In the third year of COVID-19's rampage in the United States, the virus has still killed more than 200,000 Americans. While U.S. politicians have promoted a "Coexistence with COVID-19" policy by claiming that COVID-19 is equivalent to seasonal flu after several mutations, the death toll is actually more than four times that of a "bad" flu season. The continuing number of new cases and deaths in the U.S. (as of November 21, data indicate a daily average of 41,530 cases, 27722 hospitalized, 3,331 In I.C.U.s, and 294 deaths) and the prospect that the continuing, widespread global transmission will produce dangerous new variants do not in any way convince us that the COVID-19 crisis is over.

A $20 billion government COVID program that covered testing, treatment, and vaccine costs for the uninsured has been shut down. Additionally, by the end of 2021, almost all insurers had resumed charging hospitalized COVID-19 patients. A study based on the most recent data suggests that hospitalization for a serious case of COVID-19 could cost between $1,600 and $4,000 on average for many patients. Moreover, health insurers have a great deal of control over what their plans cover and do not cover, with "medical necessity" serving as one of their tools for denying claims. Even when prescribed by doctors, certain treatments for long-Covid conditions are not considered medically necessary or experimental, prompting insurers to deny claims.

The threat of high bills can deter some patients from seeking treatment even when they are very sick. We, as citizens of the United States, strongly urge the federal government to remedy its misguided COVID-19 policies that have resulted in so many people still having to deal with the effects of the COVID-19 today by:

1. Pay for the care of COVID-19 patients and provide compensation for COVID-19-related deaths.

2. Demand that insurance companies waive the costs associated with COVID-19 hospitalization throughout the pandemic.

3. Make COVID-19 testing, treatment, and care accessible and free for everyone, regardless of immigration status or insurance coverage. Low-income populations and communities of color are disproportionately affected by the health effects of COVID-19, but they continue to face obstacles in gaining access to life-saving medical treatment and care.