Senate approves COVID-19 relief package; House to vote tomorrow
The Senate yesterday approved by voice vote the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act – a $484 billion COVID-19 relief package – which includes an additional $75 billion for hospitals, health systems and other health care providers.
The $75 billion, which is in addition to the $100 billion included as part of the last COVID-19 package, would reimburse eligible health care providers for health care-related expenses or lost revenues not otherwise reimbursed that are directly attributable to COVID-19.
The package also includes an additional $310 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program, which makes loan opportunities available for organizations with fewer than 500 total employees, and $25 billion to support efforts to research, develop, validate, manufacture, purchase, administer and expand capacity for COVID-19 tests. For more details, see the AHA Special Bulletin.
In a statement yesterday, AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack thanked the Administration and congressional leaders “for working to boost funding for the emergency relief fund for hospitals and other providers on the front lines in this legislative package. The efforts to secure additional funding are greatly appreciated by hospitals and health systems across the country who will now be able to continue their efforts on behalf of their patients and communities.”
The House is expected to take up the bill tomorrow, and the president is expected to sign it.