AHA urges Congress to include key priorities in must-pass legislation 

AHA today urged Congress to include key priorities to support hospitals and caregivers in must-pass legislation to fund the government beyond Feb. 18. The priorities include quickly dispersing remaining funding from the Provider Relief Fund and adding $25 billion to the fund; extending Medicare sequester relief; giving hospitals more time to repay accelerated and advance Medicare payments; and providing relief to certain 340B hospitals so they can remain eligible for the program.  
 
“Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals and health systems – and their steadfast teams — have stood strong on the front lines,” AHA wrote. “Their courage and compassion have been and continue to be incredible and inspiring. Unfortunately, the relentless and crushing workload on our stressed, tired and burned-out caregivers persists, and in many places, is increasing. As part of negotiations surrounding an omnibus budget agreement, we are now in need of additional immediate support from Congress and the Administration in order to continue standing strong and to be able to provide timely access to life-saving health care to your constituents.” 
 
See the letter for more specifics on each priority AHA is asking Congress to act on to support hospitals and health systems.