At a congressional hearing on Thursday, CDC Director Robert Redfield agreed to invoke his legal authority to authorize the use of federal funds to pay coronavirus testing fees. The head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agreed to make testing for the new coronavirus free to any American, regardless of whether they have health insurance, following pressure by Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.). I did the math: a full battery of coronavirus testing costs at minimum $1,331. pic.twitter.com/RmolCtmNbG“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. “Everybody in America, hear that: You are eligible to get tested for coronavirus and have that covered, regardless of insurance.”

Source: Huffington Post March 12, 2020 20:03 UTC