AGA has advocated for provisions to protect our providers and businesses and we’re happy to report that the following provisions are in the third installation of the COVID-19 economic relief legislation.
We’ll continue to push for direct funding for physicians recognizing that many practices and ASCs are struggling.
Small business relief
- Small Business Administration (SBA) loans:
Businesses with 500 employees or less are eligible unless the covered industry’s SBA size standard allows more than 500 employees.
Allows 501(c)(3) non-profits to gain access to the program.
Increases the maximum loan amount to $10 million.
Expands allowable uses of loans to include payroll support, such as:
1. Paid sick or medical leave.
2. Employee salaries.
3. Mortgage payments.
Provides a process for loan forgiveness for certain payroll costs as well as mortgage, rent and utility obligations.
- Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund:
$100 billion for health care services related to the COVID-19.
Reimbursement to eligible health care providers for health care related expenses or lost revenues that are attributable to the pandemic.
- Coronavirus Economic Stabilization Act:
$454 billion for loans, loan guarantees and other investments for companies with losses tied to the pandemic that threaten continued operation.
Medicare provisions
- Suspension of sequestration – Physicians avoid a 2% cut in their Medicare reimbursement.
- Extension of geographic index floor – Increases Medicare payments for providers in nonurban areas.
- Increased Medicare telehealth flexibilities during the emergency period.
- AGA will continue to advocate for audio-only coverage as this issue is still not resolved.
Other key health care provisions
- Liability protections for health care professionals during the emergency response.
- Coverage of preventive services and vaccines.
- $16 billion to replenish the Strategic National Stockpile.
- $1 billion for the Defense Production Act to ensure production of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Correspondence to congressional leadership
- March 25, 2020 – With the American Medical Association, a letter is sent requesting the inclusion of support for physician practices in any economic stimulus package.
- March 24, 2020 – With the Alliance of Specialty Medicine, a letter is sent asking for relief for independent physicians’ offices.
- March 20, 2020 – A joint society letter is sent asking for increased funding for and access to PPE; softened prior authorization, telehealth reimbursement and Medicare reporting requirements; and financial safeguards for health care professionals and practices.
