The health insurance industry has been responding as fast as they can to the treatment of COVID-19. This started as a health crisis and has now turned into a financial crisis.
The health insurance industry has made multiple changes concerning COVID-19.
Testing
With most health insurance companies, there is not member cost for being tested for the virus.
This included video medicine and telemedicine, as the industry is steering initial treatment to these resources in an attempt to limit exposure to the virus. Here is an Anthem resource on finding locations for testing.
https://www.anthem.com/microsites/covid19-assessment/covid-finder.html
Treatment
Most health insurance companies are waving member cost for the treatment of COVID-19. This includes waiving co-pays, deductibles, and coinsurance. The insurance carrier will list types of services that are covered at no cost.
Prior Authorization
Most insurance companies have modified their requirements for prior authorization with a diagnosis of COVID-19. This does include pharmacy benefits.
With most elective surgeries being postponed because of the virus, your authorization may only be suitable for 90 days.
Prescription Drug
Most carriers are allowing a member to early refill their medication to make sure patients do not have a disruption in treatment.
Group Health Insurance eligibility
Most insurance companies have relaxed eligibility requirements to remain on the group health plan.
Insurance Companies response:
Most of the large insurance companies are working with government entities and providing information into the treatment of COVID-19. What’s the time after diagnosis to being admitted into the hospital? Length of stay in the hospital.
