President Donald Trump signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R. 113) on Dec. 27, which contains 1,000 new Medicare-supported graduate medical education (GME) slots [see Washington Highlights, Dec. 23]. The measure also funds the federal government for the remainder of fiscal year (FY) 2021 [see Washington Highlights, Dec. 23].
The bill provides $900 billion in COVID-19 relief, includes surprise billing provisions, delays Medicaid disproportionate share hospital cuts, and extends other essential other health programs [see Washington Highlights, Dec. 23].
After Congress passed the legislation on Dec. 21, AAMC President and CEO David J. Skorton issued a Dec. 22 statement expressing gratitude “that negotiations have resulted in an omnibus legislative package that will fund the federal government through the end of FY 2021, including funding for critical public health, research, and health agencies. This measure also will avoid catastrophic lapses in the continued fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and help safeguard the health and well-being of patients and communities across the nation.”