House Approves COVID-19 Package; Includes Billions for PPE and Funding to Help Healthcare Providers Continue Serving Patients

Alexandria, VA – Today, the House of Representatives approved a Senate- and White House-negotiated package that includes critical funding to address the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) as well as provide assistance to healthcare providers to respond to COVID-19. The President is expected to sign this legislation into law soon.  

H.R. 748, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) and an accompanying emergency appropriations package provides $16 billion of assistance to ensure the necessary amount of PPE is available. Supplies such as N95 masks are in demand, and providers need access to vital equipment to remain viable caring for their patient population affected by the virus. The package also includes $100 billion for healthcare providers to cover lost revenues that result from this pandemic. To have the capacity to treat the influx of patients affected by COVID-19 as well as to keep their vulnerable patients safe, AMGA members have cancelled their elective surgeries and procedures and are encouraging their patients to stay home. This legislative effort recognizes the significant financial challenges ahead for group practices and integrated health systems.  

“We appreciate policymakers’ attention to PPE and the financial viability of provider practices as they work to ensure every patient is cared for,” said AMGA President and CEO Jerry Penso, M.D., M.B.A. “We also call on lawmakers to remain flexible as this situation evolves, with the understanding that more efforts need to be made as this pandemic progresses. Flexibility and the potential need for more resources will be a reality in the future as our members continue to fight this virus and mitigate its impact on communities.”

AMGA appreciates Congress’ efforts to address COVID-19 and its impact on this country. We will continue to work with the House and Senate as well as the administration to ensure aid is delivered efficiently and effectively. We will continue to ensure that the federal response to COVID-19 is informed by the experience and recommendations of our members, who are responsible for the care of one in three Americans.    

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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.

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Media Contact:

Sharon Grace
Chief Communications Officer
703.838.0033 ext. 393
sgrace@amga.org
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