GNYHA members and hospitals nationwide used the CARES Act’s Medicare Advance program, which allowed hospitals to receive a six-month Medicare advance during the first COVID-19 surge. While these advances provided much needed relief, the recoupment period is set to begin in the coming month while many providers remain in precarious financial positions. GNYHA’s top legislative priority is to secure Medicare advance payment relief to ensure that the hospitals on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis can continue to provide high-quality care.
Fortunately, there is growing support on Capitol Hill for Medicare advance payment relief. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) sent the attached letter calling on Senate leadership to address this issue in the next Federal COVID-19 response legislation–13 others Senators have signed on to this letter.
Congress must include Medicare advance payment loan relief in its phase four COVID-19 response package. GNYHA will remain active on Capitol Hill in support of this proposal and others, including legislation (H.R. 7292) introduced by Representatives Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) and Bob Gibbs (R-OH) that would create a Medicare Advance forgiveness program.
We are grateful for the 18 members of the New York Congressional delegation who have cosponsored the Kaptur-Gibbs legislation, and Senate Minority Leader Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) have been strong advocates in the Senate. We will keep our members apprised of any relevant developments.