Republican senators press HHS for clarity on guidance calling for free COVID-19 testing

Seeking to address confusion over coverage requirements for COVID-19 testing due to new guidance from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Republican senators wrote to HHS Secretary Alex Azar for clarification.

The writers, who included U.S. Sens. James Lankford (R-OK), Rick Scott (R-FL), Martha McSally (R-AZ), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ben Sasse (R-NE), David Perdue (R-GA) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) cited increasing coverage denials from health plans over the last few weeks for COVID-19 testing, especially in the case of asymptomatic individuals. In theory, COVID-19 tests are supposed to be provided to those in need without any out-of-pocket costs.

“For Americans who wish to safely return to school and work, access to testing is critical, and they should not have to question whether or not COVID-19 diagnostic or antibody testing is covered by their insurance,” the senators wrote. “No one should have to pay for a test. If someone wants a test, they should be able to get a test, and that test should be covered by insurance without any out-of-pocket costs.”

While applauding administration efforts to date, the senators outright asked Azar to update the tri-agency guidance and clarify that those who need a test can receive one without cost-sharing, medical management, or prior authorization, regardless of whether they are symptomatic. They also pointed to past legislative action to make that point clear.

“The Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the CARES Act, which were signed into law by President Trump earlier this year, made sure that individuals can receive COVID-19 tests without out-of-pocket costs,” the senators wrote. “President Trump’s recent Executive Order on An America-First Healthcare Plan once again signaled the Administration’s commitment to ensuring that Americans are held harmless from surprise medical bills, including for testing.”