AHA statement on HHS announcement on distribution of funds for hospitals with high COVID-19 admissions

Rick Pollack
President and CEO
American Hospital Association

May 1, 2020

America’s hospitals and health systems are pleased by the announcement from HHS regarding the distribution of additional funds from the CARES Act emergency relief fund. As urged by the AHA, much needed funding will go to hospitals with high numbers of COVID-19 admissions (hot spots) to help offset the significant costs incurred as they are treating COVID-19 patients. Additional funding will also be provided to these hospitals based on their coverage of Medicaid and uninsured patients. AHA also greatly appreciates the Administration’s willingness to listen to our suggestion to target funding for rural hospitals to help ensure they are able to remain open and serve their communities.

The AHA continues to urge remaining emergency funds be sent as soon as possible to hospitals and health systems on the front lines. This critical funding is a life-line to hospitals and health systems and will help make certain that we can continue to deliver care to our patients and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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