S. 3499
Referred to CommitteeFree COVID–19 Testing Act
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
3/12/2020 • Senate
Summary
Free COVID–19 Testing Act
This bill requires specified public health care programs and private health insurance to cover testing for COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) without imposing cost-sharing (e.g., deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments) for the duration of the public health emergency declared on January 31, 2020. This coverage includes the cost of administering such approved tests and related visits to health care providers.
Specifically, these requirements apply to COVID-19 testing and office visits for individuals covered through (1) Medicare, (2) Medicare Advantage, (3) Medicaid, (4) the Children's Health Insurance Program, (5) the Department of Defense (i.e., TRICARE), (6) the Department of Veterans Affairs, (7) the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, or (8) the Indian Health Service. Additionally, state Medicaid programs may cover COVID-19 testing and related visits for uninsured individuals during the emergency, and the Department of Health and Human Services must reimburse laboratories for the cost of such tests.
Introduced in Senate • 3/12/2020
Topics & Subjects
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Related Federal Spending
Sponsor & Cosponsors (43)
Party Breakdown
Sponsor
Cosponsors (42)
Bill Journey
Originated in the Senate
Introduced
March 12, 2020
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Committee Review
Floor Debate
Passed Chamber
Other Chamber
President
Enacted into Law
Text Versions (1)
Related Bills (7)
H.R. 6201
Families First Coronavirus Response Act
H.R. 6213
No Cost for COVID–19 Testing Act
H.R. 6214
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of testing for COVID-19 at no cost sharing under the Medicare Advantage program.
H.R. 6232
To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the National Disaster Medical System, to provide for certain laboratory reimbursement for diagnostic testing for COVID-19 in uninsured individuals.
H.R. 6244
To amend titles XVIII and XIX to provide for coverage at no cost sharing of COVID-19 testing under the Medicaid program and Children's Health Insurance Program.
H.R. 6261
To provide for coverage of testing for COVID-19 at no cost sharing for Indians receiving health services through the Indian Health Service, and for other purposes.
H.R. 6263
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to waive cost sharing under the Medicare program for certain visits relating to testing for COVID-19.