08 Feb Still No New Funds for Hospitals, Providers in Economic Relief Package
Congress has cleared the path for congressional committees to create the next stimulus package, currently pegged at $1.9 trillion. An amendment by Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) that was adopted on the Senate floor would establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to strengthening the Provider Relief Fund, including a 20 percent set aside for rural hospitals. The non-binding amendment passed 99-1 with Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) as the sole “no” vote. Click here for the amendment. There were no amendments designed to secure funding for hospitals and other providers. 25 committees in the House and Senate now have until February 16 to write the COVID-19 legislation under the instructions set by the budget resolution to allow the package to be considered through the budget reconciliation process. It is now expected that the legislation will be sent to President Biden before March 14th when the current unemployment benefits run out. Click here for the current Biden relief plan.