CDC Director Robert Redfield agreed to invoke his authority to authorize the government to pay for coronavirus testing after the congresswoman grilled him.
“Will you commit to invoking your existing authority under 42 CFR 71.30 to provide for coronavirus testing for every American regardless of insurance coverage?” Porter asked Redfield.states that “The Director may authorize payment for the care and treatment of individuals subject to medical examination, quarantine, isolation, and conditional release.”
The rule adds that the payment for care and treatment is “subject to the availability of appropriations” and that it will be paid only after all third-party payers, such as private insurance carriers, “have made payment in satisfaction of their obligations.” U.S. health insurance companies have agreed to waive copays for testing for the virus as well as cover the cost of its treatment, Vice President Mike Pence said on Tuesday.
Medicare and Medicaid will also cover costs without copays. But those without insurance could be stuck paying whatever rate the doctor or hospital chooses. “Fear of these costs are going to keep people from being tested, from getting the care they need, and from keeping their community safe,” Porter told Redfield, who after repeatedly dodging a direct answer, eventually agreed to invoke his authority.“Excellent!” Porter exclaimed. “Everybody in America, hear that: You are eligible to get tested for coronavirus and have that covered, regardless of insurance.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Rep. Katie Porter Gets CDC Director to Say “Yes” to Free Coronavirus Testing After Intense Questioning“I think you’re an excellent questioner,” Redfield said. “So my answer is yes.”
Read more »
CDC Email Updates | CDCAs the novel coronavirus situation rapidly evolves, stay informed – sign up for automatic weekly updates from CDCgov: WednesdayWisdom COVID19
Read more »
Watch Katie Porter Relentlessly Grill CDC Chief Into Saying 'Yes' to Free COVID-19 TestsWatch Katie Porter relentlessly grill CDC Chief into saying 'yes' to free COVID-19 tests
Read more »
Watch Congresswoman Katie Porter Force CDC Director to Commit to Free Coronavirus TestingIn a blistering five-minute grilling, the California Congresswoman forced Robert Redfield to commit to providing free testing for everyone - regardless of insurance.
Read more »
CDC tested only 77 people this week; coronavirus testing slow around the nationDespite insistent promises from the Trump administration, coronavirus testing in the United States appears to be proceeding with a marked lack of urgency. An examination of state and federal records by Yahoo News finds that, for example, American states are, on average, testing fewer than 100 people
Read more »
Weakling CDC Director Promises Free Coronavirus Testing After Grilling By Woman With a WhiteboardThe CDC, which now faces budget cuts despite the ongoing pandemic, also faced the questioning Rep. Katie Porter today, who managed to extricate a promise from director Dr. Robert Redfield that the institution will waive coronavirus testing costs for all Americans. A test, by the way, costs roughly $1,331. As Porter exclaimed: “I did the math!”\n
Read more »