Some Insurers Waiving Patient Payments For Coronavirus Hospital Visits
By Consumers For Quality Care, on April 1, 2020
![Some Insurers Waiving Patient Payments For Coronavirus Hospital Visits](https://consumers4qualitycare.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/GettyImages-535162543-860x400.jpg)
Aetna, one of the largest insurers in the United States, will be waiving patient payments for any time they spend in the hospital if they become sick with Coronavirus, according to a new Associated Press report.
Aetna’s policy will apply to their 3.6 million customers who have fully-insured coverage. Many insurers have waived fees related to possible treatments of the virus including telemedicine and testing.
The policy will come as a relief to many consumers worried about the potential for financial ruin if they become sick with the virus. Earlier this month, one uninsured woman was notably given a bill for over $30,000 for Coronavirus treatment.
The decision also highlights the high cost of hospital stays generally. A recent study by Covered California found an average 12-day hospital stay can cost around $72,000 on average nationally. Even for an insured individual, that could leave them with a $6,000 bill.
Cigna and Humana recently adopted a similar policy to Aetna. The insurers both announced they are waiving patient cost-sharing on all treatment related to coronavirus.