AHA statement on the Paycheck Protection Program & Health Care Enhancement Act

Rick Pollack
President and CEO
American Hospital Association

April 21, 2020
 

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. 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.

Hospitals and health systems are in a unique position because of the loss of revenue from non-emergency medical procedures while incurring increased costs due to preparing and responding to this public health emergency as it continues to spread throughout the country. The initial CARES Act funds are already being used by hospitals and health systems to increase capacity and provide care, and in some cases to keep access to care available by keeping the doors open. This additional funding will help ensure that critical care can continue to be provided by front line providers throughout the country.

We also welcome the increased funding for the Paycheck Protection Program, which will help some smaller hospitals meet payroll and other operating costs through forgivable loans.

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Contact:        Colin Milligan, (202) 638-549, cmilligan@aha.org
                      Marie Johnson, (202) 626-2351, mjohnson@aha.org