ACLA Statement on the HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Relief Fund
Washington, D.C. – ACLA issued the following statement in response to delayed Congressional action to replenish the depleted COVID-19 Uninsured Relief Fund:
“ACLA is committed to ensuring all Americans have access to COVID-19 testing amid the ongoing pandemic, regardless of health insurance status. Providing additional resources for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) COVID-19 Uninsured Relief Fund is required to fulfill this commitment, and we urge Congress to take action to replenish the fund when it reconvenes later this month.
The COVID-19 Uninsured Relief Fund was established to cover testing, treatment and vaccinations for uninsured individuals throughout the pandemic. That fund has been depleted and, as a result, stopped accepting claims for testing and treatment on March 23 and for vaccinations on April 6. If Congress does not replenish this fund, millions of uninsured Americans may forgo testing and ultimately delay care for COVID infections and place others at risk of infection.
Broad access to COVID-19 testing has been a cornerstone of our pandemic response, ensuring that all Americans could access a test when needed, regardless of insurance status. Replenishing the COVID-19 Uninsured Relief Fund is critical to our efforts and to fulfilling Congress’ promise to provide access to testing, treatment and vaccinations without cost-sharing to all Americans. We strongly urge Congress to support the Administration’s request to fund all aspects of our national pandemic response immediately and not prematurely dismantle critical elements of our public health response.”
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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.
