The health and well-being of millions of Americans remains our highest priority. Health insurance providers are committed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. We are activating emergency plans to ensure that Americans have access to the prevention, testing, and treatment needed to handle the current situation
TESTING AND TREATMENT – At No Cost to Patients
For the growing number of Americans infected or worried about being infected with COVID-19, health insurance providers are providing peace of mind. Health insurance providers moved swiftly to proactively eliminate patient cost sharing for COVID-19 diagnostic testing and treatment – no copay, no coinsurance required. Health insurance providers are continuously monitoring the scope of the COVID-19 crisis and many have been extending their cost-sharing waivers through the end of 2020.
PRIOR AUTHORIZATION – Waived
The leaders of our industry have committed to accelerating access to care. Prior authorization is being waived for those seeking testing or treatment of COVID-19. This will speed patients’ access to appropriate treatment.
TELEHEALTH – Encouraging and Expanding
COVID-19 is threatening to overwhelm our health care system with infected patients. By waiving cost-sharing for telehealth
services and expanding telemedicine programs, health insurance providers are facilitating care for the many Americans who are at home and need care. Telehealth is especially beneficial for patients who are at a higher risk when leaving home to commute to the doctor’s office. For doctors, expanded telehealth eases the burden on our health system, allowing hospitals to care for people who need it most, while limiting the exposure of health care workers to the disease. It also means they can stay in business and keep seeing patients who need their care. And many doctors are being paid at the same rate as an in-person visit during this national emergency to help contain the spread of the virus. Health insurance providers have expanded their telehealth offerings to cover mental and behavioral health care. They also have been offering their members access to wellness apps and tools, as well as access to a wide network of specialist they can see virtually.