COVID-19 Response Needs Additional Federal Funding, Vaccine Support; AMGA Details Priority Concerns for Congress
Alexandria, VA – AMGA today called on Congress to support the ongoing battle against COVID-19 by providing additional emergency funding for multispecialty group practices and integrated systems of care and ensuring these providers are part of the national vaccination effort. Congress created the Provider Relief Fund in response to the critical financial situation facing providers. By providing additional support to the fund, Congress can help frontline providers continue their fight against COVID-19. This support also will position AMGA members to effectively serve their communities as part of the vaccine distribution process.
“While COVID-19 has been relentless, AMGA’s members have responded in kind and are working around the clock to deliver vital healthcare services,” said Jerry Penso, M.D., M.B.A, AMGA President and CEO. “With more federal support, Congress can help providers continue to care for their communities, both by treating patients and by administering vaccines.”
In a letter to congressional leaders outlining key priorities, AMGA emphasized that healthcare providers need continued federal support because of the pandemic. AMGA also detailed several improvements in healthcare policy that apply the lessons learned from this public health emergency about how care can be provided after the pandemic. For example, AMGA members modified their care delivery models to utilize telehealth technology. Reverting to pre-COVID-19 telehealth regulations would not benefit patients or providers. In addition, AMGA recommended necessary reform to Medicare’s Chronic Care Management policies to support members’ ability to coordinate care for patients with chronic disease.
“AMGA members continue to be committed to delivering the best care to their communities,” Penso stated. “The policy recommendations that AMGA is endorsing today reflect the reforms our members need so they can continue the fight against COVID and an update to federal policies that simply will not make sense in a post-COVID world.”
The letter can be found here.
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About AMGA
AMGA is a trade association leading the transformation of health care in America. Representing multispecialty medical groups and integrated systems of care, we advocate, educate, innovate, and empower our members to deliver the next level of high performance health. AMGA is the national voice promoting awareness of our members’ recognized excellence in the delivery of coordinated, high-quality, high-value care. More than 175,000 physicians practice in our member organizations, delivering care to one in three Americans.