AHA urges Congress to provide additional COVID-19 relief for hospitals

As Congress prepares to adjourn for its April recess, AHA today emphasized to congressional leaders the need for immediate additional support for hospitals and health systems, which face a mounting financial crisis due to COVID-19-related financial challenges. The letter reiterates the need for Medicare sequester relief, Provider Relief Funds to mitigate losses related to the delta and omicron surges, and flexibility in repayment terms for Medicare accelerated and advance repayments, among other recent requests, citing a recent report from health care consulting firm Kaufman Hall illustrating the harsh financial reality hospitals and health systems face.