WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. House of Representatives passed a multi-billion dollar aid package early on Saturday that aims to limit the economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic. The Republican-controlled Senate is expected to take it up this week.
Here is a look at major elements of the legislation.
FREE CORONAVIRUS TESTING
The bill would provide free coronavirus testing for those who need it. President Donald Trump’s administration has struggled to provide such tests.
The legislation would require private insurers to pay for all testing costs for people to whom they provide medical coverage. It also would cover testing costs for people who receive healthcare through government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.
It would provide $1 billion to the Disaster Medical System to cover costs for people without medical insurance, $82 million to the Defense Department, $64 million to the Indian Health Service and $60 million for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
PAID SICK LEAVE AND EMERGENCY LEAVE FOR SOME WORKERS
Roughly a third of U.S. employees, predominantly lower-paid workers, currently do not get paid when they stay home due to illness. Health officials have said the virus could spread more quickly if infected workers feel like they cannot afford to stay home without pay.
The bill would require governments and pr