| It's bad enough that millions must worry about contracting Covid-19. Americans also have an additional concern that's unique among developed nations: the potentially high cost of seeking treatment for infection. A fragmented and opaque health system makes it hard for anyone to know what they might have to pay. About 27 million Americans lack health insurance, and they might have exposed themselves to large bills if they sought virus testing or treatment over the past few weeks. Forthcoming legislation may cover testing for that population, and President Donald Trump's emergency declaration could help cover the cost of care. It's unclear how far he'll go, however. The issue went unmentioned during a Friday press conference, and the administration has reportedly refused to let states use Medicaid to provide a more robust safety net. Those with coverage aren't in the clear. President Trump assured the nation that insurers will eliminate co-payments for tests and treatment during an Oval Office speech Wednesday, but that's false in several respects. The industry's lobby later clarified that this policy covers only tests. Even that guarantee of cost-free diagnosis comes with a caveat. Millions of Americans get coverage from self-funded employer plans in which insurers play only an administrative role. Many such plans will likely cover tests, but only Congress can force the matter. ER visits and hospital stays are a bigger financial risk. Many Americans must pay for a growing portion of their health costs before their coverage kicks in, and hitting a four-figure deductible doesn't mean they're done paying. For example, a majority of employer plans require coinsurance for inpatient hospital services. That means enrollees must pay a percentage of often very high charges. The Affordable Care Act caps out-of-pocket expenses, but a hospital visit is still a ticket to significant financial stress. Fortunately, older Americans who are in the most danger have Medicare and less liability. But there are plenty of younger people with risk factors for severe illness that could end up with serious medical bills. Government patches could help people avoid some of these costs. It might be preferable, though, to work toward a health system that doesn't have to scramble to make care affordable in the middle of a pandemic.--Max Nisen | 
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