AHA urges Congress to provide additional COVID-19 relief

AHA today urged Congress to provide immediate additional support for hospitals and health systems as COVID-19 challenges persist. The letter emphasizes the need for additional Provider Relief Funds to address the “tremendous financial strain” caused by the delta and omicron variants and to extend the deadline for spending previously distributed funds; to extend Medicare sequester relief and adjust the repayment terms for Medicare accelerated and advance repayments; and to continue the Hospital at Home waiver program and other critical flexibilities after the COVID-19 public health emergency. 

“While the nation remains weary and is eager to move past this pandemic, the virus continues to evolve and pose a threat to our nation’s health care system,” AHA said in a letter to congressional leaders. “The recent surge of cases and hospitalizations abroad fueled by the omicron variant known as BA.2 serves as a critical warning: The battle is not over, and hospitals and health systems continue to need resources and flexibilities to care for patients and protect communities.”