Approximately three years ago the federal government mandated that the cost of COVID vaccines, treatment, and testing must be covered at no cost to the patient. Through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020 Arizona health insurance companies began covering these costs. On May 11th, 2023, most of these costs will now be subject to deductibles, co-insurance, and co-pays. Vaccines will still be covered at no charge until further notice.
Most rapid testing is affordable. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing will be much more expensive. PCR testing will cost in the $300 range. If an individual needs proof that they do not have COVID, say for work or to accompany a relative having surgery, many hospitals and employers require a PCR test. The downside to a PCR test is that they are so sensitive that they can detect COVID long after an individual is infectious.
When it comes to treatment, one of the most common prescribed medications for COVID is Paxlovid. The US government pays $530 per treatment course for this medication, a bulk discount rate. A less effective medication named Bebtelovimab costs $2100! Natural immunity is still free.
For now, COVID vaccines are available at no charge, but it is reasonable to assume that this will not always be the case. The federal government pays about $30 a dose today for Moderna vaccines. Recently, Moderna announced that they will charge $130 per dose in the near future.
It is suggested that individual’s login to their Arizona health insurance carrier’s portal and check for updates regarding COVID cost-sharing beginning in May 2023.