U.S. Covid Program Leaves Uninsured With ‘Bills They Can’t Pay’

The federal program to pay for Covid-19 medical services for the uninsured is only covering a fraction of the cost for millions who contract the virus but lack coverage, leaving Americans saddled with debt and hospitals with mounting bills.

The government designed the program to pay hospitals, laboratories, and doctors who care for the uninsured, instead of providing insurance of some kind to those who lack it, hospital executives and industry observers said.

More than a third of the cost of coronavirus tests or care provided to the uninsured this year has gone uncompensated by the government, hospital groups said. ...