No Cost for Monkeypox Testing Act of 2022

No Cost for Monkeypox Testing Act of 2022

This bill requires specified public health care programs and private health insurance to cover, through December 31, 2023, testing for monkeypox without imposing cost-sharing, including deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. (Monkeypox is a viral disease that is endemic to parts of Africa and causes symptoms similar to, but less severe than, smallpox.)

The bill also establishes procedures for uninsured individuals to access such testing at no cost.

Bill 117 hr 8693, also known as the No Cost for Monkeypox Testing Act of 2022, was introduced in the US Congress with the aim of providing free testing for monkeypox, a rare viral disease that can be transmitted to humans from animals. The bill seeks to ensure that individuals who may have been exposed to monkeypox are able to access testing without incurring any out-of-pocket costs.

If passed, the No Cost for Monkeypox Testing Act of 2022 would require health insurance plans to cover the cost of testing for monkeypox, including any necessary follow-up care. This would help to ensure that individuals who may have been exposed to the virus are able to receive timely testing and treatment, reducing the risk of further transmission.

The bill has garnered bipartisan support in Congress, with lawmakers from both parties recognizing the importance of ensuring that individuals have access to affordable testing for infectious diseases like monkeypox. Supporters of the bill argue that providing free testing for monkeypox will help to protect public health and prevent the spread of the virus within the United States. Overall, the No Cost for Monkeypox Testing Act of 2022 aims to address a pressing public health issue by ensuring that individuals who may have been exposed to monkeypox are able to access testing without facing financial barriers. If passed, the bill has the potential to improve the detection and containment of monkeypox outbreaks, ultimately benefiting the health and well-being of the American public.