COVID-19 Testing is Essential to Slow the Spread: Who Should Pay?

Coronavirus has spread rapidly throughout the world, especially in places with more vulnerable populations. In nursing homes, there has been a massive spike in COVID-19 related deaths. With this information, many state officials have called for nursing home workers and residents to be tested consistently. These health care workers are some of the most underpaid workers in the industry. However, they might have to take on the financial burden of paying for weekly testing.

Regular testing of these workers is important to help control the spread of Coronavirus, as they may be in contact with COVID-19 carriers daily. The initial outbreak of the virus occurred in a nursing home in Seattle. Since then, we’ve seen a large death toll in nursing homes in both New York and New Jersey as well.

There has been various information being relayed state by state, which makes it confusing for workers who are unaware if their insurance will cover the cost of the testing. Federally, the CMS states that nursing homes should be tested weekly. On the other hand, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said each facility can adjust its testing frequency depending on the presence of COVID-19.

Testing all nursing home workers and the residents would total 150,000 tests per day. With tests currently costing around $100, this would be a large undertaking for whoever assumes the cost.

As the lowest-paid health care workers in the industry, many nursing home workers don’t have insurance coverage to help with these costs. Nursing homes also don’t feel that they can cover the full cost of the tests. As such, they will likely need assistance from the state.

At SBMA, we offer the best, limited medical coverage in San Diego. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you stay safe during a health crisis.