Last week Fair Health released an analysis of charges and payments for COVID-related medical care. Here are the key findings based on data from January through May.
- Median estimated allowed payment for hospital care was $24,012 for people 51-60 years old
- HOWEVER – costs varied significantly around the country, especially in the western US
- 30% of people diagnosed with COVID19 were 51-60
- However, the average age appears to be dropping by about 15 years
- 54% of those diagnosed were male, 46% female
- About 6% of diagnoses were made via telehealth
- Patients’ past medical conditions weigh heavily on outcomes; the most common comorbidity involved kidney disease.
What does this mean for you?
- The median cost of hospital care for COVID patients isn’t that much.
- Patients with significant comorbidities will suffer more, require more treatment, and thus incur more costs.
- Another study found almost all patients hospitalized for COVID had comorbidities.
- While “only” one in 20 diagnoses were made via a telehealth visit, it is highly likely that percentage will (or already has) increase(d).
- Remember – this is based on data through the end of May; you can be sure things have evolved since then. For example, a best guess is 10-20% of those diagnosed with COVID end up hospitalized – but that is a guess, and does not account for undiagnosed cases (which may be several times higher than those diagnosed).
