Most private insurance plans will no longer waive COVID-19 costs

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KYMA, KECY/ CNN) - Many Coronavirus patients recovering from long hospital stays are surprised to find out that days of full COVID-19 coverage are over.

While most large insurance companies waived cost-sharing for COVID-19 care in 2020, that is no longer the case in 2021.

Now, coronavirus patients are seeing the kind of significant hospital bills typically associated with major health crises like cancer and other things.

A Kaiser Family Foundation analysis found that 72% of health insurance plans were no longer waiving out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 treatment, which means the majority of coronavirus patients are now responsible for their full deductibles and co-pays.

The study from the end of August indicates that the trend is likely to continue, with patients taking on more and more of their treatment costs.