Argentum thanks you! As we noted on Wednesday, the Senate has agreed to a deal on the bipartisan infrastructure package. We are now pleased to report that due to your unprecedented outreach to Capitol Hill, we were able to fight off all proposed cuts to the Provider Relief Fund (PRF). We thank you and we thank our partner associations who fought with us to protect the PRF.
The negotiated deal shields all of the PRF from earlier proposed cuts. This includes approximately $43 billion that the GAO last week estimated remains in the PRF (as we reported earlier, the $43 billion was specifically targeted to fund the bipartisan infrastructure legislation, and cuts seemed a near certainty). However, your fight to protect these dollars so that assisted living caregivers receive more equitable relief was effective.
We also thank our many congressional champions who listened to your frustrations and fought off these attacks. We are especially grateful to the several senators involved in the infrastructure negotiations that championed our concerns, and we thank Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) for their leadership. Both have long championed assisted living issues, and last April, at Argentum’s request, led a congressional letter of 25 Senators to HHS Secretary Becerra calling for equitable and “immediate targeted financial (PRF) relief” for “assisted living providers, memory care centers, and senior congregate care facilities.” A special thank you also to Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) who fought especially hard to protect you, among many other senators. Argentum garnered bipartisan support to secure the PRF from cuts that would have funded the infrastructure package.
The Senate voted on Wednesday to move the legislative vehicle containing the infrastructure package forward for further consideration. The next step will be an amendment process with final passage expected this weekend or early next week. The bill text we received today is still subject to changes and Argentum remains vigilant to ensure the PRF remains intact. As the infrastructure package moves through the legislative process, Argentum will continue to fervently work to protect the PRF from any harmful amendments.
As you know, the PRF is a critical lifeline and assisted living caregivers have long awaited their release. We again thank you for helping us in this fight! We urge you to reach out to your senators that have been helpful and thank them for their support in preserving the PRF from any cuts to fund the infrastructure package.
Our work does not stop here. Argentum is committed to ensuring the rapid and equitable distribution of the PRF to assisted living providers. We will continue focused pressure on the White House and Congress and will not relent until all of the funds are released in an equitable manner and outstanding payments are promptly paid.
You will soon see Argentum messaging pivoting from “protect the PRF” to “release the PRF”. Argentum’s message to HRSA remains steadfast: These promised funds must be released now before more communities close, seniors lose their homes, and caregivers lose their livelihoods. Argentum will also continue our push to fight for more relief dollars in future legislation targeted specifically to helping the senior industry. We will continue to keep you updated on all developments.
We thank you again—you made a difference. The below is a brief recap of our united efforts:
- Thousands of personalized letters and calls to congressional offices
- Urgent Action Alerts sent to all key players on Capitol Hill
- Targeted outreach to and conversations with our champions to bolster support, including Senators Sinema (D-AZ), Portman (R-OH), Collins (R-ME), Durbin (D-IL), Tester (D-MT), Rosen (D-NV), Murkowski (R-AK), Young (R-IN), Kelly (D-AZ), and Moran (R-KS)
- Grassroots alerts to our newly formed Argentum Advocates group and to over 10,000 contacts
- A state association focused campaign
- Association coalition letter to Hill leadership signed by Argentum, AHCA/NCAL, LeadingAge, and ASHA
- Op-ed by James Balda published in The Hill, four articles referencing Argentum, press statement, and state campaigns
- State association leaders and members outreach to senators, their chiefs of staff, and state directors
