Manchin Votes To Prevent Cuts To Medicare Healthcare Provider Payments During COVID-19
Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) voted in support of bipartisan legislation to prevent substantial payment cuts to Medicare payments for healthcare providers from taking effect during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week, Senator Manchin introduced the Medicare Sequester Relief Act that served as the starting point for the bill that passed today.
“West Virginia healthcare providers have been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, working tirelessly to offer vital care to their communities. Many of these healthcare providers, especially in rural communities, rely on federal funding from Medicare to keep their doors open. I’m pleased the Senate passed the bipartisan Medicare Sequester Relief Act to prevent Medicare payment cuts until we get through this pandemic and I will continue to support our essential healthcare providers in the Mountain State,” said Senator Manchin.
Previously, Medicare payment cuts were stopped only until the end of the month but the Medicare Sequester Relief Act will extend the delay through December 31, 2021. Last year, West Virginia hospitals alone lost over $400 million, making these Medicare payments essential for healthcare providers to stay afloat. These payments are also critical to our home health, hospice, health center and durable medical equipment suppliers across West Virginia.
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