Insurers promise to cover coronavirus tests, relax coverage policies
So far, the CDC has picked up the tab for coronavirus diagnostics.
A major health insurance trade group is pledging its member plans will cover doctor-ordered testing for the coronavirus amid rising confusion and concern about who will bear the cost of care in an outbreak.
America’s Health Insurance Plans made the commitment Thursday, although it’s still unclear when insurers might have to start paying for tests. So far, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has picked up the tab for coronavirus diagnostics. The cost picture is expected to become more complicated as more private labs and academic medical centers launch their own testing. Thursday alone, commercial labs Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp and BioReference Laboratories announced they’d launch testing for the virus.
Cigna separately announced its customers will have access to coronavirus testing “as prescribed by health practitioners” and that it intends to waive co-pays and other forms of cost sharing.
AHIP also promised to take steps to dissuade patients from skipping tests or treatment due to cost concerns and potentially could waive co-pays. The trade group said it would begin relaxing policies on provider networks and referrals as well.
New York, Nevada and Washington state have already ordered health plans to waive co-pays and deductibles for coronavirus testing.
CMS Administrator Seema Verma applauded the move by insurers, noting she’d spoken with AHIP President Matt Eyles Thursday morning.
She told reporters earlier in the day that people who need to get tested should check with their insurance company about coverage but that it’s a “commonly covered” diagnostic. And she reiterated that state health departments are providing testing for free.
Vice President Mike Pence who is leading the White House coronavirus task force has given assurances that Obamacare plans as well as Medicare and Medicaid will cover any testing costs.
Brianna Ehley and David Lim contributed to this report.