HHS Out Of Funding, Requires Urgent Finance

Although the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) aims to enhance the health and well-being of all U.S. citizens, it’s now out of COVID funding. Now, Congress needs to quickly approve more funding in order to keep uninsured citizens healthy, tested, and treated against the global virus. 

This follows recent news reports which stated, “The White House is warning that the U.S. will soon start running out of money to bolster COVID-19 testing supplies and to guarantee that uninsured Americans keep getting free treatment for the virus-unless Congress swiftly approves more funding”

Previous Funds Are Allocated

Previously, HHS provided COVID funding to Congress, with all funding allocated already for vaccines, testing, and therapeutics. Now, none of these funds remain unallocated, and with money now having run out, COVID testing supplies and guaranteeing free treatment can not be bolstered.  

Previously, according to the HHS website, “In response to the coronavirus pandemic, HHS is awarding emergency grants and cooperative agreements funded under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, 2020; Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020, Families First Coronavirus Response Act, 2020 and any subsequent COVID-19 related emergency supplemental appropriation.”

ABC news now warns since the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, the federal government has nearly used up the money dedicated directly to COVID response. “More money from Congress is urgently needed to buy antibody treatments, preventative injections for the immunocompromised and to fund community testing sites.”

How The Uninsured In The U.S Are Affected 

The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) reports, “With COVID cases rising in the U.S., issues surrounding access to testing and treatment for uninsured individuals have taken on heightened importance.” 

KFF continues, “Efforts to limit the spread of the coronavirus in the United States are dependent on people who may have been exposed to the virus or who are sick, getting tested and seeking medical treatment. However, the uninsured are likely to face significant barriers to testing for COVID-19 and any care they may need should they contract the virus.”

KFF continues to list the effects placed on uninsured U.S. citizens: 

• Uninsured individuals who contract COVID and need medical care will likely receive large medical bills, even if they have low incomes and cannot pay. 
• Uninsured people will likely face unique barriers to accessing COVID testing and treatment services.
• Uninsured workers who must take off work because they or family members are sick could face significant financial consequences.
• Many uninsured adults work in jobs that may increase their risk of exposure to COVID. 

An Urgent Request From An Empty Bank Account

With an almost empty bank account, a lot is at stake for the country’s COVID response. So too are the livelihoods of the country’s citizens. Now, the White House seeks $22.5 billion from Congress, which would be allocated to critical needs. 

However, Congress is asking how the federal government has spent about $6 trillion in pandemic aid. This needs to be answered before supplement funding is authorized. 

It is soon hoped that more COVID relief will be agreed upon and an amount locked in. It is expected that $15 billion will be provided at least in funding. Should the funding not be agreed upon, what does this mean for local citizens?

For now, U.S. citizens are encouraged to follow health and safety guidelines as set out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To avoid getting sick, which would place them in a situation of requiring treatment, healthy eating, exercise, increased vitamin intake, social distancing, and wearing masks indoors is advised. 

More information will be provided as new information becomes publicly available.