"As long as these tests are regulated as medical devices, the FDA has to regulate them not as critical public health tools, but as medical tools, with all of the onerous clinical trials that slow everything down 100-fold," Mina said on Twitter. In Germany, regulators have given special authorization to dozens of antigen tests. In June, the FDA warned people to stop using Innova Medical Group's rapid antigen test, saying the agency had "significant concerns that the performance of the test has not been adequately established." Yet in the U.K., which has contracts worth billions with the California company, the regulatory agency OK'd the product. The agency has taken a stricter stance than its European counterparts. Schrier said in the spring that test prices were high because "big companies are buying up all the supplies." In addition, "their profit is far higher making 1,000 $30 tests than 30,000 $1 tests" - in other words, they can make the same amount of money for many fewer tests. Even with the anticipated price decrease, a two-pack will be more than $15. More than a year ago, Abbott said it would sell BinaxNOW in bulk for $5 a test to health care providers, but that option isn't available over the counter to the public. Even so, according to a New York Times investigation, as demand for rapid tests cratered in early summer, Abbott destroyed its supplies and laid off workers who had been making them. Abbott Laboratories, for instance, cashed in on hundreds of millions of dollars in federal contracts and gave its shareholders fat payouts last year, increasing its quarterly dividend by 25 percent. But only a third would do so if the cost were $25.īillions of taxpayers' dollars have been invested in the products. Chan School of Public Health found that 79 percent of adults would regularly test themselves at home if rapid tests cost a dollar. Canada is doling out free rapid tests to businesses.Ī nationwide survey released in February by Hart Research and the Harvard T.H. provides 14 tests per person free of charge. In Germany, grocery stores sell rapid tests for under $1 apiece. Yet shortages, little competition and sticky high prices mean routine rapid testing remains out of reach for most people in the U.S., even if prices drop by 35 percent.Ĭonsumers elsewhere have much cheaper - or free - options. As schools open and much of the country languishes without pandemic-related restrictions, epidemiologists say widespread rapid-test screening - along with vaccination and mask-wearing - is critical to controlling the delta variant's spread. For those on Medicaid, the at-home tests will be fully covered, Biden said.Īn increased supply should help lower prices. The administration struck a deal with Walmart, Amazon and Kroger to sell tests for "up to 35 percent less" than current retail prices for three months. President Joe Biden said Thursday that he would invoke the Defense Production Act to make 280 million rapid tests available.
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