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The novel coronavirus has completely transformed everyday life. It has shaken markets around the globe and prevented us from supporting local business, causing a historic spike in unemployment. It has jeopardized the health and well-being of our communities and without a vaccine, cure, or firm reopening of the United States economy in sight, many are bracing for prolonged negative economic growth. Especially in a pandemic, the downturn draws attention to health savings and the insurance landscape in the United States.

To buttress the economy and make access to coronavirus testing more affordable, the United States Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). CARES guarantees reimbursement for any FDA approved coronavirus test and stipulates a number of other relief efforts including stimulus checks (many of which have already arrived in bank accounts) and small business and economic disaster loans. And the work is not done.

Further governmental response has come in the form of state action. Nearly all 50 states had issued stay-at-home orders and for the first time in American history, all 50 have simultaneous disaster declarations, thereby releasing emergency funds.