This week, Congress passed and the President signed into law a second COVID-19 response package, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. This congressional action to address COVID-19 follows the recent approval of an $8.3 billion emergency spending package to bolster resources for the public health service. The law includes the following measures to support access to COVID-19 testing and expand support for nutrition programs for vulnerable populations, including the elderly:

• $1 billion to help cover the cost of COVID-19 testing for the uninsured.
• $60 million for the Veterans Administration to conduct COVID-19 testing.
• Cost-sharing requirements under Medicare for COVID-19 testing are waived.
• Cost-sharing requirements through Medicare Advantage are also waived, and private insurance is required to provide access to COVID-19 testing, at no cost.
• Medicaid and CHIP are also directed to provide COVID-19 testing, at no cost.
• Increased support for foods banks and federal nutrition assistance programs, including assistance for children.
• Bolstered support for nutrition and meal delivery services that serve senior citizens.

Congress is now working on a third COVID-19 response measure, expected to include additional public health provisions and a comprehensive series of economic stimulus measures.