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Congress Passes Another Round of Coronavirus Relief for Small Businesses

Client Alert

Today President Trump signed into law another round of coronavirus relief aimed at helping small businesses during this public health emergency. The bill contains a total of $484 billion in additional aid. The majority of funds in this bill are dedicated to replenishing the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), which gives small businesses loans to cover payroll costs that could be forgiven if specific requirements are followed. Congress initially funded the PPP in March with $350 billion, but this amount was exhausted as of April 16, 2020.

Most notably, the new legislation adds $310 billion to the PPP. Of these funds, $2.1 billion are earmarked for salaries and expenses to administer programs related to the coronavirus, $50 billion will go towards the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) program, and $10 billion is set aside for Emergency EIDL grants/advances.

Further, the bill provides $100 billion to the Department of Health and Human Services for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund. These funds include $75 billion to reimburse health care providers for health care related expenses (e.g., building/construction of temporary structures, leasing of properties, medical supplies, equipment, increased workforce and training, and surge capacity) or lost revenues that are attributable to the coronavirus. This relief is available for Medicare/Medicaid enrolled providers, including physician practices and hospitals that are diagnosing, treating, and caring for actual/potential coronavirus patients and the method of dispersal will be announced soon. The other $25 billion is set for expenses to research, develop, and manufacture coronavirus tests and increase the country’s testing capacity. Increased testing dollars are spread amongst the states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, Community Health Centers, Rural Health Centers, and testing for the uninsured.

Please contact a BMD attorney should you have any additional questions regarding this new economic stimulus bill, questions on how to take advantage or apply for these programs, or general questions related to the coronavirus and its economic impact.


Community Behavioral Health Providers - Supervisor Pricing Changes Begin July 1 [Corrected Date]

Effective June 16, community behavioral health providers wishing to receive reimbursement at the supervisor rate must add the HP or HT Modifier to fee-for-service (FFS) claims. Find out about the new guidelines.

CMS Rescinds EMTALA Guidance for Emergency Abortions

On June 3, 2025, CMS withdrew its 2022 guidance on emergency abortion care under EMTALA, eliminating federal protection for providers in states with abortion restrictions. This policy change could significantly impact how hospitals handle emergency care involving pregnancy complications.

Supreme Court Eliminates Higher Burden for Majority-Group Plaintiffs in Title VII Claims

In Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that all Title VII plaintiffs, whether from majority or minority groups, must meet the same evidentiary standard. The decision eliminates the “background circumstances rule” and reinforces equal treatment in workplace discrimination claims.

Understanding Reasonable Fear vs. Credible Fear Interviews: A Critical Guide for Immigrants Facing Removal

In his latest article, Immigration Attorney and former Immigration Judge Rob Ratliff offers a clear breakdown of Reasonable Fear vs. Credible Fear Interviews—key procedures for noncitizens seeking protection from persecution or torture. Citing Judge Brian Murphy’s recent ruling on unlawful deportations to South Sudan, Ratliff connects these critical legal standards to current judicial developments. Read the full article at www.removal-defense.com.

House Republicans Propose Cuts to Medicaid to Finance Savings

House Republicans have introduced legislative language that proposes substantial cuts to the Medicaid entitlement program, aiming to achieve significant budget savings through policy changes. The proposed measures include stricter eligibility verification, work requirements for certain adults, and federal funding cuts to states providing coverage to undocumented residents. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the proposed healthcare provisions would reduce spending by $715 billion and could result in 8.6 million fewer people having health insurance by 2034.