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The U.S. Senate took the first step toward passing bipartisan infrastructure legislation on July 28 with a procedural vote of 67-32.
While detailed legislative text is still not available, the measure has good news for hospitals. Together with our partners at the American Hospital Association, CHA opposed efforts to claw back the unspent portion of the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) and, after much debate, the provision to use the PRF to help pay for building roads and bridges was not included. Unfortunately, it appears that the measure will also extend the Medicare sequestration for an additional year, until 2031. The legislative text is needed to confirm that provision.
Because California hospitals still need additional financial support, Rep. Mike Thompson (D-Napa) is leading a California delegation letter to Health & Human Services Secretary Xaiver Becerra calling for the immediate release of the remaining PRF. CHA issued an alert in support of the letter. Hospitals are urged to call their member of Congress in support of the letter. The deadline to sign the letter is Friday, July 30.