Last week, CHA sent a letter to the California congressional delegation asking for immediate federal assistance to counter the threats hospitals are facing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the letter, CHA asked for assistance to rapidly expand treatment capacity, augment the supply chain in all ways possible, eliminate disproportionate share hospital cuts, prevent the Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Rule from taking effect, eliminate Medicare sequestration cuts, and create a trigger for the enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentages funding for COVID-19 hot spots.
As Congress considers new legislation to help states prepare for a patient surge, Our Health California (OHC) — CHA’s digital community of more than 1 million Californians — was activated to help advocate for critical funds for hospital care. To date, advocates across the state have sent more than 10,000 emails to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, urging them to support funding for life-saving supplies, production of more protective equipment and ventilators, and expanded treatment capacity.
With the potential for more than 25 million Californians to contract the coronavirus, hospitals throughout the state are preparing the first wave of patients. To speak up to make sure hospitals and health care workers are a focus in upcoming spending negotiations, click here to send an email to Pelosi and McCarthy. Urge them to pass legislation that helps hospitals expand treatment capacity and acquire the resources they need to care for all throughout the state.