WASHINGTON – The Federation of American Hospitals sent a letter to President Biden, Vice President Harris, and congressional leaders outlining priorities to be included in the next COVID-19 relief package.

“President Biden predicted he would take office amid a ‘dark winter’ of COVID-19. He was prescient and Americans have felt the pain of cases, hospitalizations and deaths cresting at unprecedented levels. FAH’s letter captures that Presidential theme and makes clear that more federal action is needed to enable providers to meet the challenge for our patients,” said FAH President and CEO Chip Kahn.

The letter states, “FAH appreciates the actions Congress has taken since the start of the public health emergency (PHE) to address the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and urges Congress and the Biden Administration to work together to enact a new relief package to provide additional relief that is critical for supporting the nation’s hospitals and caregivers.”

The letter highlighted key FAH priorities for the next legislative package including:

• Replenishing and improving the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) and ensuring access to COVID-19 care for the uninsured
• Extending the Medicare sequester moratorium, which expires on March 31st, through the PHE
• Expanding and maintaining access to health insurance coverage through strengthening and expanding key components of the Affordable Care Act, subsidizing COBRA for displaced workers, and improving and expanding access to Medicaid  

Click here for the complete letter, which contains additional information on these and other crucial policies to support frontline health care providers as they continue to battle this pandemic.