AAPM&R Called on the Hill to Fund Long COVID Clinics, and AHRQ Has Answered

February 20, 2023

On February 15, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) published a new Notice of Intent to Publish Funding Opportunity to expand access to comprehensive, coordinated and person-centered care for people with Long COVID—particularly underserved, rural, vulnerable or minority populations that are disproportionately impacted by the effects of Long COVID.

AHRQ anticipates publishing the Request for Applications in April or May 2023 and making up to $9 million in awards available by September 30, 2023. We encourage AAPM&R members leading Long COVID clinics to begin to consider applying for this RFA.

With up to $9 million in funding available, AHRQ intends to support existing multidisciplinary Long COVID clinics to:

• develop and implement new or improved care delivery models
• provide services to more people with Long COVID
• expand services offered
• strengthen care coordination
• implement and share best practices for Long COVID management
• support the primary care community with Long COVID education and management
• evaluate project success
• disseminate findings

This important funding opportunity is a win for PM&R as leaders in Long COVID rehabilitation and is a direct result of the tireless efforts of AAPM&R volunteers. This is a step in the right direction. Since 2021, we have been issuing a Call to Action for the Administration to create and implement a national comprehensive Long COVID action plan to update the health infrastructure to care for all Long COVID patients. Long COVID treatment requires equitable access to care. For more information on AAPM&R’s Long COVID efforts, visit aapmr.org/longcovid. View Long COVID clinical guidance from the AAPM&R led PASC Collaborative.