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The days of full covid coverage are over. Insurers are restoring deductibles and co-pays, leaving patients with big bills

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Jamie Azar

Jamie Azar

“The charges Azar anticipates would be budget-crushers…”

Jamie Azar was diagnosed with COVID-19 – now, she is contending with the burden of associated out-of-pocket medical costs, which insurance companies are quietly phasing out of their support pathways for patients.

“There was no federal mandate for insurers to cover all the costs for covid treatment.”

As we reported in June 2021, most insurance no longer covers COVID-19 treatment and care expenses, leaving patients with potentially significant out-of-pocket cost burdens. COVID-19 survivors like Jamie are forced to fundraise with Help Hope Live to meet their immediate medical needs.

She may face $5,500 in charges, including for her ICU stay, this year and in 2022.

Her insurance’s patient cost-sharing support for COVID-19 ended January 31, 2021.

“Even though it may not seem fair or seem right, it’s where we are.”

Written by Emily Progin