Bill Overview
Title: No Cost for Monkeypox Testing Act of 2022
Description: This bill requires specified public health care programs and private health insurance to cover, through December 31, 2023, testing for monkeypox without imposing cost-sharing, including deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. (Monkeypox is a viral disease that is endemic to parts of Africa and causes symptoms similar to, but less severe than, smallpox.) The bill also establishes procedures for uninsured individuals to access such testing at no cost.
Sponsors: Rep. Maloney, Sean Patrick [D-NY-18]
Target Audience
Population: People potentially affected by monkeypox globally through Dec 2023
Estimated Size: 5000000
- Monkeypox is a viral disease affecting both humans and animals.
- The outbreak of monkeypox has been declared an epidemic concern in many parts of the world, indicating a potential to affect large populations.
- The disease is currently endemic mainly to certain areas in Africa but can spread to other regions, especially in epidemic circumstances.
- Persons with access to public health care programs, private insurance, or without insurance are covered by this bill, highlighting inclusivity to a broad demographic.
- Individuals at risk of infection or who show symptoms similar to monkeypox are directly impacted by the ability to access free testing, which can control the spread and treat effectively.
Reasoning
- We need to include individuals from various demographics, including those with and without insurance, as well as people from different socio-economic backgrounds and locations.
- The policy directly affects those worried about potential infection and those who might be symptomatic. Hence, we should focus on those demographics.
- The budget is limited to $350,000,000 for the first year, which influences how many people can realistically benefit from free testing. With a potential target population of around 5,000,000 in the US, prioritization might be crucial.
- Considering economic inequalities, the largest impact would likely be on uninsured individuals as they don't have other access avenues for free testing.
- The policy also affects insured individuals by reducing out-of-pocket expenses, which could marginally increase their wellbeing scores by alleviating financial stress.
- Since the policy ends in 2023, long-term effects on wellbeing will likely taper unless extended or reintroduced.
- The commonness factor allows us to reflect how typical an individual case is based on socio-economic spread of insurance coverage.
Simulated Interviews
Retail worker (New York, NY)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm worried about something happening and me getting sick because I really can't afford to pay for tests.
- This policy for free testing gives me a big relief in case anything happens.
- It's important because I work with the public all the time.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 3 |
Freelance artist (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's a good initiative because freelancers like me usually don't have insurance.
- It could be helpful to have access to free tests, especially since I travel often for work.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Software engineer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While my insurance covers a lot, it's nice to know I won't incur any costs if I need testing.
- This policy doesn't impact me much financially, but I think it's important for public health.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Retired (Miami, FL)
Age: 59 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Since I'm on Medicare, I appreciate knowing this policy extends to me too without extra charges.
- This could encourage more people to get tested if they're worried.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Construction worker (Houston, TX)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having kids means worrying about their health and costs if they needed testing.
- We would actually use this policy if monkeypox cases popped up in the area.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
University student (Portland, OR)
Age: 25 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's good to see testing being emphasized because health issues are stressful for students.
- I'm concerned about costs usually, so this policy is reassuring.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Healthcare worker (Chicago, IL)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a healthcare worker, staying informed and safe is critical. I appreciate no-cost testing even with insurance.
- This policy definitely helps, knowing colleagues might use it too.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Small business owner (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm always cautious because of my health history and I appreciate relevant policies like these.
- I might not need it directly but it feels safer knowing it's there.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Non-profit consultant (Boston, MA)
Age: 32 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We work with communities that often can't afford unexpected health costs, so this policy will help many I know.
- Personally, it doesn't change my financial situation, but it supports a broader public health need.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Photographer (Denver, CO)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I travel a lot, so knowing I can get tested anywhere without cost helps relieve some stress.
- This policy might not be life-changing, but it's definitely positive for people like me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $350000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $450000000)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The policy encompasses an urgent public health response, emphasizing the need for strategic resource allocation during epidemic concerns.
- The comprehensive inclusion of uninsured individuals aligns the strategy with public welfare goals, enhancing health equity.
- Budget allocations will need to strategize covering costs traditionally borne by individuals, impacting insurer and government program budgets in the short term.
- Potential for outbreak escalation globally and domestically underscores the proactive testing stance.