Daily US Times, Washington: In congressional testimony on Thursday, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Robert Redfield said coronavirus testing will be covered by insurance policies, as will treatments for people who are infected.
The decision reflects what both President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence have said about the coronavirus testing regime.
“We want the American people to know that they are covered through private insurance,” the Vice President said on Tuesday.
“They are covered through Medicare and Medicaid. And there will be no surprise billing,” he added.
Since the coronavirus landed in the US, many people faced problems due to high charges when they appeared to test themselves whether they are positive to the virus.
If people don’t get tested because of the high bill, it will be difficult for the health officials to track the spread of the disease, which has so far infected about 1,300 Americans, killing 38.
Both Trump and Pence made a similar point before.
The Vice President has met health insurance industry leaders earlier this week. Mr Pence said, ”They have agreed to waive all copayments for coronavirus treatments, extend insurance coverage to these treatments and to prevent surprise medical billing.”
Trump also referencing the same meeting in which Pence made his own assurance about coverage.
According to a report of the Huffington Post, despite the decision of coronavirus testing being covered by insurance, some people are in fact being charged for tests: as much as $500 for individuals with insurance and $1,600 for those without it.
On the hearing, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass. asked Redfield if the cost of testing be covered? Redfield answered affirmatively.
When asked what about the treatment, he said will also be covered.
Pressley also pointed out that the CDC’s website lacked “information about what the test costs, who will cover it and whether uninsured people can be tested. And so this has contributed to the confusion and the panic.”
