The move raises questions about what precisely is an LDT outside of FDA jurisdiction and heightens concerns that poorly validated tests will enter the market and endanger public health.
Saying pooled testing for coronavirus was not for diagnostic purposes, Cigna had said it wouldn't reimburse for the method, but it plans to change its policy.
The funding package earmarks billions for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund and Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority.
Issued last week, the guidance said insurers were not required to reimburse such testing, which could impact coverage in schools, workplaces, and other settings.
The experts said that antibody testing cannot indicate an individual's immunity or help with return-to-work schemes but have use for public health agencies.
The bills would award grants to help public health laboratories purchase high-throughput instruments and to help support diagnostic testing outside of the lab setting.
The total relief package totals $484 billion, including $11 billion for states, localities, territories, tribes, and employers to scale up SARS-CoV-2 testing.
