Federal emergency relief efforts should include primary care and community-based primary care providers
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Hard-working American families depend on primary care doctors in their communities for high-quality, affordable care. But the COVID-19 crisis is leading the rapid collapse of many of these practices, undermining the health and financial stability of communities and families. Leading associations representing doctors, employers, and health insurance providers have come together to encourage the Administration to take immediate action to stabilize these primary care practices with additional emergency funding.
These health care leaders asked the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide additional funding to independent and community-based primary care practices, including Medicaid providers, through the Provider Relief Fund general allotment as well as through the Public Health and Social Service fund. This support is absolutely essential to effectively treat patients today and to maintain their ongoing operations until we overcome this public health emergency.
Primary care physicians are the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic. They also provide comprehensive care to their existing patients who have ongoing health care needs, including management of chronic conditions. Emergency federal support is essential to help these doctors keep their doors open. Without it, many communities could lose vital access to care – including tens of millions of people with Medicaid coverage.
Signatories to the letter include Alliance to Fight for Health Care, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Benefits Council, American College of Physicians, America’s Health Insurance Plans and Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.