The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Last Updated: 3/27/2009
On February 17, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). This bill incorporates continued federal investment in the health care system. Many of the issues that HAP and the American Hospital Association advocated for in support of investment in hospitals were included in this legislation. The act is a lengthy bill, containing appropriationsand other health-related provisions. HAP and the American Hospital Association (AHA) are continuing to analyze the impact on health care and hospitals from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
A broad perspective of health-related provisions of the act was provided in HAP Memo 09-13. HAP Memo 09-15outlines additional details of the act that are of importance to Pennsylvania hospitals. HAP also will be:
Advocating with the Rendell administration and the General Assembly regarding the use of the increased federal Medicaid matching funds to assure that Medicaid dollars are spent on Medicaid patients.
Providing a more detailed analysis of the HIT provisions of the ARRA for hospitals to use in HIT planning and budgeting.
Establishing an ad hoc member group to assist HAP in evaluating the HIT provisions in the ARRA that require further advocacy on behalf of hospitals and health systems.
Tracking all of the major health care-related provisions of the ARRA and providing additional information to hospitals and health systems on funding opportunities.
