Ebola and Your Health Insurance Plan
By: Mary Thompson, Capstone Brokerage President, October 22, 2014
Currently in the United States one of the biggest concerns is the spread of Ebola. It is a hot topic on the nightly news and it seems everyday there is more breaking information about the virus that is haunting Africa. Although the spread of Ebola in the United States is still considered unlikely Americans should still be prepared for emergency situations. Emergency include, natural disaster, fires, chemical spills, and yes even the spread of a deadly life threatening virus.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has up to date information about the Ebola Virus Disease. Some symptoms to be on the look out for are fever over 101.5, muscle pain, vomiting, etc. Many people are in a panic but according to the CDC the only way to become infected is to be in direct contact with someone showing symptoms of the virus.
The main concern is for healthcare workers that come in contact or treat someone with the virus. As of right now there are only a few documented cases of Ebola on US soil. Nearly all of the people who were quarantined by the city of Dallas, because they had contact with the patient who died of Ebola have completed the 21 day incubation watch period. All but two individuals, both nurses, have been cleared of the disease. Hopefully this is a sign that Ebola will be contained sooner rather.. Currently they are working on a vaccine to help decrease the spread of the virus.
As an individual you may be wondering how your Health Insurance plan will cover you in the event that you come in contact the Ebola. Should you become ill, you’ll be glad to know your health insurance company probably covers you for treatment of Ebola to same the extent it covers treatment of other diseases. If you have a major medical plan that meets the benefit standards of the Affordable Care Act more then likely your coverage would include the same standard co-pay, deductible and coinsurance amount that is listed on your healthcare policy.
Health care and life insurance costs have potential ramifications if Ebola is spread, but as of now it is predicted to have minimal impact on the insurance industry. An analysis from the Insurance Information Institute said, “Even in the unlikely event that the Ebola virus spreads to infect tens of thousands of adults in the United States, the financial impact will likely be quite manageable.”
Rest assured the most likely cost in caring for Ebola cases would be testing to see whether individuals have contracted the virus, and the cost of isolation of those affected. At this point the number of cases in the United States is still so low that the impact on health insurance coverage is expected to be minimal. Some individuals may have no health insurance, as was the case with the patient who died of Ebola at a Dallas hospital on October 8. In such cases, treatment costs will likely be absorbed outside the private health insurance system.
If you are concerned about how your policy will cover you if infected with Ebola contact your insurance agent for more information.
