Health Disparities

Source: US News
Title: What Coronavirus Treatment Could Cost You
Date: March 16, 2020
STEEP Categories: Social, Economic 
Link: https://www.usnews.com/news/healthiest-communities/articles/2020-03-16/what-coronavirus-treatment-could-cost-privately-insured-patients
Brief Description: In recent days, the current number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S has reached over 4,200. Americans, specifically those with employer-based insurance, could be hit with high out-of-pocket medical costs if they're hospitalized from coronavirus. The health insurance industry have clarified that they will waive out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 testing but not treatment. 
Future Implications: Many Americans who contract the coronavirus will not seek hospitalization due to high out-of-pocket costs for treatment. 
Overall Effect: This trend confirms the baseline scenario where many Americans who are ill will not seek treatment from doctors due to their health insurance companies not providing full coverage. Only those who are financially stable enough to cover the high costs of out-of-pocket hospital fees will seek treatment if infected with the coronavirus. This leaves those who are of a lower socioeconomic status more vulnerable to being in critical condition and higher risk of mortality which contributes to widening the gap of health disparities between the rich and working class.
Timeliness (0-5): 5
Impact (0-5): 4
Scope (0-5): 4
Likelihood (0-5): 5
Urgency (0-5): 5