Tuesday, March 3, 2020

As it should be in a national health emergency/pandemic

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced Monday evening that he would direct state health insurers to waive fees related to coronavirus testing in the state amid fears of an outbreak in the U.S.

In a series of tweets, Cuomo wrote that cost should not be a barrier for New Yorkers receiving screenings for the novel form of coronavirus behind an outbreak that began in China and has since killed more than 3,000 people worldwide, infecting tens of thousands more.

"I am announcing a new directive requiring NY health insurers to waive cost sharing associated with testing for #coronavirus, including emergency room, urgent care and office visits," Cuomo tweeted. "We can't let cost be a barrier to access to COVID-19 testing for any New Yorker."


  The Hill
The federal government should follow suit.

...but hey, do what you want...you will anyway.

UPDATE:
King County [Washington] Executive Dow Constantine immediately ordered the purchase of an area motel so patients in the Seattle suburb can be isolated while in recovery. The county has confirmed more than a dozen cases of novel coronavirus and five of the deaths occurred in King County.

[...]

Nationwide, more than 100 cases have been reported, with deaths only being reported out of Washington.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) declared a state of emergency Saturday, directing state agencies to prepare for and respond to an outbreak.

[...]

Researchers believe the coronavirus may have been spreading for weeks in the state, potentially infecting hundreds of residents.

  The Hill

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