Improving and Expanding Access to Care and Treatments for COVID-19
Jan 26, 2021
Signed by: Joe Biden
Signed on: Jan 21, 2021
Published on: Jan 26, 2021
Jan 26, 2021
Signed by: Joe Biden
Signed on: Jan 21, 2021
Published on: Jan 26, 2021
Summary
Aims to improve healthcare for COVID-19, find new treatments faster, and make sure all Americans can get good, affordable care.
What problem does this solve?
The nation's healthcare system was struggling to handle the COVID-19 pandemic, and new treatments were needed quickly to save lives. This order directs government agencies to support healthcare facilities, speed up research, and make treatments affordable and available to everyone.
What does this order do?
Accelerates development of new COVID-19 treatments
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to create a plan for large-scale studies and trials to find the most promising and easily distributable treatments for COVID-19.
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Improving the capacity of the nation's healthcare systems to address covid-19
Provides surge assistance to healthcare facilities
Requires federal agencies to give targeted help to critical care facilities, nursing homes, and long-term care centers to help them fight the spread of COVID-19.
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Improving access to quality and affordable healthcare
Improves access to care for the uninsured
Orders HHS to review the COVID-19 Uninsured Program and take steps to make it easier for patients and providers to use, ensuring those without insurance can get care.
Increases diversity in clinical trials
Requires consideration of steps to ensure that clinical trials for new treatments include people from groups that have historically been underrepresented in medical research.
Supports research on long-term COVID-19 effects
Calls for a plan to support studies on the long-term health impacts of COVID-19, often known as 'long COVID,' to better understand and treat patients.
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Improving access to quality and affordable healthcare
Promotes insurance coverage for treatments
Directs HHS to evaluate Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance plans and take action to encourage coverage for safe and effective COVID-19 treatments.
Who does this affect?
- COVID-19 patients
- Healthcare workers and facilities
- Uninsured individuals
What is the real world impact?
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Strengthens the national response to the pandemic
Provides a coordinated federal strategy to bolster healthcare systems, accelerate the development of new treatments, and ensure these treatments are distributed effectively across the country.
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Promotes health equity
Focuses on improving care for vulnerable groups by including underrepresented populations in clinical trials, supporting rural hospitals, and expanding access for uninsured individuals.
When does this start?
This order takes effect immediately on January 21, 2021, with agencies directed to act promptly on its requirements.