Help #MGMAAdvocacy: Urge Congress to support physician practices during COVID-19 pandemic

Originally published in the August 6, 2020 issue of MGMA’s Washington Connection. Reprinted with permission from MGMA.

As Congress continues to negotiate the next COVID-19 package, it is imperative that they hear from physician practices. Use MGMA’s template letter to tell Congress that any final legislation must:

• Include direct financial support to medical groups experiencing an adverse economic impact from COVID-19;
• Continue telehealth flexibilities past the expiration of the public health emergency;
• Add flexibilities for Medicare accelerated and advance payments, such as eliminating interest rates and lowering recoupment amounts; and
• Amend the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to provide a more simplified process for borrowers seeking PPP loan forgiveness, including personal protective equipment as eligible covered the cost, and allow for 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations to be eligible for PPP loans.

Thank you for joining our advocacy effort and supporting medical practices during the COVID-19 pandemic!

Take action now: Tell Congress to extend Medicare Telehealth Waivers

Once the Secretary of Health & Human Services (HHS) lifts the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) declaration, many of the telehealth flexibilities allowed during the PHE will end. Since declaring the end of a PHE is at the sole discretion of the Secretary, it is difficult to predict when he will exercise that authority. It is possible that he could end it before patients feel comfortable or safe seeking treatment in an office. To avoid a situation where providers can no longer treat patients via telehealth regardless of their location, Congress must act soon. MGMA drafted a template letter that members can send to their congressional representatives urging them to extend the Medicare telehealth flexibilities beyond the conclusion of the PHE. Since the letter is editable, we encourage members to include anecdotes on how telehealth flexibilities during the COVID-19 PHE have benefited their practices and their ability to treat patients. You can access the letter here or through our Contact Congress portal.