Congress directed most insurance companies to cover test costs for insured patients in March, and has promised to reimburse providers for testing those who are uninsured.
But experts say there are gaps in the protection that can leave patients surprised with bills.
Coronavirus in Texas
As the coronavirus spread across the state, The Texas Tribune covered the most important health, economic, academic and breaking developments that affected Texans. Our map tracker showed the number of cases, deaths, tests and vaccinations in Texas from 2020-22.
Analysis: In Abbott’s hands, executive orders look like suggestions
Even as Gov. Greg Abbott is loosening his pandemic restrictions on people and businesses, he is buckling to opponents who protest that he’s moving too slowly. He’s undermining his own authority — and enforcement of the rest of his rules.
Coronavirus in Texas: Optional tests to help assess what public school students learned remotely
Our staff is closely tracking developments on the new coronavirus in Texas. Check here for live updates.
Watch: Texas Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick discusses the effects of the coronavirus on the oil and gas industry
We sat down for a live virtual event with Craddick to discuss her take on oil prices, Texas’ energy industry and the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Texas’ age limit for mail-in ballots discriminates against Latinos, LULAC argues in new lawsuit
The civil rights group is raising questions of constitutionality and violations of the federal Voting Rights Act because the pool of voters eligible to vote by mail based on age is predominantly white.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton warns Austin, San Antonio, Dallas to loosen coronavirus restrictions
Paxton’s office said that there could be litigation if cities do not pull back coronavirus restrictions related to masks, sheltering in place and religious services.
Texas prisons to begin widespread coronavirus testing for inmates with self-administered tests
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice said it will begin having prisoners test themselves with a newly approved test. So far, less than 2% of state prisoners have been tested for the virus. More than 1,700 have been infected, and 30 have died.
Complaint filed over Texas AG Ken Paxton’s tactics to limit mail-in voting
In a series of tweets and a public statement, Paxton said eligibility for absentee voting has not been expanded. But a state judge’s order says otherwise.
Texas Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick says recovering from oil and gas downturn “is going to be painful”
Craddick told The Texas Tribune in a live interview that a global price war and the coronavirus pandemic will continue hampering the state’s economy and budget.
As her party railed against attempts to expand mail-in voting, a Texas GOP congressional candidate gave a “green light”
Kathaleen Wall, a Republican activist and donor in a runoff for a battleground U.S. House seat, has said the secretary of state expanded who is eligible to vote by mail. The secretary of state’s office says that’s not true.



