(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) released the following statement after voting in favor of the Senate’s phase 3 coronavirus emergency relief package, known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act):
“These unprecedented times call for a unified front by the federal government to help Hoosiers struggling through no fault of their own. This relief package puts Americans first with aid for families, workers, small business owners, and health care providers on the front lines working tirelessly to save our friends, neighbors, and family members. We are giving America a fighting chance to both get through this health care crisis and save Main Street jobs that so many families depend on. I applaud Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for his ardent work on this historic legislation that puts American workers first.”
Background
Highlights of the CARES Act include:
- 2020 Recovery Rebate payments of $1,200 for rank-and-file Hoosiers subject to income limitations plus an additional $500 for each child under the age of 17.
- Indiana will receive a minimum of $1.25 billion to aid its response to the pandemic. Indianapolis will be eligible for additional direct funds as a result of its significant population size.
- Provides $11 billion in funding to advance the manufacturing of vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and other medical needs of the American people.
- Allocates $16 billion to procure personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, and other medical supplies for the strategic national stockpile.
- Provides $100 billion to support hospitals and health care providers.
- Over $30 billion is allocated to help America’s agriculture industry continue to keep food in our stores and on our tables.
- Relaxation of rules for withdrawals from retirement accounts without penalty.
- Payroll tax credit for employers that retain their workers.
- $14.4 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs to respond to the increased demand for healthcare services at the VA. $2.1 billion for veterans to receive care in the community. And $606 million to upgrade VA Medical Facilities to better respond to pandemics.
- Rolls back regulations to allow veterans to use tele-health services to reduce the risk of leaving the house and being exposed to the virus.
Dr. Bucshon’s efforts helped to secure provisions that:
Protect our health care workers by making clear that doctors who provide volunteer medical services during the public health emergency related to COVID-19 have liability protections for the period of the public health crisis.
Ensure patients have access to COVID-19 preventive care by requiring timely commercial insurance coverage of COVID-19 vaccines or preventive treatments in commercial plans. Coverage is provided for any future vaccine under Medicare Part B with no deductible and at no cost in the Medicaid program. Provides a state option to provide vaccine coverage for the uninsured through the Medicaid program.
