While getting tested for the coronavirus is normally free, treatment is not and can be very expensive. A recent analysis by the Peterson-Kaiser Family Foundation says it can cost anywhere from nine to 20-thousand dollars, depending on the severity of the illness, when combining an employer health insurance plan and out-of-pocket costs. Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital CEO Brian Evans says a lot of resources are needed…

And if a ventillator is needed, a longer hospital stay is often needed. Meanwhile, Evans says Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital has only treated a handful of serious patients so far. There’s been a huge range…

Evans admits hospital billing is unnecessarily complicated, mainly due to dealing with insurance companies, making it hard to provide an average cost of care. But he says they try to help people reduce the financial burden, including payment plans, where possible. The authors of the report say the issue is of even greater concern, at a time when there is also a greater risk of a recession and there are more people being laid off from their jobs.