AMGA Urges Lawmakers to Consider Healthcare Providers in COVID-19 Relief Stimulus Package
Alexandria, VA – In a letter to congressional leaders, AMGA has called on federal lawmakers to ensure any stimulus package resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic include the interests of AMGA members, as well as all health systems, group practices, and providers who are caring for patients affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Recipients included Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
Specifically, the letter calls for mechanisms to alleviate financial loss during the pandemic, adjustments to current Medicare payment policy, provider access to administrative claims data, further adjustments to telehealth policy, relief from overly burdensome federal regulations, and support in maintaining an adequate supply of lifesaving resources.
“To ensure adequate care is available to those who need it during this unprecedented public health crisis, many AMGA member medical groups and health systems have chosen to eliminate elective surgeries and procedures,” said Jerry Penso, M.D., M.B.A., AMGA president and CEO. “While this course of action is in the best interest of patients, it will result in significant revenue implications for our members. As Congress develops an economic stimulus package, we ask that lawmakers ensure it includes both funding and policy strategy to support the providers who are caring for patients affected by COVID-19.”
A copy of the letter is available 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.