Ernst requests clarified HHS guidance on free COVID-19 testing

For Americans who wish to return to school and work, access to COVID-19 testing is critical and they should not have to question whether such testing is covered by their insurance, according to U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and several of her Republican colleagues. 

“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,” Sen. Ernst and the lawmakers wrote in an Oct. 30 letter sent to U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar. 

Among the seven other GOP members who joined Sen. Ernst in signing the letter were U.S. Sens. Martha McSally (R-AZ) and Thom Tillis (R-NC).

The senators noted that when enacted into law earlier this year, both the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act ensured that individuals could receive COVID-19 tests without out-of-pocket costs.

“Unfortunately, it has come to our attention that changes made in a recent tri-agency guidance published on June 23, 2020, have created some confusion regarding coverage requirements for COVID-19 testing,” according to the lawmakers, who wrote that they have recently been made aware of increasing coverage denials from health plans for COVID-19 testing, particularly for asymptomatic individuals.

“We respectfully ask you to update the tri-agency guidance to clarify that individuals who need a test can receive one without cost-sharing, medical management, or prior authorization, and regardless of whether the individual is symptomatic,” Sen. Ernst and her colleagues wrote.