AHA statement on Senate coronavirus relief legislation

Rick Pollack
President and CEO
American Hospital Association

March 25, 2020

America’s hospitals and health systems appreciate the leadership of Majority Leader McConnell and Democratic Leader Schumer in recognizing the absolutely critical role of hospitals and health systems, and our dedicated front line caregivers, in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. This bill includes important provisions that will help us respond, including the creation of an emergency fund grant program, additional support for taking care of COVID-19 patients and relief from spending cuts, among other provisions. This support will help those hospitals from rural and urban communities that are in dire financial need due to this devastating pandemic. The AHA supports this legislation and urges the Senate and House to act quickly to pass it.

While this legislation is an important first step forward, more will need to be done to deal with the unprecedented challenge of this virus. We will continue to work with Congress to make sure providers on the front lines – hospitals, physicians and nurses – remain prioritized for future federal assistance as the COVID-19 pandemic spreads.

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