Sen. Daines Pushes to Expand Access for Coronavirus Testing in Tribal Communities

WASHINGTON, March 16 -- Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana, issued the following news release on March 14:

U.S. Senator Steve Daines urged Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Azar and the Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Gaynor to ensure Indian Health Service (IHS) has the resources needed to provide coronavirus testing for tribal communities.

"I want to ensure IHS has the ability to provide the necessary healthcare to combat this virus as this remains a high priority to the administration and my office," Daines wrote. "I hope the Department will take swift action to bring test kits and federal resources to Indian Country."

Background:

Daines has been leading the efforts in Congress to respond to the coronavirus outbreak impacting the country.

Two weeks ago, Daines brought his proposal and ideas to President Trump at a meeting in the White House.

Daines issued a statement yesterday on President Trump declaring a national emergency for coronavirus.

On March 12th, 2020, Daines introduced bipartisan legislation to provide disaster unemployment assistance to people who are unable to work due to the current coronavirus outbreak. Assistance would be available to individuals, including self-employed individuals and independent contractors, who are sick, quarantined, furloughed, or whose family circumstances keep them from working or reduce their pay as a result of the coronavirus outbreak or government containment efforts.

On March 9th, 2020, Daines unveiled a slate of proposals and priorities he's working to advance that will help protect Montana families and their finances during the Coronavirus outbreak including paid leave, temporarily waiving payroll taxes, providing relief from tariffs, and ensuring access to affordable testing.

On March 9th, 2020, Daines sent a letter urging the Trump administration to take swift action to make testing for the Coronavirus affordable.

The following day the IRS immediately announced it would adopt Daines' proposal to remove financial barriers to testing and treatment for the Coronavirus by allowing high deductible health plans to cover Coronavirus-related testing and treatment before a patient has met their deductible.

To read the full letter, click here.( https://www.daines.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/2020.03.13%20Letter%20to%20Sec%20Azar%20-%20COVID-19%20Final.pdf)