least common denominator

In March of 2020, when the CARES Act was passed, most people were focused on pay protections, primarily since they included sole proprietorships, a category that covers most so-called “gig workers.” A lot of its provisions also went into effect relatively quickly. But there was another provision in that act and the associated FFCRA that might have been missed, because it wasn’t about pay and it wasn’t effective until just this past Saturday.

Under that provision — which, at the time, I suspect many people, Congress included, may have hoped would not need to become an issue — health insurers are now required to cover over-the-counter COVID-19 tests without any sort of cost share. However, it’s not as easy as going down to the local pharmacy, showing your insurance card, and getting a test for free. There are some requirements that are involved.

( Keep Reading... )