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The Coronavirus Bulletin // Health Officials to Members: We’re Taking Action

March 11, 2020 — Coronavirus Bulletin   

Health Officials to Members: We’re Taking Action

Officials at the Department of Health and Human Services briefed Ways and Means Republicans in the Administration’s Coronavirus Command Center on Tuesday. Members heard the latest on where things stand in reducing the spread of coronavirus infections and treating those who have fallen ill. President Trump, the Administration, and Congress are working to ensure the safety and health of all Americans as part of an all-hands-on-deck effort. Here’s what you need to know:

SENIORS, OUR MOST VULNERABLE POPULATION, ARE COVERED FOR TESTS

The coronavirus poses the greatest threat to seniors. Thankfully, those who are enrolled in Medicare are covered for medically necessary coronavirus tests.

PRESIDENT TRUMP AND CONGRESS HAVE INVESTED $8 BILLION IN RELIEF

The Trump Administration and Congress doubled down on our commitment to safeguard Americans’ health, including $4 billion for making diagnostic tests more broadly available, supporting treatments to ease the symptoms of those infected, and investing in vaccine development and to procure vaccines once available. We put $2.2 billion towards the Centers for Disease Control, including $1 billion exclusively for state and local response efforts.

LOCAL BUSINESSES ARE TAKING ACTION, EMPOWERED BY A STRONGER ECONOMY

A stronger U.S. economy means that employers are better able to help workers. The Wall Street Journal reported today that workplaces and universities are taking major steps to keep their people safe. Microsoft, Apple, MIT, and Texas A&M, among others, are finding ways to handle the challenge. Some are testing ways to allow millions of workers to work from home using laptops. Other employers are educating employees on prevention strategies, while working with lawmakers to address their needs. Certain sectors of the economy remain vulnerable, and the Administration and congressional Republicans are developing solutions to get them what they need.

GOP REFORMS HAVE ALREADY IMPROVED ACCESS TO CARE AND TELEWORK

Republican reforms have already made health-care expenses more affordable for patients before the coronavirus struck. Patients and local businesses are already experiencing relief from Obamacare taxes that made medical supplies and insurance more expensive. They also have access to an increased medical expense deduction and, for seniors, expanded telehealth services. Meanwhile, businesses already have expanded ability to provide workers with the resources they need to perform telework where it fits.

AGENCIES ARE CRACKING DOWN ON FRAUDULENT “CURES”

The Food and Drug Administration and Federal Trade Commission issued warning letters to seven companies for selling fraudulent COVID-19 products that were unapproved and pose significant risks to patient health and violate federal law.