House sends COVID-19 relief package to president

The House of Representatives today approved and sent to the president the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, a COVID-19 relief package that includes an additional $75 billion to reimburse eligible hospitals, health systems and other providers for health care-related expenses or lost revenues not otherwise reimbursed that are directly attributable to COVID-19.

The president is expected to sign the legislation, which also includes another $310 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program to make loans available to organizations with fewer than 500 employees and $25 billion to expand COVID-19 testing capacity.

“The AHA thanks the Administration and leaders in Congress for working to boost funding for the emergency relief fund for hospitals and other providers on the front lines in this legislative package,” AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack said Tuesday when the bill cleared the Senate. “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.”