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| Action needed: |
As members of Congress return from the election recess, ask your representative to protect providers with much-needed additional funding and relief during the lame duck session. CHA sent a letter to the California congressional delegation that includes messaging on the association’s advocacy priorities; hospital leaders are encouraged to use any part of it for their own communications with members of Congress. To find your representative’s contact information, visit www.house.gov/representatives/find |
| Timing: | Contact representatives by Dec. 11. |
Background:
On Nov. 16, members of Congress return from the election recess to a lame duck session – the time between the election and the swearing in of the new Congress after the new year. During this time, Congress needs to finish urgent matters that must be completed by the end of the year — including passing funding for the federal government, which expires on Dec. 11.
CHA urges hospital leaders to ask their representatives to take action to protect providers during the lame duck session by continuing specific funding provisions and passing a much-needed COVID-19 relief bill.
CHA’s advocacy priorities for the lame duck session include:
- Extending the delay in disproportionate share and sequestration cuts to hospital payments
- Increasing funds for front-line providers as the pandemic continues to impact hospitals and the communities they care for
- Clarifying reporting requirements for federal relief funds
- Loan forgiveness for the Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payments Program
- Developing a national plan for addressing the pandemic, including testing, vaccine production and distribution, and supply chain issues
- Pausing burdensome additional regulations and extending regulatory flexibilities
- Avoiding rate setting as a solution to surprise medical billing.
Please see CHA’s letter to the California congressional delegation, which includes messaging on the association’s advocacy priorities for members to use.