Bill Text: MI SR0107 | 2019-2020 | 100th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to urge the federal government to fund the medical costs associated with testing and mandatory hospital stays for the novel coronavirus.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 7-1)
Status: (Passed) 2020-03-10 - Adopted [SR0107 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2019-SR0107-Enrolled.html
AS ADOPTED BY
SENATE, MARCH 10, 2020
senate Resolution No.107
Senator McMorrow, Alexander, Bullock, Chang, Geiss, Johnson, Moss and Wojno offered the following resolution:
Whereas, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), also commonly referred to as the 2019 novel coronavirus, is a mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Many patients with the most severe complications have developed pneumonia in both lungs. Older adults and people with underlying health conditions have the greatest risk of developing serious illness. The mortality rate appears to be higher than that of influenza; and
Whereas, The rapid spread of the disease coupled with its higher mortality rate has raised international concerns about the outbreak. The novel coronavirus was first detected in China but has spread to nearly 70 locations internationally, including the United States. The U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency for the United States, signaling the serious threat to public health posed by the virus; and
Whereas, Early detection of the disease, containment of cases through quarantine or self-isolation, and access to treatment for patients are imperative to prevent the spread of the virus and protect the health of the public; and
Whereas, The uninsured and underinsured may forgo testing and medical treatment to avoid costly medical bills, thereby increasing the likelihood that the novel coronavirus will spread. Some individuals and families already face thousands of dollars in medical bills for quarantine and hospitalization related to the virus; and
Whereas, The cost of testing may be a barrier to some patients. Even though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided initial test kits to public health departments for free, the cost of testing may vary by state. It is also unclear how much commercial tests will cost if private laboratories bring them to the market; and
Whereas, The Director of the CDC has the authority to provide federal payment for the care and treatment of people who are subject to medical examination, quarantine, and isolation under federal regulations. Covering the costs of testing and mandatory hospital stays would help ensure that affected patients seek testing, receive the proper care, and take appropriate steps to prevent further spread of illness; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we urge the federal government to fund the medical costs associated with testing and mandatory hospital stays for the novel coronavirus; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
