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 |
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Aetna |
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Anthem Blue Cross |
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Blue Shield of California |
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CCSB |
Members should refer to their enrolled carrier for guidance |
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Health Net |
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Kaiser Permanente® | Screening/diagnostic testing provided at no cost. | ||
MediExcel Health Plan |
Screening/diagnostic testing provided at no cost |
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Oscar Health |
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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 | ||
Sutter Health Plus | Screening/diagnostic testing provided at no cost | ||
UnitedHealthcare |
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Western Health Advantage | Screening/diagnostic testing provided at no cost |
Ancillary Partners
CARRIER | RESOURCES |
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MetLife | |
Unum |
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:
- What you need to know about the coronavirus disease [Chinese] [Spanish]
- What to do if you are sick with the coronavirus disease [Chinese] [Spanish]
- Stop the spread of germs [Chinese] [Spanish]
- CDC Frequently Asked Questions and Answers [Chinese] [Spanish]
- CDC Symptoms of coronavirus disease [Chinese] [Spanish]
- CDC Coronavirus Website
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.