March 10 - The health and well-being of millions of Americans remains our highest priority. Health insurance providers are committed to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus strain 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.
While most reported cases of COVID-19 are in other countries, the number of cases in the United States continues to increase. Here are some ways health insurance providers are taking action. Please visit this page for ongoing updates from the industry.
- Anthem will cover the cost of coronavirus testing with no out-of-pocket cost. Anthem also confirms that prior authorization is not required for diagnostic services related to COVID-19 testing. The company recommends using telehealth when possible to help prevent the spread of a virus. It is also encouraging its members to talk to their doctor about whether it is appropriate for them to change from a 30-day supply of their regular medications to a 90-day supply.
- BlueCross BlueShield Of Tennessee will waive all member co-pays and cost sharing on FDA-approved testing for COVID-19. This coverage decision applies for BlueCross members in insured group, individual, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans. Employers who offer self-funded plans have the option to include COVID-19 testing as a preventive benefit without cost-sharing for their employees.
- Bright Health will cover diagnostic testing for COVID-19 with no cost sharing.
- Cigna is covering the cost of coronavirus testing, waiving all co-pays or cost-shares for fully insured plans, including employer-provided coverage, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and individual market plans available through the Affordable Care Act. Organizations that offer Administrative Services Only (ASO) plans will also have the option to include coronavirus testing as a preventive benefit. Recognizing that health outbreaks can increase feelings of stress, anxiety and sleeplessness and in some cases, loss, Cigna is also staffing a second phone line for customers.
- Humana will waive out-of-pocket costs associated with COVID-19 testing. This applies to Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and commercial employer-sponsored plans. Self-insured plan sponsors will be able to opt-out. The company is also waiving telemedicine costs for all urgent care for the next 90 days, and is allowing early refills on regular prescription medications.
- Oscar will waive cost-sharing for diagnostic testing for COVID-19, and continues to offer telemedicine services at no cost.
- United Healthcare will cover the cost of doctor visits and testing for COVID-19, waiving member costs for approved diagnostic testing for all commercially insured, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid members. United Healthcare will also work to support self-insured customers who choose to take similar actions. The company has also opened Optum's Emotional-Support Help Line, free of charge to anyone who may be suffering from fear or stress of COVID-19.
America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) will continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19 closely. We are working with our members to continue delivering affordable access to high-quality health care that Americans deserve.
For more information, please visit our Fact Sheet.