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Here's a calculation to consider. Would it be more expensive to subsidize the income of a $15/hr worker for a year, or treat them for a COVID infection? I've he
by programmarchy 6y ago
Here's a calculation to consider. Would it be more expensive to subsidize the income of a $15/hr worker for a year, or treat them for a COVID infection? I've heard treating COVID patients can cost up to $40K in resources.
- lucaspm98 6y agoIt might not be a good idea to put a dollar value on lives, but considering <1%-5% of cases require hospitalization the cost of subsidizing lower income workers is incredibly higher even at $40,000 a patient.
- programmarchy 6y agoWasn't trying to do that, but I see how my statement comes across that way. With something like UBI calibrated between $1-2K/mo, a worker could make the risk calculation themselves. Right now, low income workers don't have much of a choice, so are being forced to risk their health. UBI gives them an out.
- umanwizard 6y agoIt might cost “up to” 40k, sure, but certainly not commonly. The vast majority of people with covid don’t need to go to the hospital at all.
- mikeyouse 6y agoAnd some do, and require over $1.1M in services. Hence risk pooling insurance. https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/inspiring-story-of-seattle-mans-coronavirus-survival-comes-with-a-1-1-million-dollar-hospital-bill/ https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/inspiring-story-of...