HHS to Dedicate $4.8 Billion to COVID-19 Testing for the Uninsured

May 25, 2021 by Beth McCue
HHS to Dedicate $4.8 Billion to COVID-19 Testing for the Uninsured
Student nurse Dario Gomez, center, disinfects a chair after administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to a patient at Providence Edwards Lifesciences vaccination site in Santa Ana, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

WASHINGTON – Tuesday, the US Department of Health and Human Services, through the Health Resources and Services Administration, announced that it is dedicating $4.8 billion from the American Rescue Plan to support the HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program. This funding will allow the program to continue reimbursing health care providers for testing uninsured individuals for COVID-19. As of May 19, 2021, the program has issued nearly $4 billion in testing reimbursements to providers.

“As we vaccinate the country, let’s continue taking the preventive measures necessary to keep the virus under control and prevent it from spreading. Testing remains critical and now it’s available at no cost to those who need it,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “This funding will help ensure everyone has access to testing regardless of whether they have health insurance.”

There are approximately 29 million uninsured individuals living in the United States. While this administration has been focused on decreasing the uninsured rate, as evidenced by the more than 1 million people who have enrolled into quality health coverage through the Special Enrollment Period  much work remains. By ensuring programs like the HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program remains adequately funded, this administration is removing cost impediments so anyone exposed to COVID-19 may seek appropriate testing and care.

The funding announced today is dedicated to COVID-19 testing. HRSA also helps uninsured individuals’ access COVID-19 treatment and vaccinations through the COVID-19 Uninsured Program.  The program reimburses providers at national Medicare rates for providing these services. As of May 19, 2021, the program has issued over $2.5 billion toward reimbursing providers for delivering COVID-19 treatment and over $85 million for vaccinating the uninsured.

“Focusing on the underserved and eliminating health access barriers for vulnerable communities is a core part of our mission,” said Acting HRSA Administrator Diana Espinosa. “To truly return to normal after the pandemic, we must continue to test, treat and vaccinate everyone, regardless of insurance or immigration status.”

Learn more about the HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program here.

A+
a-
  • COVID testing
  • uninsured
  • US Department of Health and Human Services
  • In The News

    Health

    Voting

    Health

    July 5, 2025
    by Jesse Zucker
    I’m Nordic Walkin’, Yes Indeed

    WASHINGTON — Walking is having a moment. Again. Putting one foot in front of the other continues to be one... Read More

    WASHINGTON — Walking is having a moment. Again. Putting one foot in front of the other continues to be one of the most versatile and surprisingly effective ways to move your body. The latest walking trend picking up momentum is walking with poles, also known as... Read More

    July 5, 2025
    by Jesse Zucker
    Creatine: What It Is, What It Does, and Why It's Safer Than You Think

    WASHINGTON — Creatine might sound like something reserved for bodybuilders or supplement junkies, but it’s actually one of the most... Read More

    WASHINGTON — Creatine might sound like something reserved for bodybuilders or supplement junkies, but it’s actually one of the most widely studied (and misunderstood) tools in the fitness and wellness world. Whether you’ve seen it in pre-workout powders, heard it mentioned by a gym friend, or... Read More

    Nearly 368,000 Pounds of Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Recalled Over Possible Listeria Contamination

    (AP) — Nearly 368,000 pounds of Oscar Mayer turkey bacon products are being recalled over possible contamination with listeria bacteria that... Read More

    (AP) — Nearly 368,000 pounds of Oscar Mayer turkey bacon products are being recalled over possible contamination with listeria bacteria that can cause food poisoning, federal health officials said Wednesday. No illnesses have been confirmed to date, U.S. agriculture department officials said. Kraft Heinz Food Company of... Read More

    Wisconsin Supreme Court’s Liberal Majority Strikes Down 176-Year-Old Abortion Ban

    MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Supreme Court’s liberal majority struck down the state’s 176-year-old abortion ban on Wednesday, ruling... Read More

    MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Supreme Court’s liberal majority struck down the state’s 176-year-old abortion ban on Wednesday, ruling 4-3 that it was superseded by newer state laws regulating the procedure, including statutes that criminalize abortions only after a fetus can survive outside the womb.... Read More

    International Pricing Puts People With Chronic Diseases at Risk

    A recent White House executive order could make it harder for millions of Americans to access their lifesaving medications.  Its... Read More

    A recent White House executive order could make it harder for millions of Americans to access their lifesaving medications.  Its most consequential provision proposes a "Most Favored Nation" pricing model, which would tie U.S. drug prices to those paid in other high-income countries. The administration already... Read More

    Supreme Court Throws Out Appellate Rulings in Favor of Transgender People in Four States

    WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday threw out appellate rulings in favor of transgender people in four states following the... Read More

    WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday threw out appellate rulings in favor of transgender people in four states following the justices' recent decision upholding a Tennessee ban on certain medical treatment for transgender youths. But the justices took no action in cases from Arizona, Idaho and West Virginia... Read More

    News From The Well
    scroll top