Rush Calls on Congressional, State Leadership to Directly Fund Hospitals Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

WASHINGTON — Yesterday, U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) sent letters to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker calling on each of them to ensure that healthcare facilities receive the necessary funding and flexibility to address the coronavirus pandemic.  Rep. Rush also stressed the importance of directly funding healthcare facilities, particularly for underserved hospitals and Community Health Centers, both of which primarily serve low-income patients.

“It is critical that we ensure that funding goes directly to these healthcare facilities to support infrastructure investments, guarantee access to equipment and supplies, cover hospital operations, and make sure workforce safety and needs are adequately met,” said Rep. Rush. “Moreover, it is incumbent on us to ensure that everyone has access to the medical care they need.  While this virus does not discriminate based on zip-code, hospitals that care for disproportionate levels of uninsured patients as well as those on Medicare and Medicaid may find themselves facing financial hardships.

“During this pandemic, we cannot allow our healthcare facilities to lack the resources they need, and it would be unthinkable for a hospital or Community Health Center to be forced to close due to cuts that they simply cannot afford right now.  Our healthcare facilities are on the front lines of this public health emergency and must have a direct infusion of funds to remain viable and combat the coronavirus.”

On the federal level, Rep. Rush made the following requests of Speaker Pelosi regarding the next legislative package to address the coronavirus:

• $5 billion for hospitals to apply for staff salary reimbursements; 
• $15 billion paid directly to hospitals to cover upfront response costs;
• $5 billion in additional Medicaid funding for low-funded Medicaid states;
• Ensure access to medications and supplies; 
• Allow funds to be flexible enough to meet changing needs, including the provision of childcare for the healthcare workforce;
• The stabilization of Community Health Centers, the National Health Service Corps, and Teaching Health Centers Graduate Medical Education Program with a 5-year reauthorization;
• $4.1 billion over 5 years to expand the Community Health Center program to serve 10 million additional people;
• Increased federal investment in Community Health Centers by $5.175 billion over 5 years in order to grow the essential, clinical workforce;
• $7.5 billion over 5 years in funding for Community Health Center infrastructure and improved access, particularly for telemedicine; and
• Increased funding for Community Health Centers of at least $320 million to address current staffing, supply, and other needs related to the coronavirus pandemic. 

On the state level, Rep. Rush requested that Gov. Pritzker work expeditiously with the General Assembly to provide an influx of state funds directly to the hospitals in Illinois, asking that these funds prioritize underserved hospitals that may not be able to continue operating without supplemental funding.

Additionally, Rep. Rush noted that although Advocate Trinity Hospital, Mercy Hospital & Medical Center, South Shore Hospital, and St. Bernard Hospital recently signed an agreement to create one new, independent healthcare facility, it is incumbent that Gov. Pritzker and the State of Illinois ensure their continued capacity during the coronavirus pandemic.

Rep. Rush’s letter to Speaker Pelosi can be found here.

Rep. Rush’s letter to Gov. Pritzker can be found here.