Coronavirus News and Resources for Medicare Beneficiaries

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• Read the latest coronavirus (COVID-19) news

Below is a guide to help Medicare beneficiaries stay informed and better protect themselves against the coronavirus, including how Medicare coverage can help. 

What COVID-19 treatment and testing does Medicare cover?

Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) and some private Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plan carriers and Part D prescription drug plan carriers are responding to the pandemic in a number of ways.

• COVID-19 testing with $0 copays, coinsurance and deductibles
  Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage plans cover any COVID-19 test that was ordered after February 4, 2020, and is ordered by a doctor or other health care provider who accepts Medicare. No prior authorization is required.
  
  There are also no required out-of-pocket costs such as copays, coinsurance or deductibles for an approved coronavirus test or for a doctor’s office visit to be tested.
• Virtual doctor visits
  Some Medicare Advantage plan carriers such as Humana, Aetna and Anthem offer telemedicine services such as virtual doctor’s office visits by video or telephone, and some plans offer nursing hotlines you can call for answers to your health questions.
  
  Medicare Part B has also expanded its coverage of telemedicine services.
• Early prescription refills and up to a 90-day supply
  Some Medicare plans that offer prescription drug coverage now allow early filling of prescriptions and for an extended supply of certain drugs, up to a 90-day supply.

Additionally, some Medicare plan carriers are also offering benefits such as:

• Fee waivers for home delivery of prescriptions
• Online and on-demand exercise and wellness videos from the SilverSneakers program
• Free home delivery of select over-the-counter (OTC) items

Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plans will typically continue to cover the same out-of-pocket Medicare costs such as copays, coinsurance and deductibles that they covered before the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Check with your Medigap plan provider regarding any changes or updates to your coverage.

Are telehealth services for COVID-19 covered by Medicare?

Medicare does cover telehealth services related to COVID-19. In fact, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has actually expanded Medicare coverage of telemedicine services due to the outbreak. 

Health care providers can conduct video consultations with patients who are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19. This allows seniors to remain in the safety of their home while receiving care, as opposed to risking the contraction or spread of the infection by visiting a doctor’s office. 

Can I stock up on extra medication if I have to quarantine?

When COVID-19 was declared a national emergency, the rules for refilling certain prescription medications were loosened.

Medicare Part D plans and Medicare Advantage plans that include prescription drug coverage are now allowed to relax their “refill-too-soon” restrictions. This allows beneficiaries to stock up on an extended supply of their medications. 

If clinics and hospitals become overcrowded because of the outbreak, do I still have to remain in my plan’s network to receive care?

Because the COVID-19 outbreak was declared a national emergency, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D beneficiaries are able to receive qualified care outside of their plan’s network, if their Part D plan or Medicare Advantage plan includes a network of providers. 

During the period of declared emergency, Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover services at out-of-network facilities that participate in Medicare and charge the beneficiary a rate that is no more than what they would have paid at an in-network facility.

Part D plans must also ensure members have adequate access to covered medications at out-of-network pharmacies when the use of an in-network facility cannot be reasonably expected.

Part D plans are also given freedom to relax rules about mail-delivered medications. 

Will Medicare cover treatment for COVID-19?

There are currently 2 authorized COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. People who are already infected with the virus can be treated for the symptoms it causes.

Any treatment administered for the symptoms of COVID-19 will be covered in the same way those services and items are already covered by Medicare. 

The treatment methods being used to address the symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Medication to reduce fevers
• Fluids to reduce dehydration
• Respirators for supplemental oxygen

Medications used to treat a fever may be covered by a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug benefits.

Supplemental oxygen is typically covered by Medicare Part B. Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, while outpatient visits are covered by Part B.

If you are admitted for inpatient hospital care, your Medicare Part A deductible applies. The Part A deductible is $1,484 per benefit period in 2021.

If you receive medical care for symptoms of COVID-19, you’re typically responsible for 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for covered services after you meet your Part B deductible. In 2021, the Part B deductible is $203 per year.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans can help pay for some of the out-of-pocket Medicare costs listed above, such as the Medicare Part A deductible and Medicare Part B copays or coinsurance.

Is a COVID-19 vaccine covered by Medicare?

Yes, Medicare covers the COVID-19 vaccine.

The 2 federally authorized coronavirus vaccines are the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and the Moderna vaccine. Other companies are continuing to work on developing additional vaccines.

I live in a nursing home. Are there any special rules that apply to me?

Yes. Due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, the CMS has implemented the following Medicare nursing home guidelines:

• Visitation will be largely restricted to end-of-life situations
• All volunteers and nonessential personnel will be restricted
• Group activities and communal dining will be cancelled
• Residents and staff will be actively screened for fever and respiratory symptoms

Nursing homes are also taking extra steps as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including stocking extra soap and sanitizer and making face masks, disinfectant and personal protective equipment readily available. 

Explore your Medicare options

A licensed insurance agent can help you compare the Medicare Supplement plan options that may be available where you live. You can call today to speak with an agent and compare plan coverage, costs, prescription drug plan options and determine your eligibility to enroll.

You can also compare plans online for free, with no obligation to enroll.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQ

What is coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause anything from the common cold to more severe diseases like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS. 

Novel coronavirus is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. This strain leads to a disease called COVID-19.

How does coronavirus spread?

Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted to humans from animals.

For example, SARS was initially transmitted from a cat, and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) was first transmitted to humans from a camel.

It is not yet known which animal may have been the source for the newest strain of coronavirus, but it first surfaced in the Chinese city of Wuhan (which has a population of over 11 million people) in December. 

Once coronavirus is transmitted to humans, it spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets that are coughed, sneezed or exhaled into the air by the infected person and inhaled by another. These droplets can be inhaled by anyone within approximately six feet of an infected person.  

Coronavirus can also live on surfaces such as door handles or tables and be spread by touching your mouth or nose after coming into contact with the infected surface. 

It is estimated that each infected person will infect on average 2-3 additional people.

Who is affected the most by coronavirus?

Older adults and those with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and cancer are most at risk. 

A study in China showed that the average age to develop acute respiratory distress syndrome –or severe shortness of breath that requires the use of a ventilator –  as a result of coronavirus is 61 years old.¹

Older adults may also be at a higher risk of being exposed to the coronavirus. Millions of seniors reside in senior living communities, assisted living homes or nursing homes, putting them in close contact with other seniors.

Most of the first-reported COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. have been traced to a nursing home in Seattle, Washington.

Children appear to be at less of a risk. One study from the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CCDC) found that just 2% of coronavirus cases affected children under 18 years old, and of those, only around 3% developed a severe case of COVID-19.²

What are the common coronavirus infection symptoms?

Coronavirus infection symptoms typically appear 2-14 days after exposure to coronavirus and include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties

COVID-19 may also bring persistent pain or pressure in the chest and a bluish discoloration in the lips or face. 

More severe cases can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and death.

The mortality rate for COVID-19 has been estimated at around 2.3%, though that number may not represent the exact lethality of the disease, as not all cases of infection are reported.³ 

Some people who have tested positive for the coronavirus have shown only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. 

How is COVID-19 treated?

There is no current treatment for the coronavirus or COVID-19 itself. Infected persons are treated for their symptoms, such as taking steps to alleviate their fever and suppress their cough.

Supportive care such as oxygen therapy and fluid management can also be effective treatment for symptoms.  

Free coronavirus testing in the U.S

Coronavirus testing has been made free for people in the United States who have health insurance.

There are a few different ways to test for COVID-19.

• Swab test
  A swab is used to collect a sample from the nose or mouth
• Nasal aspirate
  A saline solution is injected into the nose and then removed with suction
• Tracheal aspirate
  A thin tube is inserted down the mouth and into the lungs to retrieve a sample
• Sputum test
  Sputum is a thick mucus that is coughed up from the lungs that can be collected in a cup or with a swab
• Blood test
  A blood sample is taken from a vein

Only certain facilities have been approved for coronavirus testing. If your health care provider thinks you should be tested for coronavirus, they will contact the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and refer you to a facility approved for testing. 

Coverage of the test is protected as an essential health benefit as dictated by the Affordable Care Act. 

The coronavirus test is covered by Medicare Part B, and you will pay nothing out-of-pocket for it if you are a Medicare beneficiary.

Is there a COVID-19 coronavirus vaccine?

There are currently 2 federally approved and recommended vaccines for COVID-19:

• Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine
• Moderna COVID-19 vaccine

There have been up to nine companies in the U.S. actively working toward the development of vaccines throughout 2020 and 2021, some of which are being backed by government funding. 

Medicare covers the coronavirus vaccine for all qualified beneficiaries. 

What should seniors do to stay safe from coronavirus? 

There are a number of things seniors can do to reduce their risk of exposure to the coronavirus. 

1. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
2. Only touch hard surfaces in public when necessary.
3. Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds multiple times per day, especially after using the restroom and being out in public.
4. Avoid close contact with others.
5. Use disinfectant on doorknobs, light switches, drawer handles, countertops, telephones and other surfaces that are frequently touched.
6. Practice good health habits like getting plenty of sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising, and drinking a lot of fluids.
7. Postpone any medical or dental appointments that are not urgent or immediately necessary. Health care facilities may be more susceptible to carrying the virus due to the number of sick people who frequent them each day.
8. Keep an adequate supply of food and household necessities along with at least a 30-day ration of any prescription medications, if possible. Consider using a mail-order prescription service to avoid trips to the pharmacy.
9. Consider using a home delivery service for groceries and meals.
10. Stay tuned to your local public health agency and local news outlets for updated information about the outbreak in your community. 

Face masks may help prevent the spread of the coronavirus from infected people. However, they are not believed to reduce the odds of contracting the coronavirus.

The latest Medicare news and updates on COVID-19

As of March 2, 2021, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has infected 28,456,860 Americans, resulting in 513,122 total deaths.⁴

Refer to the list below to stay up to date on the latest news related to COVID-19, the current coronavirus pandemic and what you may need to know as a Medicare beneficiary.

Be sure to check back in with this list so that you don't miss important updates.

Medicare to Nursing Homes: Follow COVID-19 Guidelines During the Holidays

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is calling on nursing homes to double down on COVID-19 safety protocols during the holiday season.

Learn more about Medicare nursing home guidelines during the holidays

Nearly Half of All U.S. Hospitals Will Lose Some Medicare Funding Due to High Patient Readmission Rates

Almost half of U.S. hospitals will reductions in Medicare payments in 2021 because of their readmission rates. These financial penalties come during an already hard time for hospitals reeling from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Learn more about these Medicare penalties

Medicare and Medicaid to Cover COVID-19 Vaccine, Even if Given Emergency Use Authorization

An updated White House ruling confirms Medicare will cover an eventual COVID-19 vaccine. This new policy closes a lingering loophole as to whether Medicare could cover the coronavirus vaccine.

Read more about the latest vaccine rules from Medicare

Medicare to Labs: Speed Up COVID-19 Test Results

Labs that return COVID-19 test results in two days or less will receive a higher reimbursement amount from Medicare than labs that give slower results.

Learn what Medicare is doing to increase testing speed

Study: Medicare Should Pay More for Long-Term Care Costs

Nearly 6 out of 10 Americans believe Medicare and private health insurance should bear more responsibility for covering the cost of long-term care. 56% say Medicare specifically should pay more.

Read more about the new survey

More Employers Favor Government Intervention into Health Insurance

A recent study shows private employers are increasingly in favor of government intervention into health insurance, including Medicare expansion and drug price regulation.

Learn more about the new research

Trump Aims to Send Seniors Gift Cards for Drug Spending

Seniors on Medicare may receive $200 gift cards for prescription drugs as part of President Trump’s America First Healthcare Plan.

Learn more about Trump's prescription drug cards

Supplementary Funding Aims to Help Nursing Home Residents on Medicaid Return to Community

COVID-19 has made nursing homes a more dangerous place for older Americans. Some additional funding for a key Medicaid program aims to help.

Learn more about COVID-19 nursing home regulations

2021 Medicare Advantage Plans: Falling Premiums and Increased Enrollment, Plan Selection

Data from the CMS projects Medicare Advantage premiums to drop in 2021 while plan selection and enrollment continue to increase.

Learn more about 2021 Medicare plan premiums

Surge in 2021 Medicare Advantage Plans Offering In-Home Care Benefits

Considerably more Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans will offer supplemental benefits for in-home care services in 2021 than ever before.

Learn more about 2021 Medicare plans and home health care benefits

Medicare Could Save Billions With New Surgery Protocol

A recent report highlights how much money Medicare saves when surgeries are performed at an ambulatory surgical center instead of a hospital outpatient facility. Future savings are expected to grow.

Learn more about projected Medicare savings

Medicare Loan Recipients May Get Relief From Congress

The repayment of more than $100 billion worth of Medicare loans handed out to hospitals as part of COVID-19 relief efforts may be extended and relaxed as part of recent legislation.

Learn more about the new bill

Technicality Jeopardizes Medicare Coverage of a COVID-19 Vaccine

The CARES Act states that if a vaccine for COVID-19 becomes available, it will be covered by Medicare. But a technicality potentially stands in the way of that happening.

Learn more about this potential coverage issue

Medicare to Hospitals: Report Coronavirus Data or Lose Funding

Medicare has issued a message to hospitals: Report your COVID-19 data or risk losing your Medicare reimbursement payments.

Learn more about Medicare requirements for hospitals during COVID-19

Some Nursing Home Residents to Reunite With Loved Ones

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services updated their guidelines for nursing home visitation including outdoor visits and clarified definitions of compassionate care for indoor visits during COVID-19.

Learn about new Medicare guidance for nursing home visits

Nursing Homes Receive Medicare Pay Raise for 2021

Nursing homes have been granted a 2.2% Medicare pay raise for fiscal year 2021.

Learn more about how Medicare funding for skilled nursing facilities will change in 2021

Hospitals Ask Medicare for Loan Forgiveness During COVID Crisis

The federal government granted $100 billion in Medicare loans to hospitals to keep them afloat during the COVID-19 crisis. Those hospitals are now asking for forgiveness of the loans.

Read about the impact COVID-19 is having on Medicare funding

Trump Issues Executive Order Intended to Lower Medicare Drug Costs

The White House issued an executive order in an attempt to lower Medicare drug costs. The order forces drug makers to use foreign drug pricing as a benchmark for how drugs are priced in the U.S.

Find out how Medicare drug costs may decrease in 2021

Medicare Proposal Aims to Increase Home Kidney Dialysis, Protect Beneficiaries From COVID-19

A new Medicare proposal incentivizes the development of innovative home dialysis machines in hopes of allowing more beneficiaries with ESRD to receive treatment from home.

Learn more about the new Medicare proposal

HEALS Act: New Coronavirus Relief Bill May Include Changes to Medicare

A second coronavirus relief package – the proposed HEALS Act – may contain some provisions that impact Medicare.

Learn more about how you may be affected

Has COVID-19 Put Your Insurance Coverage in Limbo? Here Are Some Options

COVID-19 has disrupted the health insurance coverage of many older adults. Here are the answers to some common insurance questions facing older adults in 2020.

Learn about your insurance options during COVID-19

Senior Guide to Face Masks: How to Select, Wear and Wash Your Mask

Face mask have become part of our everyday wardrobe during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. It's especially important for older adults to select the right mask, wear it correctly and wash it regularly.

Read our guide to face masks to learn how to shop for, wear and wash your mask

The Cost of Treating COVID-19: Remdesivir Costs Per Vial

Remdesivir has been used to successfully treat some patients with severe symptoms of COVID-19. The Chairman and CEO of Gilead Sciences recently commented on the costs Medicare beneficiaries and people with private insurance will face for remdesivir treatment.

Learn more about the costs of remdesivir

Study: Black Medicare Beneficiaries Nearly Four Times as Likely to be Hospitalized from COVID-19

Black Medicare beneficiaries are hospitalized for COVID-19 almost four times as frequently as Caucasian beneficiaries, and Hispanic Americans enrolled in Medicare are more than twice as likely as Caucasians to be hospitalized for the disease.

Learn about the latest research on racial disparities in COVID-19 outcomes

Medicare Special Enrollment Periods Granted Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak may have disrupted Medicare enrollment for some beneficiaries, so the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a pair of Special Enrollment Periods.

Learn about these enrollment periods and the actions you may take

How Do Different Parts of Medicare Cover Coronavirus (COVID-19) Treatment Costs?

Different types of Medicare coverage can help pay for COVID-19 treatment in different ways.

Learn more about your Medicare coverage options for COVID-19 costs

Medicare Coverage of Pre-Existing Conditions With Increased COVID-19 Risk

Certain pre-existing conditions can increase the risk for serious health complications as a result of COVID-19.

Learn how Medicare can help treat and screen for pre-existing conditions

Isolated at Home During COVID-19 Outbreak? You May Have Medicare Options

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many people into isolation. Some Medicare beneficiaries may have at-home options for things like mail-order prescription drugs.

Learn more about at-home Medicare benefits

Lost Your Employer Health Insurance During the COVID-19 Outbreak? You May Qualify for a Medicare Special Enrollment Period

If you lose employer health insurance during the COVID-19 outbreak, and if you didn’t enroll in Medicare at age 65 because you were still covered by your employer’s health insurance plan, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. 

Learn more about Medicare Special Enrollment Periods

Getting Help With Social Security or Medicare During the COVID-19 Outbreak

All of the Social Security offices in the U.S. are now closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This may have many people wondering how their enrollment or current benefits may be affected, or how they can get answers to their Social Security and Medicare questions.

Learn how you can get Social Security and Medicare help during the outbreak

CARES Act Economic Stimulus Money: Frequently Asked Questions

The federal government will issue stimulus checks to millions of Americans to help keep the economy afloat during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Read answers to some common questions many older adults may have about the stimulus money​

Some Private Medicare Plan Carriers Waive Cost-Sharing for Coronavirus (COVID-19) Treatment

Several private Medicare plan providers, including Cigna, Humana and Aetna, have taken measures to reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs (such as copays and deductibles) for plan beneficiaries who undergo treatment for COVID-19.

Learn more about how some insurance carriers are waiving certain costs during the outbreak

The CARES Act Economic Stimulus Package and Its Effect on Medicare

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act economic stimulus package is set to make a sizable impact on the health care industry in America.

Learn about how the CARES Act specifically affects Medicare payments

29 States Granted Medicaid Waivers Amid COVID-19 Outbreak

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved the Medicaid waiver requests of 29 states under section 1135 of the Social Security Act in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Learn about how these waivers help states combat the pandemic

Study: Medicare Spending Could Reach $115 Billion on COVID-19 Care

The COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to inflate Medicare spending by up to $115 billion over the next year, according to a recent study released by the National Association of Accountable Care Organizations.

Learn more about the potential effect that COVID-19 may have on Medicare spending

Medicare Investigation of Kirkland, WA, Nursing Home Results in New Inspection Protocols

Medicare completed an inspection of the nursing home in Kirkland, WA, that was the epicenter of the novel coronavirus outbreak in America.

Read about Medicare’s findings and new inspection guidelines for nursing homes 

Medicare Helps Doctors on Coronavirus Front Line by Extending Deadline for Quality Reporting

Medicare is easing the burden being faced by doctors during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak by extending the deadline for quality reporting measures. 

The deadline for reporting results has been extended in order to allow doctors on the front lines of the outbreak to focus on patient care.

Read more about what these Medicare guidelines mean for you

Medicare Beneficiaries Targeted by Scams During Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak

Some Medicare beneficiaries and other seniors are currently being targeted by scams such as the selling of fake COVID-19 tests and vaccines.

Learn about some of these scams and how you can protect yourself

Medicare to Hospitals: Halt Nonessential Surgeries and Dental Care in Wake of COVID-19 Outbreak

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has urged hospitals to delay nonessential surgeries to free up staff and resources for the wave of COVID-19 patients.

Read more about the official Medicare recommendations

Medicare Expands Telemedicine Coverage in Fight Against COVID-19

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will expand telemedicine services coverage nationwide in an effort to help seniors receive medical attention from the safety of their own homes and to help curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Learn about how seniors can utilize telemedicine in the wake of these changes

CMS Takes Measures to Help Nursing Homes in Fight Against COVID-19

Medicare is taking steps to keep nursing home residents safe amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Because nursing home residents are older and in close proximity to other older adults, nursing homes have become a dangerous breeding ground for the virus.

Read about what Medicare is doing to keep residents safe

Declaration of Emergency for COVID-19: What Does it Mean for Medicare?

Declaring the outbreak of COVID-19 a national emergency opened some doors for Medicare to take more aggressive steps in its fight against the pandemic.

Learn what a declaration of emergency means for Medicare beneficiaries

Medicare Announces Reimbursement Rates for Coronavirus Testing

Medicare recently released details about how COVID-19 testing would be reimbursed to health care providers administering the tests.

Learn what these reimbursement amounts are and how they differ according to the type of test

Federal Medicare Coronavirus Guidance for Private Insurance Plans

In the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic, the CMS released guidance on how Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans can properly respond to the outbreak.

Read more about Medicare updates for private plans

Coronavirus Test to Be Covered by Medicare

Vice President Mike Pence announced during a March 4 press briefing that the test for COVID-19 will be covered by Medicare and Medicaid, in addition to private insurance.

Learn how your Medicare or Medicaid insurance will cover the test and what you can expect to pay for a COVID-19 test

Senator Schumer to Calls for Medicare to Cover Vaccine

Schumer called for Medicare to cover the vaccine when one does become available, saying at a press conference that his plan to have Medicare fully cover the cost of the vaccine “will mean no senior will be forced to make the choice between shelling out and going without.”

Learn more about Medicare and potential vaccine coverage

Additional coronavirus resources for seniors

Below are some resources for updated news, information and tips about the coronavirus and COVID-19 that may be helpful to seniors:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  Stay up to date with the latest national coronavirus information from the CDC.
• American Red Cross
  Check out these safety tips and updates from the American Red Cross.
• World Health Organization
  The World Health Organization put together this instruction manual about how to care for someone at home who is suspected of having COVID-19.
• Harvard Medical School
  Explore these tips for caregivers who may be caring for someone with COVID-19, especially those who are caring for older parents.
• U.S. Department of Education
  The U.S. Department of Education compiled these helpful resources for teachers and other educational professionals looking to stay safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• United States Department of Labor
  The U.S. Department of Labor compiled this extensive list of coronavirus resources for working professionals from a number of different fields.

¹ Yanli Liu, et al. (Feb. 27, 2020). Clinical features and progression of acute respiratory distress syndrome in coronavirus disease 2019. medRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.02.17.20024166.

² The Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia Emergency Response Epidemiology Team. The Epidemiological Characteristics of an Outbreak of 2019 Novel Coronavirus Diseases (COVID-19) — China, 2020[J]. China CDC Weekly, 2020, 2(8): 113-122.

³ Worldometer. COVID-19 Coronavirus Outbreak. Retrieved February 1 from www.worldometers.info/coronavirus.

⁴ Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (March 2, 2021). Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the U.S. Retrieved March 2 from www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html.

Christian Worstell is a health care and policy writer for MedicareSupplement.com. He has written hundreds of articles helping people better understand their Medicare coverage options.