Press Releases

SPRINGFIELD, MA – Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provided new details regarding the distribution of the $100 billion Provider Relief Fund Congress established in the CARES Act:

“While more must be done to ensure health care providers have the resources they need during the COVID-19 crisis, I am pleased that the HHS Secretary took my concerns to heart regarding the disbursement of money from the Provider Relief Fund. Today’s guidance indicates that, moving forward, needed money will get to the frontlines of the pandemic, as well as to children’s hospitals and to providers that serve high numbers of Medicaid beneficiaries and uninsured patients. Taking these factors into account is essential if we want to support patients, providers, and communities across the nation most effectively throughout this emergency.

“The Secretary has indicated that HHS will improve the transparency around the Provider Relief Fund. The agency must do better on this front. Accountability is crucial as the government implements the new COVID-19 response laws and distributes these huge sums of money.” 

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