Economy

COVID test kits, treatments and vaccines won’t be free to many consumers much longer

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented surge in demand for testing, treatments, and vaccines, leading to a dramatic increase in costs for many consumers. As the pandemic continues to rage, the cost of these services is only set to rise.

The pandemic has already pushed up the price of the tests and treatments available to the public. In the United States, COVID-19 tests cost upwards of $100 and treatments can cost thousands of dollars. And while the vaccine is free to most people, many consumers are still paying out-of-pocket costs related to the inoculation, such as transportation and administration fees.

In addition to the rising cost of tests and treatments, many consumers are also facing increased costs associated with medical care. In some cases, insurance companies are requiring patients to pay a higher deductible or copay for covered services, including doctor's visits and hospitalizations.

The rising costs are taking a toll on many Americans, particularly those who are uninsured or have limited access to health care. According to a recent survey from the Kaiser Family Foundation, about a third of people with employer-sponsored insurance have had to delay or forgo medical care due to cost concerns.

The good news is that the federal government has taken steps to help offset the cost of COVID-19-related care. The Biden administration has expanded federal subsidies for people who buy health insurance through the Affordable Care Act, which will help make coverage more affordable for millions of Americans. The government has also extended a temporary increase in Medicaid payments to hospitals and other health care providers, which should help reduce out-of-pocket costs for consumers.

But ultimately, the rising cost of COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines means that many consumers will no longer be able to rely on them being free. As the pandemic continues, it's likely that more and more people will be forced to bear the burden of rising medical costs.