The AMA this week wrote two letters to federal officials, to advocate for additional financial and other assistance for physicians impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency. 

The first letter urges U.S. Senate leaders to:

• Restart and enhance the Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment Program;
• Designate additional funding for the HHS Emergency Relief Fund and its expansion to Medicaid providers;
• Establish pandemic-related liability protections;
• Increase the availability personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfectants, hand sanitizers and testing supplies; and
• Increase federal financial support for the Medicaid program.

The House has passed its version of the bill; once the Senate passes legislation, the House and Senate will negotiate a final COVID-4 package.
 
The second letter, to Vice President Mike Pence from AMA physician and medical student members, expresses concern for the availability of PPE, particularly to non-hospital-based physicians who lack access to hospitals’ large supply chains. The letter  urges the Administration to work with the AMA to provide additional assistance in securing PPE and other supplies as practices reopen for non-urgent and elective care.