Last week, the ATS joined an effort led by child health organizations to urge Congress to provide financial relief for pediatric providers, including all pediatric specialty providers in the next COVID response legislation. Congress has provided $175 billion in COVID-19 provider relief funding for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to distribute, but to date none of that money has gone to providers who do not bill Medicare – leaving out virtually all providers of care for children including pediatric subspecialists and primary care pediatricians. The pediatric groups asked congressional leaders to direct HHS to prioritize funding for all pediatric specialists and primary care pediatricians.

The letter points out that pediatric primary care and specialty providers are facing major financial challenges due to the COVID pandemic. The letter states, “Substantial layoffs and even practice closures will threaten medically-necessary and time-sensitive care for children during and after this public health emergency."