The Obama administration released a memo permitting states to use Medicaid dollars to fund tools to fight Zika virus, according to The Hill.
Here are five things to know:
1. On June 1, CMS distributed the five-page letter, which says states can use the funding for tools including mosquito repellent and condoms. States can receive Medicare reimbursement for over-the-counter insect repellents if a medical provider issues a prescription.
2. The memo marks the first time the Obama administration has proceeded to clarify how states can use existing funding to combat the virus.
3. While President Obama initially requested $1.9 billion in Zika funding, the Senate truncated that amount to $1.1 billion and the House claimed it would provide $677 million. After failed attempts of approving a funding bill, the House and Senate will meet in June on their two funding bills.
4. States can use Medicaid funding to cover 90 percent of all family planning services such as oral contraceptives, emergency contraceptives and condoms.
5. The memo requires states to "cover all medically necessary diagnostic services related to the detection of a Zika virus infection."
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