ACLA Applauds New Investments in COVID-19 Testing for the Uninsured
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following today’s announcement by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that it is dedicating $4.8 billion from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) to support the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) COVID-19 Uninsured Program, ACLA President Julie Khani released the following statement:
“We applaud President Biden and Secretary Becerra for taking decisive action today to protect access to COVID-19 testing for uninsured individuals.
Over the course of this pandemic, uncertainty about coverage and costs has created unnecessary barriers to testing for many patients, including those without health insurance. The actions announced today will help more Americans access the COVID-19 testing they need without hesitation.
Continued access to, and coverage of, high-quality COVID-19 testing remains critically important for all Americans, regardless of insurance status. After performing 125 million PCR tests for COVID-19 to date, ACLA members remain focused on working with the Administration to ensure labs can continue to help meet this challenging moment and deliver the testing our country needs, now and in the future.”
Read more: In letters sent by ACLA to the Biden Administration and to the Senate Finance Committee in February, Julie Khani highlighted the importance of replenishing the uninsured fund.
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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.
