FAH President and CEO Chip Kahn released the following statement after reviewing the text of the omnibus package. 

“FAH appreciates Congressional leaders for reaching agreement on an omnibus funding package that includes policies mission critical for hospital patients. Delaying Medicare cuts and extending rural health programs will materially impact care for both seniors and other Americans in small and underserved communities.   

“This bipartisan deal also recognizes other important lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic – including policies to continue the telehealth option in the continuum of care. We further commend Congress for adopting reforms here to improve pandemic preparedness and the responsiveness of CDC so that hospitals are ready for future emergencies. 

“We look forward to working with the 118th Congress next year to protect frontline hospitals and health care providers from looming Medicare cuts once and for all. We also urge lawmakers to continue the important work they started to fix Medicare Advantage prior authorization, encourage and support mental health and substance use treatment, as well as invest in the health care workforce of the future.”