March 27, 2020
The Honorable Alex Azar
Secretary
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20201
The Honorable Seema Verma
Administrator
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20201
Subject: Economic Stimulus Bill
Dear Secretary Azar and Administrator Verma,
On behalf of our member medical group practices, the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) urges you to immediately establish a mechanism to disburse direct payments to medical groups who are on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (H.R. 748) provides ample authority and flexibility for the Secretary to make such payments to practices enrolled as Medicare and Medicaid suppliers.