The case for the federal government picking up the cost of all COVID-19 treatment for everyone, not just the uninsured, is compelling.* Benefits include:
- Eliminating inhibitions about seeking treatment, thereby helping to contain contagion as well as saving lives.
- Avoiding a major channel of financial harm at a time when tens of millions are likely to suffer extensive financial harm.
- Establishing a unified database of treatment/results.
- Paying providers swiftly while eliminating price-gouging via balance billing (which enacted COVID-19 legislation has so far enabled at providers' behest).
At the same time, as we pile on trillions in federal debt with abandon, there's no reason that private insurers and self-funded health plans shouldn't pay their fair share.
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