Below is the letter I just sent to my PA reps (Casey, Toomey, and Doyle) which was composed as a result of the response I received from my doctor's office about my request to be tested for the virus. I find the response of our healthcare system and our federal government to be completely unacceptable!
Dear Sirs:
I am someone who travels frequently for business. 2-4 times per month. Just to give you an idea of the frequency of my travel, as of January 1st I have already logged 38 flight segments and over 30k miles. I do not travel internationally, however I do travel into and out of airports that have a vast number of international passengers. I am currently experiencing some of the mild symptoms of Covid-19, but not all of the symptoms.
I reached out to my primary care provider and was told that unless I have traveled to one of the alert areas outside of the country, or have been in contact with someone who is confirmed to have Covid-19, I am not eligible to be tested and I should simply treat my symptoms as if it's normal for this time of year.
That is unacceptable! This is a serious issue and neither our privatized health industry or our government are taking this seriously!
I implore you to pass any and all legislation that includes robust testing and treatment! This is the health of our nation that is at stake! This virus does not discriminate between political ideals. Republican, Democrat, or Independent...the virus does not care! Not does it respect borders or travel bans. It doesn't care about the color of your skin, the country of your origin, or The God you worship. It is here and it needs to be dealt with!
Please do something!
I don't anticipate any action, but at at least I feel better now that I have shared my thoughts and experience with them.