Senate Republicans introduce COVID-19 relief package

Senate Republicans yesterday released a series of bills aimed at addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. The bills include a number of provisions to provide financial relief and resources to individuals, families and businesses particularly hard hit by COVID-19, as well as provisions directly related to the delivery and financing of health care.

Among other provisions, the package would provide an additional $25 billion for the Provider Relief Fund; delay the start of repayment from 120 days to 270 days after the issuance of the Medicare accelerated payment; protect health care providers and facilities from liability related to treatment, diagnosis or care directly affected by COVID-19; and ensure the Medicare telehealth flexibilities made available during the public health emergency are maintained through the length of the public health emergency, or Dec. 31, 2021, whichever is later. The package also does not include any harmful provisions on occupational safety standards.