Following approval from the House and Senate, President Donald Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201). As the country is experiencing a national crisis, Americans need to be reassured they will have access to medical testing for COVID-19 that will not cause an undue financial burden. Within the bill, there is explicit language that those coved by the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan (FEHPB), which is open to USPS employees, will not face a copayment or other cost sharing in order to be tested for the novel coronavirus. It should be noted this does not cover subsequent treatment for COVD-19, and FEHBP covered employees could face out of pocket costs. Understanding the costly impact this could have on American families, members of Congress have been working on additional legislation and discussing options with the Centers for Disease Control on additionally covering treatment expenses. Please check back with the NPMHU website for updates.
President Trump Press Release on Signing H.R. 6201 into Law (link)
Senate Leader McConnell Remarks on Passing H.R. 6201 (link)
Speaker of the House Pelosi Statement on Passing H.R. 6201 (link)