March 12, 2021

On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 economic relief bill into law, infusing federal aid to tens of millions of individuals, businesses and local governments impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. 

From the very start of the public health emergency, your Academy has worked to ensure that PM&R is part of the national conversation about healthcare amidst COVID-19, particularly in disability and minority communities, and has advocated for the federal support, legislation, regulation relief, and resources that physiatrists need now. This includes increased access to PPE as well as increased and streamlined vaccine access. Key funding for a vast array of efforts to contain the pandemic and provide aid for entities hit hardest by virus-imposed lifestyle changes include: 

• $34 billion to expand subsidies under the Affordable Care Act and make health insurance more affordable.
• $48 billion for COVID-19 testing, tracing and PPE. 
• $7.5 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine distribution efforts. 

AAPM&R will continue to monitor further developments regarding these and other key priorities for physiatrists in the Congress. Visit our Action Center to lend your voice to our advocacy efforts.