ACLA Statement on Senate Republicans’ Coronavirus Relief Package
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following the release of Senate Republicans’ coronavirus relief package, ACLA President Julie Khani issued the following statement:
“ACLA is currently reviewing the Senate Republicans’ coronavirus relief package. At a time when the country is focused on protecting millions of people who are returning to work and school, Americans need a clear federal standard on coverage for testing performed for return-to-work, return-to-school, or public health purposes. Without this guarantee, Americans will continue to face a patchwork system of coverage that undermines our shared goal of safely reopening local economies.
As noted in a letter from nearly 50 leading organizations representing patients, employers and other key stakeholders sent to congressional leaders last week, policymakers must prioritize the creation of a federal fund for this testing. Employees of meatpacking facilities and restaurants, nursing homes, as well as other essential workers, first responders, students and teachers hoping to return to school this fall are critical to our nation’s recovery. These groups need certainty that their tests will be covered.
The federal government’s stake in ensuring reliable coverage for testing is considerable, and Congress should invest the resources to support this critical need. Policymakers must immediately establish a dedicated federal fund to pay for testing not otherwise covered by insurance. As a nation, we can’t afford to have testing be left in limbo.”
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The American Clinical Laboratory Association (ACLA) is the national trade association representing leading laboratories that deliver essential diagnostic health information to patients and providers. ACLA members are at the forefront of driving diagnostic innovation to meet the country’s evolving health care needs and provide vital clinical laboratory tests that identify and prevent infectious, acute and chronic disease. ACLA works to advance the next generation of health care delivery through policies that expand access to lifesaving testing services.
