The Right Way to Pull Back on Covid Spending
Transitioning coverage to the private sector makes sense for the US. But the government still needs to prepare for future pandemics.
Time to move on.
Photographer: Sven Hoppe/DPA/Getty Images
By early next year, the US government will likely run out of money to pay for Covid-19 vaccines, tests and treatments. Although President Joe Biden has requested an additional $22 billion from Congress, Republicans are in no mood to continue splurging on the pandemic — not least because so much relief money has already been misspent.
Shifting more costs to the private sector makes sense, but some level of government funding is still necessary to protect the vulnerable and stay ahead of future threats. The administration and lawmakers should agree on a more limited approach that focuses on those most in need and ensures that the US is still prepared to fight the next pandemic.