Insurance Companies Are Expected To Foot the Bill for COVID-19 Vaccinations
It is nearly seven months into the coronavirus crisis in the U.S. and, according to the CDC, almost 1.7 million citizens have contracted the disease. This is just the number of reported cases. It does not include those that do not seek medical care nor the potentially high count for people who contract the disease but are asymptomatic. Furthermore, those without health insurance are less likely to seek care. During these times, obtaining affordable insurance from a health insurance broker Santa Rosa is critical.
The official death count from COVID-19 is nearly 180,000 and rising. Much like the case count, the real toll is quite possibly significantly higher. In the beginning months of the pandemic, there would have been numerous deaths wrongly attributed to other causes. It could take some time for those numbers to be teased out of the existing data. In addition, individuals who do not seek treatment and die from the disease may not get counted because they were not tested.
Winter Is Around the Corner
The pandemic is showing no signs of ebbing in this country. Where some areas are demonstrate marked improvements, far more are seeing sharp rises. The summer did nothing to slow the spread and winter is around the corner. The colder weather is likely to drive cases further upwards as people are stuck inside, in close quarters with others. When outdoor socialization isn’t an option, the likelihood that more people will congregate indoors is high, which significantly increases the risk of spread.
The Race Is On
With a global population sitting at 7.8 billion people, herd immunity could take generations. The only real hope for taming this novel coronavirus is through successful anti-viral medications and a vaccine. Scientist are working feverishly to develop a successful vaccine. Even so, it could be months before it is widely available. Though the U.S. government is likely to fast track approval without the typical months-long testing process normally undertaken, we are still several months away from USDA approval of a viable formula.
Clinical trials for potential candidates are currently underway. The White House has indicated that it anticipates a vaccine will be made available to the public early in 2021. The administration has further set in motion an initiative to put millions of doses into circulation quickly, covering up to 300 million within the first few months of the new year. These doses are to be distributed according to need, with those at highest risk receiving priority over those who are less vulnerable.
The Role of Health Insurance Companies
The Affordable Care Act categorizes vaccines as preventative care and expects that insurance companies cover them at no cost to the insured. The COVID-19 vaccine, when it finally arrives, will be no different in that regard. The current administration has indicated that it expects vaccine administration to be completely covered, which means that no copays will be charged to the patient. The major difference for this new vaccine is in the number of people who will need to be protected against the virus, even when millions will already have the antibodies and not require inoculation.
Get Affordable Health Insurance in Sonoma County
Sackett & Associates Insurance Services can help you find the health insurance you need at affordable prices. Contact us today at (707) 823-3689 to get covered today.
