practice, according to a press release. The program is funded with $2.5 million from federal CARES Act funds.

Practices who have faced re-opening costs related to COVID-19 may apply for the grant by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 29. The program will give a preference for practices that serve patients who are of racial or ethnic minority disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, who do not have insurance or are eligible for Medicaid, who are over the age of 60 and who reside in the zip code areas that were most impacted by COVID-19 (20850, 20874, 20877, 20878 20886, 20901, 20902, 20903, 20904, 20906).

To be eligible for the grant, applicants must have experienced financial losses due to the pandemic. The losses may not have been previously reimbursed by other local, state or federal program. Additionally, the practice needs to be in good standing with the state of Maryland and with licensing agencies.

The practice cannot be financially supported or owned by a commercial or large anchor organization. Clinicians must own a majority of the practice and have key decision-making authority. The practice must have at least one location in the county, which must be used for treating patients.

Applications will open Nov. 18, and will be available here.

About Clara Longo de Freitas

Clara Longo de Freitas is a junior at the University of Maryland, majoring in Journalism and Spanish. Besides an intern with Montgomery Community Media, she is also a staff writer for The Diamondback and an avid illustrator. She can be reached at clongodefreitas@mymcmedia.org.

View all posts by Clara Longo de Freitas