It's a tough call. So if the patient winds up in the hospital, that $2k will be spent pretty quickly... not even addressing the potential health ramifications.
As is typical in the health profession, different folks are treated differently by different docs.
Case in point, I tested positive at home, called the doc and within 3 hours I was picking up the Paxlovid script.... based only on a self home test. AND FWIW, I was a boosted patient, though, some 5 months since last boost.
I've known others with similar experiences. BUT, I also know others that were denied a treatment due to lack of enough "factors."
And yes Pax cleared me up within a day, though I know others that have had minimal impacts, but no one hospitalized.
So, in my opinion, there is no absolute in this arena. Take what wants to when one can get it.