Hopes are slim for additional COVID-19 relief this week, with the House out of session and the Senate focused on a Supreme Court confirmation. The House last week intended to consider COVID-19 supplemental appropriations, but the measure lacked adequate support.
The administration last week reiterated concerns about dwindling COVID-19 relief dollars, noting providers can no longer seek reimbursement, effective March 22, for COVID-19 care provided to uninsured individuals due to insufficient funds. The urgency to replenish these funds, particularly with the potential of a new variant, could push lawmakers to take additional action in the coming weeks.
Lawmakers introduce Hospital at Home Extension Legislation
Meanwhile, bipartisan lawmakers in the House and Senate introduced the Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act (S. 3792; H.R. 7053) to extend for two years past the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency the Acute Hospital Care at Home waiver program.
Hearing Examines Mental Health, Substance Use Disorder Programs
The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions will hold a March 23 hearing to examine federal mental health and substance use disorder programs. Witnesses will include key leaders from administrative agencies, including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Health Resources and Services Administration, and the National Institutes of Health.
