If you’re concerned about the novel coronavirus outbreak currently sweeping the globe, perhaps we can offer at least one bit of good news: Health insurance companies in California, New York, Vermont, and Maryland have waived all out-of-pocket fees associated with coronavirus testing.

This means that if you show symptoms of the virus, and head to your physician or hospital for the test, you won’t be required to pay your normal per-visit fee.

It is possible other states will soon follow suit. President Trump just signed a spending package worth $8.3 billion, aimed at reducing the spread of the outbreak and addressing patient needs. This funding will go toward testing as well, although at current time the requirements for receiving a test remain unclear.

Currently, more than 500 cases of the novel coronavirus have been diagnosed in the United States, with our own death toll standing at 22. Worldwide, the virus has infected more than 114,000 and killed more than 4,000.

Between two and fourteen days after exposure, patients with coronavirus notice the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing/wheezing

The illness is typically more severe in those with known health complications, including asthma, other breathing disorders, or suppressed immune systems. The elderly tend to experience more trouble with the illness as well. Yet, regardless of your state of health, testing is important in order to detect and quarantine patients so that we can reduce spread of the virus to the most vulnerable populations.

If you suspect you might have contracted the novel coronavirus – and remember, odds for that are still extremely low unless you have a known exposure risk – remember to call your physician or the emergency room before heading their way. Health officials have ordered certain preparations be made ahead of potential patient exams, so that the spread of the virus can be contained. Follow their instructions when arriving for your exam and test.