More Than Half of Insured Americans Have Been Charged for COVID-19 Test, According to LendingTree Survey

NEW YORK, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Social distancing and mask-wearing are crucial to controlling the coronavirus pandemic, but we shouldn't underestimate the importance of testing the population to monitor the spread of COVID-19. It is widely believed that coronavirus testing is always supposed to be free if you have health insurance, but according to a new LendingTree survey, that's simply not the case for many Americans.

LendingTree commissioned Qualtrics to field an online survey of 1,550 Americans, of which 801 said they have taken a coronavirus test. LendingTree found that over half of Americans who have been tested were charged for the COVID-19 test even though they had insurance. 

Key findings: 

• 61% of Americans who got a COVID-19 test were charged - The average cost of a coronavirus test was $77.
• 51% said they were charged even though they had health insurance
• Many patients disputed the charges, but not all succeeded. Almost 48% of Americans who negotiated the charges were successful.
• Another 23% negotiated the test charges but were unsuccessful in having the charges dropped
• 22% paid the COVID-19 test bill without disputing the charge
• About 1 in 5 paid for the COVID-19 test without negotiating. Although there are a few reasons why people didn't negotiate, 27% of Americans thought the charges were valid. 

To view full survey report: https://www.lendingtree.com/personal/coronavirus-test-cost-survey/.  
For additional information on how to negotiate COVID-19 test charges when applicable: https://www.lendingtree.com/personal/coronavirus-test-cost/.

About LendingTree: LendingTree is the nation's leading online marketplace that connects consumers with the choices they need to be confident in their financial decisions. LendingTree empowers consumers to shop for financial services the same way they would shop for airline tickets or hotel stays, comparing multiple offers from a nationwide network of over 500 partners in one simple search, and can choose the option that best fits their financial needs. Services include mortgage loans, mortgage refinances, auto loans, personal loans, business loans, student loans, insurance, credit cards, and more. Through the My LendingTree platform, consumers receive free credit scores, credit monitoring, and recommendations to improve credit health. My LendingTree proactively compares consumers' credit accounts against offers on our network and notifies consumers when there is an opportunity to save money. In short, LendingTree's purpose is to help simplify financial decisions for life's meaningful moments through choice, education, and support. LendingTree, LLC is a subsidiary of LendingTree, Inc. 

For more information, go to www.lendingtree.com, dial 800-555-TREE, like our Facebook page, and/or follow us on Twitter @LendingTree.

Media Contact:
Nadia Gonzalez (Mrs.)
[email protected]

SOURCE LendingTree

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