Letter to House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy on Next COVID-19 Package

April 19, 2020

The Honorable Kevin McCarthy
House Republican Leader
H-204 Capitol Building
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Leader McCarthy:

On behalf of our nearly 5,000 member hospitals, health systems and other health care organizations, our clinical partners – including more than 270,000 affiliated physicians, two million nurses and other caregivers – and the 43,000 health care leaders who belong to our professional membership groups, the American Hospital Association (AHA) thanks you for your comments supportive of including additional funding for hospitals and health systems in a legislative package that also would fund the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

The AHA appreciates the work of Congress to support patients, nurses, doctors and staff on the frontlines of America’s hospitals. Hospital and health systems across the country are beginning to benefit from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Provider Relief Fund, but more funding is needed to ensure that care can be provided and critical supplies can be accessed. Hospitals and health systems are unique in that not only are they hurt from the slowdown of the economy and the loss of revenue from non-emergency medical procedures, but they are continuing to meet the needs of the public health emergency. Many hospitals are in dire financial straits. At a time when we need to put patients, doctors and nurses first, new emergency funding will help hospitals that are on the brink of being forced to close.

As you continue discussions with other congressional leaders and the Administration on the next COVID-19 package, we urge you to continue to prioritize additional support to ensure hospitals and health systems have what they need to protect their patients, communities and caregivers.

We are grateful for the ongoing work of Congress at this unprecedented time. We look forward to continuing to work with you to protect the health of our nation.

Sincerely,

Richard J. Pollack
President and Chief Executive Officer