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The AHA, American Medical Association and American Nurses Association today urged congressional leaders to provide $100 billion to front line health care personnel and providers and “direct the federal agencies to begin to infuse funds immediately so that they can afford to take the necessary steps to fight” the novel coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19). See the letter for more details about the specific requests.

In addition, AHA today sent out an Advocacy Alert asking hospital and health systems leaders to contact their senators and representative on these issues as leaders in the Senate, House and Administration continue to work on proposals for a third COVID-19 spending package.

Last night, President Trump signed legislation that, among other areas, eliminates patient cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing and related services; establishes an emergency paid leave program; expands unemployment and nutrition assistance; provides a temporary increase in the Medicaid Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP); and creates two mechanisms for coverage of testing for the uninsured — one through the Medicaid program and another through the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund. For more details, see the AHA Advisory.