According to estimates by FAIR Health, who analysed over 30 billion private health-care claim records and included Medicare/Medicaid cost, contracting COVID-19 can be dramatically expensive even when you're insured.
The darkest estimate suggests that a person without insurance could pay up to $74,310 and at best a still-stunning $42,486. For those with insurance it's much better but still a 5-digit bill should be anticipated, a piece of $21,936 to $38,755 bill that would be shared with the insurer in proportion depending on individual insurance plan.
These estimates include a 6-day hospital stay, while for some patients with COVID-19 the stay might have to take significantly longer. The Kaiser Family Foundation released its own estimates for insured Americans, which suggest out-of-pocket expense could reach $9,763 without complications and more than double, $20,292, if complications occur.
With this in mind it's only wise to avoid the cost when possible. That's why social distancing is crucial whenever possible and if you have mild symptoms, use services like telehealth for advice. As long as your symptoms are mild, you will most likely be able to get through the infection at home, resting as much as possible, ensuring you are hydrated and taking regular flu drugs. Keep in mind that your isolation in such cases is not just a matter of your health, but of the wider public health.
Kim Buckey of DirectPath, organisation aimed at helping employees make informed healthcare decisions, has a few suggestions for those, whose state may require hospitalisation. Aside from phoning your doctor, urgent care provider or telehealth services, it's important to have someone trusted who would compile information on all procedures carried out in your case in order to keep track of the cost. At least a portion of these costs can be covered externally or waived. That person doesn't have to visit you, they can just call the facility as long as you include them in your authorisation form when beginning treatment.
