Senate Passes Additional Stimulus Package with Additional Funding for Health Care

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 22, 2020)—On Tuesday, the Senate passed HR 266, legislation providing additional funding for hospitals and health care providers, testing and replenishing small business loan programs including the Paycheck Protection Program. 

The bill provides an additional $75 billion for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund—the same vehicle that recently disbursed funding for healthcare providers, including HME suppliers. For the new funding round, suppliers will need to submit an application demonstrating a need for funding. In addition:

• There is no prohibition on funding entities that have already been funded from this account. However, you cannot be reimbursed for expenses already reimbursed from this or other funds. You will need to demonstrate that there are expenses/lost revenue not covered from the initial payment. 
• The legislation states that these funds can be used for personal protective equipment.

AAHomecare will provide additional information on how to apply for these funds as these details become available.

The legislation also provides an infusion of $310 billion to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), as well as $60 million for economic injury disaster loans and emergency grants, which should allow more companies to participate in these heavily subscribed programs.

This legislative package has been unofficially described as “Stimulus 3.5” by several parties on Capitol Hill, with the expectation that another broad-based economic stimulus/relief bill is expected to follow at some point. The House of Representatives is expected to vote on HR 266 legislation on Thursday.

See complete bill text here.