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Long COVID/PASC

Advocacy

AAPM&R is Calling for a Comprehensive National Plan to Address the Needs of Millions Suffering from Long COVID

According to two recent publications from the Journal of the American Medical Association, ten to thirty percent of individuals who had COVID-19 reported at least one persistent symptom up to six months after the virus left their bodies. That means 3 to 10 million Americans are experiencing symptoms of Long COVID or Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), which are varied and ongoing, including neurological challenges, cognitive problems such as brain fog, shortness of breath, fatigue, pain, and mobility issues.

AAPM&R called on President Joe Biden and Congress to gear up for the next coronavirus crisis by preparing and implementing a comprehensive national plan focused on meeting the needs of millions of individuals suffering from the long-term symptoms of COVID-19, and help them regain quality of life and return to being active members of their communities. The plan must include a commitment to three major components:

  • Resources to build necessary infrastructure to meet this crisis
  • Equitable access to care for patients
  • Research to advance medical understanding of Long COVID

PM&R physicians are uniquely qualified to help guide the multidisciplinary effort needed to develop a plan for this crisis. As a specialty, physiatrists are investigators, team leaders and problem solvers. PM&R physicians see the whole patient AND the whole picture of the rehabilitation ecosystem. Physiatrists are exactly what this crisis needs. Learn more about our Multidisciplinary PASC Collaborative, launched in March 2021, which is working on quality improvement initiatives.

AAPM&R Advocacy, Healthcare Collaborations and Partnerships, and Customized Resources to Support PM&R During This Crisis

AAPM&R is working to ensure PM&R is part of the national conversation about healthcare amidst COVID-19 and advocating for the federal support, legislation, regulation relief and resources that physiatrists need now. One way we are doing this is through our partnerships and collaborations with other specialty societies. The Academy continuously works to represent PM&R through these collaborations, and it is through these partnerships that we are able to discuss and share a variety of resources with you that you critically need.

Stay Up-to-Date

New COVID-19 3.5 Relief Act Signed Into Law

Apr 24, 2020

On April 13, AAPM&R sent a letter to Congress regarding the fourth COVID-19 package that is currently being negotiated. In our letter, we advocated for PPE access, access to post-acute care treatment for COVID-19 patients, telemedicine, and financial security for physiatrists including additional funds to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

In response to our diligent advocacy efforts, the “Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act” (“COVID 3.5”), was officially signed into law today, April 24.

The bill provides $484 billion in additional funding to replenish and supplement key programs under the CARES Act, including the PPP, small business disaster loans and grants, hospitals and health care providers, and testing. The small business loan programs authorized under the CARES Act had been quickly depleted after only two weeks of operation.

Some components of the bill are listed below:

  • Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): Appropriates an additional $321 billion in funding, with $60 billion set aside for small, midsize, and community lenders (including minority lenders).
  • Disaster Loans: Appropriates an additional $50 billion for the Disaster Loans Program and an additional $10 billion for Emergency EIDL Grants.
  • HHS Hospital and Provider Grants under the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund: Provides an additional $75 billion to support the need for COVID-19 related expenses and lost revenue due to coronavirus.

Visit our website for more information on the Paycheck Protection Program, including how to apply. As your specialty society, we will continue advocating on your behalf for additional physician relief.