Individuals will soon pay for COVID tests, vaccines

Once the COVID-19 public health emergency ends and the federally purchased supply depletes, individuals will pay for tests, vaccines and treatments. Insurance companies and manufacturers will set the prices; private insurance may not cover the over-the-counter tests anymore. Patients could need a prescription first for a PCR test. Most Americans are unaware of the change, according to experts. Without more protections or funding, health barriers will result, particularly for uninsured or underinsured Americans, many of whom have jobs putting them at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure. (The Hill article, 11/4/22)