Rep. Schrier Takes Action to Expand Rapid Test Access for Seniors, Military Families

ISSAQUAH, WA – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) took action this week to expand access to at-home, rapid tests for seniors and military families. Earlier this month a federal rule went into effect that would require private insurers to cover eight at-home test purchases at pharmacies. But millions of Americans don’t have private insurance. The two letters Rep. Schrier led would require Medicare and TRICARE to cover or reimburse the cost of rapid tests, giving our seniors and our men and women in uniform another tool in the toolbox to combat this virus.

In a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, led by Representatives Schrier and Malinowski, along with more than 100 Congressmembers, the members said, “Currently Medicare does not pay for at-home COVID-19 tests…creating additional access barriers for older people and people with disabilities who have traditional Medicare, especially those who are homebound or live in rural and suburban communities. In order to protect people with Medicare from the ongoing COVID-19 variants, we urge the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries have sustained access to at-home COVID-19 testing at no cost through the Medicare program.”

And in a letter to Department of Defense Under Secretary Gilbert Cisneros, led by Representatives Schrier and Luria, the members said, “As of January 15, the White House required private insurance companies and group health plans to cover the cost of eight over-the-counter COVID tests per person each month. However, it appears TRICARE beneficiaries are not afforded the same benefits...As we continue to transition back to work and school, TRICARE policy should be updated to include over-the-counter tests, mirroring the benefits required for private insurance companies.”

The full letter to Secretary Becerra can be found here.

The full letter to Under Secretary Cisneros can be found here.

Rep. Schrier has been pushing for more access and affordability of rapid tests over the last 18 months.