WASHINGTON – The Federation of American Hospitals (FAH) sent a letter to leaders of President-elect Joe Biden’s transition team outlining policies and recommendations to consider as the incoming administration finalizes its COVID-19 response plan.

With rates of infection and hospitalizations spiking at an unprecedented rate, FAH is asking that the incoming administration’s focus include a public/private partner operational strategy, increasing health care coverage and securing health system resources.

“President-elect Biden has made it clear that controlling COVID-19 is job one for his new administration,” said FAH President and CEO Chip Kahn. “FAH is encouraged that the new president plans a comprehensive and coordinated response to the worsening pandemic. As the Biden transition team delves into the details, we hope it will consider our recommendations on next steps to ensure we have the necessary caregivers, supplies, data and funding to enable us to meet the challenges for our COVID-19 patients.”

The letter lays out in detail actions that can be taken in several key areas, which include:

• Developing a clear-cut national strategy for controlling COVID-19 spread and mitigation;
• Keeping in place crucial policies to support patient care in the pandemic; and
• Securing coverage for the newly unemployed and COVID-19 patients as well as ensure COVID-19 resources for health providers.

The complete letter can be found here.