WINDERMERE, Fla. — Federal COVID-19 funding is ending nationwide.

A Central Florida doctor said it’s not just going to affect uninsured patients, but there could be a trickle effect towards the community.

Dr. Niral Patel is a physician at Windermere Medical Center. And today he’s celebrating.

“Today is my eight-year anniversary of Windermere Medical Center,” said Patel.

Patel said on average they see about 2,500 patients per month. But when the omicron surge hit right here at home, that number doubled.

That’s because they were one of the only clinics in the state to accept insured and non-insured patients for the monoclonal antibody therapy treatment. It’s a treatment that reduces the risk of hospitalization from COVID-19.

Now that the federal COVID-19 funding is ending, the clinic is still offering the treatment, just at a higher price. Something he says will affect everyone.

“I think overall it basically results in those patients having disproportionate access to medical care, having to pay money that they cannot afford. But more importantly, it’s impacting the entire community as a whole,” said Patel.

Patel said the treatment isn’t cheap.

“A monoclonal antibody test could cost anywhere from $450 to maybe even up to $2,000 in a hospital setting,” said Patel.

That cost isn’t just coming out of uninsured pockets. He said it has a domino effect on our community.

“It’s impacting the hospital system to have patients seen (for) something that could be easily treated or managed as an outpatient. But now they’re ending up in a hospital setting, which only over burdens the system,” said Patel.

Since the federal COVID-19 funding is ending, that also stops free COVID-19 tests, as well as the vaccine.

Patel said a test can cost you anywhere between $40-60. The COVID-19 vaccine can cost upwards of $200-$300. Depending on people’s insurance, some COVID-19 related items could still be covered.