Greetings!

As a result of social distancing in response to the coronavirus outbreak, the entire team at IFFGD has been working remotely. Know that we are here for you during this time, as always. Please continue to contact us via phone, email, or social media channels with any questions you may have.

We are closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and relevant legislation changes in response to this public health emergency. For those seeking up-to-date information on this outbreak and relevant public health concerns, please refer to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). You can find summaries and information on the recent CARES ACT and other coronavirus response legislation on our IFFGD page here.

The legislative updates below include the key highlights of health policy and budget and appropriations measures signed into law as an emergency response to the recent COVID-19 outbreak. At this time, three phases of response legislation have been signed into public law. As the coronavirus outbreak continues to progress, there is discussion of a fourth response package possibly happening in the near future.

Be active. Be heard. Make a difference. We hope this eNewsletter continues to inform and assist you as you advocate for yourself and/or loved ones.
IFFGD-Sponsored Legislation

Functional GI and Motility Disorder Research Enhancement Act
22 Cosponsors

Health Legislation

Medical Nutrition Equity Act
63 Cosponsors

Safe Step Act
138 Cosponsors

Safe Step Act
14 Cosponsors
Join us for IFFGD's 2020 Virtual Advocacy Day!
IFFGD’s 2020 Advocacy Event on Capitol Hill, scheduled on July 26-27 in Washington, DC,
will now be held as a Virtual Advocacy Event. This web-based event will retain the
original schedule of educational lectures on Sunday and connecting with congressional
offices on Monday. All lectures will be recorded and available for you to follow along and interact during this two-day event.

Although we will not be able to walk Capitol Hill, patients, medical professionals, and
community members can still make their voices heard by calling and emailing legislative
offices. Please continue to register for this virtual event here to stay informed as we continue finalizing details for this event.

Policies and priorities related to healthcare, research, treatment, guidelines, and much more are continually changing. We will provide monthly updates on what is most relevant to the GI community.

On March 27, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into Public Law as No. 116-136, previously known as H.R. 748. Key provisions of this legislation include:

  • Mitigate shortages of emergency products.
  • Places further reporting requirements on manufacturers related to drug shortages or production challenges related to products needed for emergency response of COVID-19, including discontinuation of necessary medical devices.
  • Provides specific guidance for the coverage, reimbursement, and pricing related to COVID-19 diagnostic tests, including rapid coverage by third party-payers for preventative services and vaccines.
  • Reauthorizes the Health Professions Workforce Programs (Title VII).
  • Further expands access and coverage to telehealth services.
  • Provides flexibility for patients to access home health services.
  • Removes Medicare sequester through the end of the calendar year, then extends the sequestration for an additional year.
  • Ensures coverages of COVID-19 related testing, vaccines, and services for Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries.
  • Allows for a 90-day supply of covered medications under Medicare Part D.
  • Prevents 2021 scheduled reductions in Medicare payments for medical equipment and diagnostic tests for clinical laboratories.
  • Provides an extension of the Medicare accelerated payment programs for hospitals.
  • Extends the Health Careers Opportunity Grant program.
  • Extends authorization for and enhances funding for; Community Health Centers, the National Health Service Corps, and Teaching Health Centers that operate GME programs.
  • Find a more detailed summary here.

On March 18, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act became Public Law No. 116-27. This legislation was previously referred to as H.R. 6201. Key provisions of this second phase of coronavirus response legislation include:

  • Cost-sharing requirements under Medicare and Medicare Advantage are also waived
  • Private insurance, Medicaid and CHIP are directed to provide access to coronavirus testing at no cost.
  • Bolstered support for food banks and federal nutrition assistance programs, including assistance for children that normally receive meals through a school that has been closed.
  • Bolstered support for nutrition and meal delivery services that serve senior citizens.
  • Enhanced and targeted tax credits for relevant medical leave.
  • Numerous statutory changes related to how impacted individuals engage unemployment, medical leave, nutrition assistance, and related federal programs.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) is embarking on an Institute-wide strategic planning process. The goal is to develop a broad vision for accelerating research into the causes, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions within the Institute’s mission.  Click here to learn more about these efforts and how you can provide your insight for this planning process.

Keeping informed on the federal budget process is important for all of us as constituents. IFFGD works hard to stay informed on the appropriations process each year. We will keep you updated as the appropriations process continues for FY 2021. Each fiscal year (FY) runs from October 1 through September 30 of the following year.

On March 27, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into Public Law as No. 116-136, previously known as H.R. 748. Key provisions of this 3rd phase of coronavirus response legislation include:

  • $172 billion for Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), and Education.
  • $127 billion for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund.
  • $4.3 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
  • $945.5 million for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), this brings total additional funding for NIH up to $1.78 billion when combined with previous supplemental funding.
  • $425 million for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to conduct core activities that respond to COVID-19.
  • $30.9 billion for Education
  • $35 billion for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Related Agencies.
  • $25 million for a new grant program to support distancing learning and telemedicine.
  • $80 million for FDA to support development of therapies, diagnostic tools, vaccines, and medical countermeasures. 
  • $10.5 billion for the Department of Defense (DoD).
  • $1 billion for the Defense Production Act to support production of PPE and critical items.
  • $1.8 billion for the Defense Health Program to support addressing additional medical costs as well as the acquisition of countermeasures and related equipment.
  • $1.6 billion for the Defense Health Program to expand care capacity and bolster treatment facilities.
  • $415 million for the development of vaccines, lab operations, and diagnostic tests.
  • $628 million for non-medical protective equipment and other supplies.
  • $2 billion for Interior, Environment, and Related agencies.
  • $7 million to assist the Environmental Protection Agency with responding to COVID-19.
  • $20 billion for Military Construction, Veterans Affairs (VA), and Related Agencies.
  • $14.4 billion to support the delivery of VA medical services.
  • $606 million for the VA to advance alternative sites of care and mobile treatment centers.
  • A more detailed breakdown of budget and appropriations measures can be found here.


On March 18, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act became Public Law No. 116-27. This legislation was previously referred to as H.R. 6201. Key provisions of this second phase of coronavirus response legislation include:

  • $1 billion to help cover the cost of coronavirus testing for the uninsured.
  • $82 million in resources for the DoD to test military personnel and their families for coronavirus through the Defense Health Program.
  • $64 million in resources for the Indian Health Service to conduct coronavirus testing.
  • $60 million for the VA to conduct coronavirus testing.


On March 6, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act became Public Law No: 116-123, previously known as H.R. 6074. Key provisions of the first phase of coronavirus response legislation include:

  • $2.2 billion for the CDC, supporting surveillance and testing, as well as both domestic and global health initiatives.
  • $2 billion for the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Agency (BARDA), supporting the development of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostic.
  • $826 million for the National Institutes of Health (primarily NIAID), supporting research that advances efforts to develop vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics.
  • $1 billion for Healthcare Preparedness, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies, and Community Health Centers to support medical surge capacity.
  • $435 million for the Global Health Response to support overseas efforts to prevent and respond to coronavirus.
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD)
414-964-1799 | iffgd@iffgd.org | www.iffgd.org
IFFGD is a nonprofit organization.
We rely on donor support to fund research and to provide reliable information and support to those affected by chronic gastrointestinal disorders