The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) included more than $400 billion in  tax credits and incentives to promote energy efficiency and help offset the costs of solar power systems, lighting systems, heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, hot water systems, clean vehicles” and EV charging stations. Many of these may be applicable to senior living communities. Recent guidance on these provisions includes:

The House of Representatives voted 220-213 this morning to pass H.R. 5376, the Build Back Better Act (reconciliation/human infrastructure). The bill will next be considered by the Senate, where it is expected to undergo significant revisions to garner the support of all 50 Democratic senators needed for passage, which would then be sent back to the House to consider the revised bill.

Argentum sent a letter yesterday to President Biden relaying the urgent needs of senior living providers, and formally kicked off its latest campaign, “Don’t Leave Assisted Living Behind, Again.” This effort calls attention to the continued disparities in relief and support that has been made available to senior living, and the need to rectify it moving forward, including with the Phase 4 PRF payments.

Earlier today, the House and Senate passed a continuing resolution to fund the government through December 3, averting a government shutdown that would have occurred at midnight tonight without passage of the funding measure. The stopgap will provide additional time for lawmakers to negotiate broader legislative packages, potentially including priorities advocated by Argentum.

Thank you all again for your engagement and extraordinary efforts that helped successfully protect the provider relief funds (PRF) from being repurposed for infrastructure projects. The Senate is currently in the process of considering the bipartisan infrastructure package, and we are remaining vigilant in our effort to protect the PRF as amendments are considered and as the House will consider the package next.

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.

As a brief update, the Senate is proceeding to debate on the infrastructure bill (see a summary here) after last evening's procedural vote. Argentum has received confirmation from key Senate negotiators that the Provider Relief Fund is protected, but because language is still being drafted at this time, and out of an abundance of caution, we are remaining vigilant until we are able to view the final pay-for language. We thank you all who engaged in unprecedented grassroots efforts. Please stay engaged today as more information will follow.

A Senate bipartisan infrastructure deal has been reached, and Argentum has confirmed directly from Senate negotiators that your voice was heard. We have received the outline of the plan and are cautiously optimistic that, through your efforts, the bulk of the Provider Relief Fund was protected. We are cautious because the situation is still fluid and negotiations can change. However, we wanted to express our sincere gratitude to each of you; the industry has stepped up in an unprecedented way. Please stay engaged as we learn more details.

Urgent action is needed now: Provider Relief Fund dollars may be in jeopardy.

Yesterday, we hosted our monthly policy briefing for Argentum Advocates. You can now watch a recording or download the slides from the briefing. Below, you'll find the items we discussed and as always, do not hesitate to reach out with questions or comments.