Senate passes emergency funding bill

The Senate today passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201). The House of Representatives March 16 passed by unanimous consent a revised version of the bill that made technical corrections to the legislation that the House originally approved March 14. Among other provisions, the legislation would eliminate patient cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing and related services; establish an emergency paid leave program; expand unemployment and nutrition assistance; establish a mechanism for covering testing costs for the uninsured; and provide a temporary increase in the Medicaid Federal Medical Assistance Percentage. The president is expected to sign the bill. Watch for a summary of the bill. 
 
In a statement, AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack said, "America's hospitals and health systems are pleased Congress came together to pass today's package, which includes provisions to help workers, families and the uninsured, including boosting Medicaid funding for states and increasing the eligibility for the uninsured to enroll in Medicaid coverage. But more needs to be urgently done. The AHA continues to call on Congress to work on a comprehensive funding strategy to ensure that hospitals, health systems, and our frontline caregivers are directly supported for preparedness and response.
 
"Hospitals and health systems, which are on the frontlines in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, need significant financial support for numerous time-sensitive and critical tasks. These include obtaining scarce supplies and equipment to protect caregivers and patients, increasing surge capacity, including beds and temporary structures, to diagnose and treat patients and support for obtaining child care. Congress must act now during this critical window of time."