Several Senate Democrats introduced a bill Thursday that would expand free tests to confirm the COVID-19 infections regardless of health care coverage.
The bill, dubbed the Free COVID-19 Testing Act, is led by Sens Tina SmithTina Flint SmithDemocratic Senators introduce bill to provide free coronavirus testing Democratic senators ask prison operators for answers on coronavirus plans Democratic candidates gear up for a dramatic Super Tuesday MORE (Minn.), Gary PetersGary Charles PetersDemocratic Senators introduce bill to provide free coronavirus testing GOP senator announces intention to subpoena firm tied to Burisma GOP chairman cancels Hunter Biden-related subpoena vote MORE (Mich.), Patty MurrayPatricia (Patty) Lynn MurrayDemocratic Senators introduce bill to provide free coronavirus testing Ed Markey: ‘Let’s celebrate St. Patrick’s Day’ by adopting Irish sick leave policy Democrats push for paid leave in coronavirus response MORE (D-Wash.), Ron WydenRonald (Ron) Lee WydenBill to protect children online ensnared in encryption fight Democratic Senators introduce bill to provide free coronavirus testing Vermont attorney general sues controversial facial recognition company over privacy violations MORE (D-Ore.), along with Senate Minority Leader Charles SchumerCharles (Chuck) Ellis SchumerDemocratic Senators introduce bill to provide free coronavirus testing Senate confirms Trump pick for energy commission seat Progressives urge Democrats to hear from federal judge deeply critical of Roberts, conservatives MORE (D-N.Y.).
“It is not only morally wrong if people are forced to forgo testing because they can’t afford it, but also a serious risk to everyone in their community,” Schumer said. “Time is of the essence — this legislation must be passed without delay.”
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Concerns over access to coronavirus testing and treatment have dominated the conversation on Capitol Hill in recent days as the disease continues to spread throughout the country. As of Thursday night, the U.S. has more than 1,600 confirmed cases as of the virus.
At a Thursday evening speech from the oval office, President TrumpDonald John TrumpThe Hill’s Morning Report — Coronavirus tests a partisan Washington The Memo: Virus crisis upends political world Bill to protect children online ensnared in encryption fight MORE said that health insurers had pledged to eliminate “all co-payments for coronavirus treatments.” Medicare and Medicaid are covering the cost of testing, though it’s still unclear how much tests will cost for the uninsured.
“We have not yet finalized our uninsured patient price,” Quest Diagnostics, one of the largest private testing companies told The Washington Post. “Our goal is to enable broad access.”
There has been mixed messaging from the White House on the availability of tests. Last week, Trump told reporters “anybody that wants a test can get a test,” though health officials have reported they are limiting tests to those who fit certain criteria due to shortages.
Senators from both sides of the aisle voiced concern Thursday over the status of “millions” of test kits to Vice President Pence, who is leading the administration’s response. The vice president told them the tests would be available by the end of the week.
“We are going to have — and I suspect are having, and I think they alluded to it in there — a supply chain problem,” said Sen. Marco RubioMarco Antonio RubioDemocratic Senators introduce bill to provide free coronavirus testing Overnight Health Care — Presented by Philip Morris International — Why canceling events makes sense amid coronavirus | Ohio official says 100K people in state may have virus | Latest on talks over economic plan | Trump weighs emergency declaration Top health official Fauci: People in US not easily getting coronavirus testing ‘is a failing’ MORE (R-Fla.).
The Senate bill comes as the House scrambles to reach an agreement on an economic relief package in response to the coronavirus. On Thursday, Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiThe Hill’s Morning Report — Coronavirus tests a partisan Washington The Memo: Virus crisis upends political world Coronavirus shakes up K Street MORE (D-Calif.) said they’re “close” to reaching a deal with the White House, which will likely come Friday.
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