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Bipartisan Efforts to Support Illinois Hospitals Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, along with U.S. Representatives Cheri Bustos and Adam Kinzinger, recently held a call with over 30 CEOs of Illinois hospitals to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the state's healthcare system. The bipartisan group of lawmakers expressed gratitude for the heroic work of hospital staff and pledged to continue pushing for increased funding, support for the healthcare workforce, and essential medical resources.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U.S. Senators and Representatives pledged to continue pushing for a direct and immediate infusion of funds for Illinois hospitals, as well as policies to stabilize funding for rural hospitals, support the healthcare workforce, and increase medical resources.
  • More than $2.6 billion in CARES Act grant funding, plus over $3 billion in Medicare Advance Payments, are being allocated to health providers across Illinois to address coronavirus-related expenditures and lost revenue.
  • Senator Tammy Duckworth expressed her gratitude to hospital workers, stating that their work is "unbelievably selfless" and "courageous" during the pandemic.
  • Congressman Adam Kinzinger introduced the bipartisan Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act with Senator Durbin, aiming to expand the Critical Access Hospital program to stabilize vulnerable hospitals serving rural communities.
  • The lawmakers emphasized the importance of supporting rural hospitals, which are under severe financial stress due to the pandemic.
  • Senator Dick Durbin pledged to continue working with his colleagues to bolster the healthcare workforce, expand testing capacity, and provide direct assistance to Illinois hospitals.

Statistics:

  • Over $2.6 billion in CARES Act grant funding is being allocated to health providers across Illinois.
  • More than $3 billion in Medicare Advance Payments are being allocated to address coronavirus-related expenditures and lost revenue.
  • 30 CEOs of Illinois hospitals participated in the bipartisan call to discuss the impact of the pandemic on the state's healthcare system.
  • The U.S. Senators and Representatives have pledged to continue working together to support Illinois hospitals and healthcare workers during the pandemic.

Sources:

  • U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, and U.S. Representatives Cheri Bustos and Adam Kinzinger, press release, [no date specified]
  • Senator Tammy Duckworth, quote on her website, [no date specified]
  • Congressman Adam Kinzinger, quote on his website, [no date specified]
  • U.S. Capitol Building, official website, [no date specified]

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