Health insurers are responding to the Coronavirus threat by offering members no-cost screening and diagnostic testing.
At this time carriers are still working on details surrounding whether they can offer premium deferral or extended grace periods for businesses impacted by shutdowns. For now, please continue to have your groups pay premiums as usual to ensure employees have access to coverage. Most carriers have a 30 day grace period before coverage is cancelled - be sure to check your groups specific policy for details.
Details surrounding the coronavirus are changing constantly. Please check back as this page will be updated as additional guidance becomes available.
| CARRIER |
ENHANCED BENEFITS1 |
RESOURCES |
TELEMEDICINE |
| Aetna |
- Screening/diagnostic testing provided at no cost
- $0 copay telemedicine through June 4, 2020
- Members diagnosed with COVID-19 will receive a care package with over-the-counter medications and cleaning supplies
- Early refill limits are waived on maintenance medications for all members with pharmacy benefits administered through CVS Caremark
- CVS Pharmacy will waive charges for home delivery of prescriptions
- CVS Health will help Aetna members that may be experiencing anxiety related to COVID-19 by:
- opening Crisis Response Lines
- providing plan sponsors with a Resources for Living toolkit
- expanding 24/7 access to the Aetna Nurse Medical Line
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| Anthem Blue Cross |
- Screening/diagnostic testing provided at no cost
- Relaxed early prescription refill limits for members who wish to refill most maintenance medications, where permissible.
- $0 copay telemedicine through June 14, 2020, including mental health, for fully insured plans, individual plans, medicare and medicaid, where permissible - includes LiveHealth Online and other telehealth providers delivering virtual care
- Expect Coronavirus assessment to be available through the Sydney Care Mobile App
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| Blue Shield of California |
- Screening/diagnostic testing provided at no cost
- $0 copay telemedicine withTeladoc through May 31, 2020
- Early refill limits are waived on maintenance medications
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| CCSB |
Members should refer to their enrolled carrier for guidance
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| Health Net |
- Screening/diagnostic testing provided at no cost
- Prior authorization for lab work will be waived for screening and testing
- Cost-sharing is waived for doctor office, urgent care and outpatient hospital (including emergency dept) visits for medically necessary COVID-19 related services
- Waived prescription refill limits for medically necessary COVID-19 related services, and relaxed restrictions on home and mail delivery of prescriptions
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| Kaiser Permanente® |
Screening/diagnostic testing provided at no cost. |
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| MediExcel Health Plan |
Screening/diagnostic testing provided at no cost
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| Oscar Health |
- Screening/diagnostic testing provided at no cost
- Continuing to offer $0 telemedicine through Doctor on Call for most members
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| Sharp Health Plan |
Screening/diagnostic testing provided at no cost - this includes hospital (including emergency dept), urgent care, provider office visits, and telehealth appointments for the purpose of screening and/or testing for coronavirus |
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| Sutter Health Plus |
Screening/diagnostic testing provided at no cost |
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| UnitedHealthcare |
- Screening/diagnostic testing provided at no cost
- Free Emotional-Support Help Line available for members suffering from fear or stress due to COVID-19, open 24/7
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| Western Health Advantage |
Screening/diagnostic testing provided at no cost |
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Ancillary Partners
| CARRIER |
RESOURCES |
| MetLife |
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| Unum |
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A Nationwide Response
The American Assn. of Health Plans (AHIP) says that health insurance companies nationwide are doing the following to address the Coronavirus COVID-19:
- Covering needed diagnostic testing when ordered by a physician
- Taking action to ease network, referral, and prior authorization requirements and/or waive patient cost sharing
- Taking action so that patients have continuous access to their regular prescription medications
- Developing solutions for state and federal policymakers so that changes to preventive services, benefit design, and treatment options can help people immediately
- Partnering with doctors, hospitals, and other care providers to ensure that effective treatment is available
- Sharing information with clinicians, mobilizing network providers, and coordinating through care management programs
- Educating members on the most effective ways to prevent the spread of this disease
Coronavirus Tips
AHIP is encouraging the use of telehealth, at-home care, and other technology-enabled options to expand access to care and avoid potential risks of infection. Many of our carrier partners offer telemedicine as part of their plans. The CDC offers the following coronavirus fact sheets:
Get more information from the Office of Public Affairs
1 Screening/diagnostic testing when ordered by the physician.
“Kaiser,” “Kaiser Permanente,” “Kaiser Foundation Health Plan” and the Kaiser Permanente Logo are registered trademarks or service marks of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., in the United States.
