WASHINGTON – America’s leading doctors, nurses, clinicians, hospitals, health insurance providers, biopharmaceutical companies and employers are committed to working together in this unprecedented time to ensure every American can access the care they need and deserve. As we work to defeat and overcome COVID-19, America’s health care leaders are working together to strengthen employer-provided coverage.

For The More Than 180 Million Americans Who Rely On Employer-Provided Coverage, Many Insurers Are Waiving Costs And Providing Critical Resources To Meet This Challenge:

Health Insurance Providers Are Reducing Premiums During The COVID-19 Crisis. “Anthem has become the latest major health benefits provider to announce a premium reduction.  The company said it is returning $2.5 billion to its policyholders and health care providers with premium credits of up to 15 percent next month.” (Mark Huffman, “Major Health Insurance Companies Are Cutting Rates Due To COVID-19,” Consumer Affairs, 6/4/20)

Health Insurance Providers Are Providing Premium Discounts. “Anthem Inc. is joining the growing number of health insurers offering premium discounts, as the companies see savings from sharp drop-offs in surgeries and other types of care canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.  Anthem said it would provide $2.5 billion to customers, health-care providers and others in various forms, including premium credits of 10% to 15% in July for some individual policyholders and fully insured employers.  The big insurer follows others including Premera Blue Cross, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Priority Health, as well as UnitedHealth Group Inc., that have given discounts to some customers.” (Anna Wilde Mathews, “Health Insurers Offer Premium Discounts,” The Wall Street Journal, 6/4/20)

Health Insurance Providers Continue To Waive Customer Costs For COVID-19 Testing And Care. “Health insurance companies are extending practices that ensure beneficiaries can receive free Covid-19 testing and treatment during the pandemic.  At least five insurers, including Aetna and Cigna, have decided to lengthen the period for which they would waive out-of-pocket costs related to the coronavirus past the initial June 1 end date, according to America’s Health Insurance Plans, an industry trade group.” (Sara Hansard, “Insurers Continue To Waive Customer Costs For Virus Tests, Care,” Bloomberg Law, 5/29/20)

Comprehensive Health Insurance Plans Are Picking Up 100 Percent Of The Cost Of COVID-19 Testing. “All comprehensive health insurance plans must pick up 100% of the cost of coronavirus testing, as well as any visit to the emergency room, doctor’s office or urgent care center that may have led to that testing.  That includes any COVID-19 test deemed appropriate by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  Insurers must also provide free antibody testing for COVID-19 patients under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act that President Donald Trump signed into law last month.” (Walecia Konrad, “Does Your Health Insurance Cover You For COVID-19?,” CBS News, 4/21/20)

Surge In COVID-19 Health Care Costs Spurs Providers To Assist Americans. “Insurers are taking steps to alleviate the financial impact.  CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield will let consumers defer up to two months on premium payments with no interest or penalty.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming is waiving out-of-pocket costs and deductibles for coronavirus treatment through June 30.  ‘Health-insurance providers are making new announcements every day about how they’re proactively working to care for Americans during the Covid-19 crisis,’ said Kristine Grow, a spokeswoman for America’s Health Insurance Plans, an industry group.” (Stephanie Armour & Kristina Peterson, “Surge In Coronavirus Health-Care Costs Spurs Washington To Seek Relief,” The Wall Street Journal, 4/18/20)

“Insurers Are Moving To Expand Networks And Provide Virtual Primary Care Plans At Lower Premiums And Less Cost-Sharing For Patients.” “Convinced that telemedicine, which exploded during Covid-19 shelter-in-place orders, is here to stay, insurers are moving to expand networks and provide virtual primary care plans at lower premiums and less cost-sharing for patients.” (Sara Hansard, “Telehealth, Tested In Covid-19 Crucible, Expands In Health Plans,” Bloomberg Law, 6/17/20)

On March 10, Vice President Mike Pence Announced Major Health Insurers Were Encouraging People To Get Tested For The Coronavirus By Removing Cost Barriers, Such As Copays. (Peter Sullivan, “Pence: Major Health Insurers Have Agreed To Waive Copays For Coronavirus Tests,” The Hill, 3/10/20)

In A Letter To Congressional Leaders, President And CEO Of AHIP Matt Eyles, And President And CEO Of Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Scott Serota, Give Examples Of The Ways Health Insurance Providers Continue To Act Swiftly And Decisively To Meet The Needs Of Consumers, Businesses, And Health Care Partners.

Three Major Health Providers Said They Would Shield Patients From High Medical Bills That Are Related To COVID-19. “Three major health insurance providers have now pledged to shield patients from high medical bills if they need treatment for COVID-19.  Insurers Cigna and Humana announced Monday that they would waive consumer costs associated with COVID-19 treatment.  Last week, CVS Health announced a more limited change – that Aetna would waive costs to patients for hospital admissions related to the coronavirus.” (Selena Simmons-Duffin, “Some Insurers Waive Patients’ Share Of Costs For COVID-19 Treatment,” NPR, 3/30/20)

America’s Health Insurance Plans: “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.” (“Health Insurance Providers Respond to Coronavirus [COVID-19],” America’s Health Insurance Plans, 3/6/20)

“The Nation’s Top Advocate For The Health Insurance Industry Is Out With A Letter To The Nation’s Top Hospital Lobbyist, Assuring The American Hospital Association That ‘Health Insurance Providers Stand Strong With You.’”
“‘No patient should have to worry about the cost of COVID-19, and the actions by so many plans across our industry have eliminated that concern,’ Matt Eyles, CEO of America’s Health Insurance Plans, wrote to AHA’s Rick Pollack.” (Staff, “Insurers: Here Are The Steps We’re Taking On Covid-19,” POLITICO Pro, 4/6/20)

Anthem, UnitedHealth Group And Many Other Insurers Are Utilizing Their Resources And Expertise During The Coronavirus Pandemic. “Anthem will cover all costs of coronavirus testing, as well as COVID-19 treatment from in-network doctors, hospitals, and health-care professionals through May 31.  Customers will also pay nothing for telehealth visits with doctors in their plans through June 14, and Anthem is relaxing early prescription refill limits for members who wish to receive a 30-day supply of most maintenance medications, where permissible … UnitedHealth Group is waiving out-of-pocket costs for coronavirus testing and testing-related visits, as well as treatment, and providing 24/7 access to telehealth services.  The company has also rolled out a digital platform, which includes a coronavirus symptom checker and risk evaluation for its customers.” (Maithreyi Seetharaman & Jaclyn Gallucci, “How Global 500 Companies Are Utilizing Their Resources And Expertise During The Coronavirus Pandemic,” Fortune, 4/13/20)

Aetna

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing And Co-Pays For Inpatient Hospital Admissions Related To COVID-19.
  • Offering Zero Copay Telemedicine Visits For Any Reason.
  • Providing Members Who Are Diagnosed With COVID-19 With A Care Package.
  • Proactively Reaching Out To Members At A Higher Risk For COVID-19. 
  • Extending Medicare Advantage Virtual Evaluation And Monitoring As A Fully Covered Benefit.
  • Waiving Charges For Home Delivery Of Prescriptions.
  • Offering Prescriptions In 90-Day Supplies.
  • Aetna Will Waive Early Refill Limits On 30-Day Prescription Maintenance Medications For All Members With Pharmacy Benefits Administered Through CVS Caremark.
  • Working With Pharmacy Benefit Managers To Waive Early Refill Limits On Prescriptions.
  • Working Closely With Partner Hospitals To Help Transfer And Discharge Members With Issues Unrelated To COVID-19 From Hospitals To Safe And Clinically Appropriate Care Settings.
  • Waiving Member Cost-Sharing For Inpatient Admissions At All In-Network And Out-Of-Network Facilities For Treatment Of COVID-19 Or Health Complications Associated With COVID-19.
  • Streamlining Its Provider Credentialing Process So There Can Be More Health Care Professionals Caring For Patients.
  • Reimbursing All Providers For Telemedicine At The Same Rate As In-Person Visits For Applicable Telehealth Codes, Including For Mental Health Care Services.
  • CVS Health Is Re-Purposing A Portion Of Its 3-Year, $40 Million Commitment To Invest In California’s Health Care Delivery System, And Nearly $1.5 Million In Grants Will Immediately Help Four Local Nonprofit Organizations Expand Access To Telehealth Services, Address Food Insecurity Among California’s Most Vulnerable Populations And Support The State’s Paramedics And EMTs. 
  • CVS Health Is Increasing Access To Critical Mental Health Services For Front Line Workers Impacted By COVID-19 With Over $1 Million In Charitable Support. 
  • CVS Health Reported A 600% Surge In Use Of Its Retail Health Clinics Via Telehealth And A Big Jump In Home Prescription Delivery As Americans Sought Easier Access To Health Care Services During The COVID-19 Crisis.
  • Extending All Member Cost-Sharing And Co-Pay Waivers For Inpatient Admissions For Treatment Of COVID-19 Or Health Complications Associated With COVID-19.  Additionally, Aetna Is Extending All Member Cost-Sharing Waivers For In-Network Telemedicine Visits For Outpatient Behavioral And Mental Health Counseling Services.  These Actions Have Been Extended Through September 30, 2020. 
  • Taking Additional Steps To Eliminate Out-Of-Pocket Costs For Primary Care Services For Medicare Advantage Members.  Effective From May 13, 2020, Through September 30, 2020, Aetna Is Waiving Member Out-Of-Pocket Costs For All In-Network Primary Care Visits, Whether Done In-Office And Via Telehealth, For Any Reason, And Encourages Members To Continue Seeking Essential Preventive And Primary Care During The Pandemic.
  • Extending The Following Actions Through September 30, 2020:
    • Waiving Early Refill Limits On 30-Day Prescription Maintenance Medications For All Members With Pharmacy Benefits Administered Through CVS Caremark.
    • Continuing To Encourage All Members Of Commercial, Medicare And Medicaid Plans To Take Advantage Of Plan Benefits For 90-Day Maintenance Medication Prescriptions.
  • CVS Health And The American Lung Association Have Launched A Campaign At CVS Pharmacy Locations To Support The Lung Association’s COVID-19 Action Initiative, Which Will Expand COVID-19 Research And Fund The Development Of New Vaccines, Detection Tests And Treatment To Defend Against Future Respiratory Viruses.
  • Will Waive Out-Of-Pocket Costs For In-Network Primary Care And Specialist Telehealth Visits For All Individual And Group Medicare Advantage Plan Members Through September 30, 2020.
  • Launched “Time For Care,” A Campaign That Reinforces The Importance Of Accessing Primary Health Care.  “Time For Care” Includes A National Television Ad, Which Launched July 15, Along With A Microsite, Digital Content And Aetna Member Program Components That Address Concerns For People With Chronic Health Conditions, Including Diabetes, High Blood Pressure And Heart Disease, As Well As Specific Health Issues Such As High-Risk Pregnancies Due To Preeclampsia.
  • Announced It Will Ship Boxes Of Specially Curated, Over-The-Counter Items To All Its Medicare Advantage Members Across The Country.  Kits Include A Thermometer, Hand Sanitizer And Two Aetna-Branded Face Masks, Among Other Items.
  • Announced Plans To Add More Than 2,000 New COVID-19 Drive-Thru Test Sites At Select CVS Pharmacy Locations Across The Country To Support The Company’s Ongoing Efforts To Increase Access To Testing And Help Slow The Spread Of The Virus.
  • Extended Cost-Share Waivers For Its Fully Insured Members As Part Of Continued Steps To Help Members Access The Care They Need During The COVID-19 Pandemic.  The Extensions Include:
    • Waiving Member Cost-Sharing For Inpatient Admissions For Treatment Of COVID-19 Or Health Complications Associated With COVID-19 For Commercial And Medicare Advantage Plan Members.
    • Waiving Member Cost-Sharing For Covered In-Network Telemedicine Visits For Outpatient Behavioral And Mental Health Counseling Services For Commercial Plan Members.
    • Waiving Member Cost-Sharing For In-Network Telemedicine Visits For Medicare Advantage Members For Specialist Visits, Which Includes Mental And Behavioral Health Providers.
    • Waiving Medicare Advantage Member Cost-Sharing For All In-Network Primary Care Visits, Whether Done In-Office And Via Telehealth, For Any Reason.
    • Waiving Early Refill Limits On 30-Day Prescription Maintenance Medications For All Members With Pharmacy Benefits Administered Through CVS Caremark.
    • Continues To Waive Member Cost-Sharing For Diagnostic Testing Related To COVID-19 For Commercial, Medicare And Medicaid Members.
  • Expands COVID-19 Testing Services With Plans To Add Nearly 1,000 Rapid-Result Test Sites At Select CVS Pharmacy Locations.
  • Waiving Member Cost-Sharing Related To The COVID-19 Vaccination For Commercial And Medicaid Members.  For Medicare, CMS Has Indicated It Will Cover The Full Cost Of The Vaccine For All Medicare Beneficiaries, Including Those In A Medicare Advantage Plan, In 2020 And 2021.

(CVS Health, “CVS Health Announces COVID-19 Resources For Aetna Members,” Press Release, 3/6/20; CVS Health, “CVS Health Announces Additional COVID-19 Resources Focused On Patient Access,” Press Release, 3/9/20; CVS Health, “CVS Health Response To The COVID-19 Outbreak,” Press Release, 3/17/20; CVS Health, “CVS Health Announces Cost-Sharing And Co-Pay Waivers For COVID-19-Related Treatment For Aetna Members,” Press Release, 3/25/20; CVS Health, Medicare COVID-19-Related Inpatient Treatment Update From Aetna President Karen S. Lynch, Press Release, 4/3/20; CVS Health, “CVS Health Announces Actions To Support Health Care Providers And Patients During The COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 4/6/20; CVS Health, “CVS Health Supports COVID-19 Relief Efforts With Nearly $1.5 Million In Grants To California Nonprofits,” Press Release, 4/30/20; CVS Health, “CVS Health Commits To Flattening The Second Curve Of The COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 5/4/20; Bruce Japsen, “CVS Health’s Telehealth Clinic Visits Surge Amid Coronavirus Pandemic,” Forbes, 5/6/20; CVS Health, “CVS Health Extends Cost-Sharing Waivers And Announces New Action To Support Aetna Members During The COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 5/13/20; CVS Health, “CVS Health And American Lung Association Join Forces To Combat COVID-19 And Protect Against Future Respiratory Viruses,” Press Release, 6/22/20; CVS Health, “Aetna Medicare Waives Out-Of-Pocket Costs For Telehealth Services,” Press Release, 9/9/20; CVS Health, “CVS Health Launches ‘Time For Care’ Encouraging Individuals To Prioritize Primary Health Care Needs,” Press Release, 7/15/20; Aetna, “Aetna Ships Caring For You Kits To Millions Of Medicare Members,” Press Release, 9/15/20; CVS Health, “CVS Health Plans To Double Its COVID-19 Drive-Thru Test Sites To A Total Of More Than 4,000 Across The Country,” Press Release, 9/17/20; CVS Health, “Aetna Extends Waivers For COVID-19-Related Care For Aetna Members,” Press Release, 9/23/20; CVS Health, “CVS Health Expands COVID-19 Testing Services With Plans To Add Nearly 1,000 Rapid-Result Test Sites At Select CVS Pharmacy Locations,” Press Release, 10/28/20; CVS Health, “Aetna Helps Members Access COVID-19-Related Care Through New And Extended Waivers,” Press Release, 12/14/20)

Aflac

  • Contributed $5 Million Donation To Two Organizations That Are Providing Assistance For Health Care Workers On The Front Lines Of The COVID-19 Pandemic: $2 Million To The Global Center For Medical Innovation (GCMI), A Comprehensive Innovation Center Using Innovative 3D Printing To Help Support Medical Device Shortages, Particularly As It Relates To Ventilators And Protective Masks; And $3 Million To Direct Relief, A Humanitarian Aid Organization Providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) And Essential Medical Items To Health Care Workers Responding To COVID-19 In All 50 States.
  • Making A $1 Million Donation To Crisis Text Line, A Global, Not-For-Profit Organization That Specializes In Mental Health Intervention. 

(Aflac, “Aflac Incorporated Donates $5 Million As Part Of Company’s Overall COVID-19 Pandemic Response,” Press Release, Accessed 4/21/20; Aflac, “Aflac Incorporated Donates $1 Million To Crisis Text Line To Assist Frontline Workers In U.S. Experiencing Emotional Distress Donation To Assist Crisis Text Line’s Recently Enacted Campaign, For The Frontlines, Serving Front Line Workers Battling The COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 5/26/20)

Alignment Healthcare

  • Launched The AVA™ Personalized COVID-19 Risk Assessment Tool, Which Provides Personalized Results.
  • Started A Crisis Meal Delivery Program, Providing Two Weeks Of Meals To Members Who Cannot Otherwise Access Food.

(Alignment Healthcare, “Alignment Healthcare Mobilizes New COVID-19 Relief Programs For Members And The General Public,” Press Release, 3/26/20)

AllWays Health Partners

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing And Copays For COVID-19 Treatment.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For Telemedicine.
  • Supporting Access To Out-Of-Network Providers For COVID-19 Testing Or Treatment Where In-Network Providers Are Unavailable.
  • Waiving Early Prescription Refill Limits.
  • Offering Free Telehealth Resources To Its Provider Partners.

(“Coronavirus Resource Hub,” AllWays Health Partners, 3/18/20)

AlohaCare

  • Waiving Prior Authorization And Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Donating $150,000 To Local Non-Profit Organizations That Are Helping At-Risk Families And Individuals Impacted By The COVID-19 Crisis.

(“COVID-19 Resources To Keep You Informed & Healthy,” AlohaCare, Accessed 4/5/20; “COVID-19 Resources To Keep You Informed & Healthy,” AlohaCare, Accessed 5/12/20)

AmeriHealth Caritas

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Expanding Telemedicine Services.
  • Improving The Health And Wellbeing Of Underserved Communities By Conducting “Well-Check” Outreach To Vulnerable Members And Helping Connect Them To Their Providers And Community Resources.
  • Expanding The Delivery Of Medically Tailored And Ready-To-Eat Meals And Groceries To The Homes Of Members Who Have Been Confirmed To Have COVID-19 And To Members At Highest Risk For COVID-19 Complications.

(“AmeriHealth Caritas Responds To The COVID-19 Pandemic,” AmeriHealth Caritas, Accessed 4/21/20)

AmeriHealth New Jersey

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For Telemedicine.
  • Waiving Early Prescription Refill Limits.
  • Encouraging 90-Day Prescription Refills.
  • Expanding Its Temporary Suspension Of Prior Authorization For Acute In-Network From The Emergency Department To Include All Diagnoses (Including COVID-19) And For In-Network Transfers And Transportation Between Facilities.  The Prior Authorization Expansion Will Stay In Place Until June 4.   AmeriHealth New Jersey Is Also Offering Members Free Access To Stop, Breathe & Think, An Emotional Wellness App, Until June 14, 2020.
  • Will Waive Members’ Cost For In-Network, Acute In-Patient Treatment Of COVID-19 Through December 31, 2020.  Pre-Authorization Is Currently Not Required For Acute, In-Network, In-Patient Admissions From The Emergency Department. Pre-Authorization Is Also Being Waived For Transfers From An In-Patient Facility To Long-Term Ambulatory Care, Rehabilitation, Or Skilled Nursing Facilities, And Transportation Between Facilities.  These Temporary Changes To Our Pre-Authorization Policy Are In Effect Until July 31, 2020. 

(AmeriHealth New Jersey, “AmeriHealth New Jersey Response To COVID-19 [Coronavirus],” Press Release, 3/21/20; AmeriHealth New Jersey, “AmeriHealth New Jersey Expands Suspension Of Prior Authorization Beyond COVID-19 Diagnoses,” Press Release, 4/27/20; “Care And Services Available For COVID-19 (Coronavirus),” AmeriHealth New Jersey, Accessed 6/30/20)

AMN Healthcare

  • Made Acquisitions That Will Enable It To Offer Telehealth Capabilities So Medical Professionals Can Engage In COVID-19 Triage Activities Without Necessarily Being In The Same Room As The Patients.
  • Working With State Medical Associations To Help Them Use The Technology To Increase Workforce Flexibility.

(Healthcare Leadership Council, “Healthcare Industry Actions To Protect Patients During The COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 3/23/20)

Anthem

  • Waiving All Copays, Coinsurance, Deductibles And Prior Authorizations For COVID-19 Testing. 
  • Increasing Physician Availability On Its Telehealth Provider, LiveHealth Online. 
  • Encouraging Members To Change 30-Day Supply Prescriptions To A 90-Day Supply In Order To Avoid Potential Localized Shortages. 
  • Relaxing Early Prescription Refills.
  • Development Of Coronavirus Assessment Via Its Mobile App.
  • Offering Up To 80 Hours Of Paid Emergency Leave For Qualifying Needs. 
  • Expanding The Use Of Sick Time To Include Caregiving Related To COVID-19.
  • Providing Extensive Resources And Tools For Its Associates To Help Effectively Manage Feelings Of Fear, Anxiety, And Stress.
  • Waiving All Copays, Coinsurance, Deductibles And Prior Authorizations For COVID-19 Testing Through May 31. 
  • Contributing $1 Million To Indy Chamber Rapid Response Loan Fund To Assist Small Businesses Affected By Coronavirus Pandemic.
  • Anthem Affiliated Health Plans And Beacon Health Options Have Joined With Psych Hub, Mental Health Advocates And Other National Health Insurance Providers To Develop A Free Digital Resource Site.
  • Anthem Has Also Partnered With Aunt Bertha, A Leading Social Care Network, Which Helps Connect Individuals And Families To Free And Reduced-Cost Social Services In Their Communities.
  • Donated $200,000 To United Way And Feeding America To Help Food Banks, Shelters And Other Resource Centers In California As A Part Of Its COVID-19 Relief Efforts.
  • Anthem Announced The Anthem Foundation Has Distributed More Than $200,000 To Local Organizations Across Georgia That Are Responding To The COVID-19 Crisis, Which Is A Part Of A Nearly $2 Million Commitment Recently Made By The Foundation.  The Foundation Has Also Made $260,000 In Grants To Ohio-Based Boys & Girls Clubs, Feeding America Organizations And The Children’s Hunger Alliance To Address Food Insecurity In The Wake Of COVID-19.
  • Anthem’s Deep Roots In The Community, Combined With Its Legacy And Commitment To Leadership, Innovation And Agility, Have Enabled The Company To Quickly And Seamlessly Work With Local, State And Federal Officials, Care Providers, Customers And Community Partners In The Face Of The COVID-19 Crisis.
  • Continuing To Support The Red Cross, Direct Relief, Americares, And Feeding America, And Has Committed $50 Million For COVID-19 Response And Recovery Efforts To Help Areas Of Greatest Need, Including Care Provider Safety, Food Insecurity And Mental And Behavioral Health Resources.  The Company Is Also Matching Employee Donations To The Anthem Foundation’s Program.
  • Anthem Has Launched A Virtual Dental Care Program Through A Partnership With The TeleDentist, Which    Provides People With Timely Access To Dental Care That Is Available 24/7, 365 Days A Year And  In The Event Of An Emergency. Virtual Exams Are Covered At 100% With No Deductibles, Copays, Paperwork Or Claims To File Through June 30, 2020.
  • Expanding A Recently Launched Home Delivered Meal Program To Address Increased Food Insecurity And Nutritional Needs That Are Emerging Amid The COVID-19 Crisis.  Home Delivered Meals Are Now Available To Anthem Medi-Cal Members Across The State, Ensuring That Eligible Members Receive At Least One Ready-To-Eat Meal A Day, Seven Days A Week.
  • Launched Ortho@Home, A Teledentistry And At-Home Orthodontia Program Which Includes Discounts Of Up To $200 Off Retail Pricing.
  • Supporting Customers By Providing A One-Month Premium Credit To Members Enrolled In Select Individual Plans And Fully Insured Employer Customers Ranging From 10-15 Percent.  In Addition, Individuals In Stand-Alone And Group Dental Plans Will Also Receive A 50 Percent Credit. 
  • Extending Cost Share Waivers For COVID-19 Treatment. 
  • Extending Access To Coverage And Waiving Cost Shares For Virtual Care. 
  • Addressing Food Insecurity And Other Needs For The Most Vulnerable. 
  • Addressing Health Disparities. 
  • Providing In-Network Dental Providers A PPE Credit Of $10 Per Patient, Per Visit, From June 15th Through The End Of August.
  • Simplifying Access To Care By Temporarily Suspending Prior Authorization Requirements For Respiratory Services And Medical Equipment Critical To COVID-19 Treatment, Including Durable Medical Equipment Such As Oxygen Supplies, Respiratory Devices, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, Or CPAP Devices, Non-Invasive Ventilators And Multi-Function Ventilators.
  • Extending Prior Authorizations On Elective Inpatient And Outpatient Procedures, Issued Before May 30, 2020. 
  • Anthem’s $50 Million Commitment For COVID-19 Response And Recovery Efforts Has Included:
    • $2 Million To Local Boys And Girls Clubs Supports Virtual Programming And Helps Distribute Meals To Children And Families In Need.
    • $1.8 Million Supports Feeding America And Its Network Of Food Banks To Serve Neighbors In Need Across The Country.
    • $1 Million Annual Disaster Giving Program Membership Enables The American Red Cross To Continue Safely Deliver Its Vital Disaster Services Nationwide As Communities Face Increasing Impacts Of  COVID-19.
    • $1 Million Contributed To The Newly Created Rapid Response Loan Fund Established By The Indianapolis Chamber Of Commerce To Provide Critical Funding For The Nearly 43 Thousand Small Businesses In Central Indiana.
    • More Than $1.4 Million Dollars Of Personal Protective Equipment, Including Masks And Gloves, Distributed To Care Providers, Hospitals And Food Banks Across The U.S.
    • $430,000 Supports Local United Way COVID-19 Community Response And Recovery Funds.
    • $250,000 Helps Americares And Direct Relief Provide Medical Resources To Those Who Need It Most. 
    • Launched The Anthem Medical Associate Volunteer Program, Allowing Associates With Professional Medical Training To Take Paid Leave And Volunteer To Serve On The Frontline In Communities In Need.
  • Launched A Suite Of Digital Tools That Provide In-Depth, Trusted And Aggregated Information For Multiple Stakeholders To Use In Making Informed, Data-Driven Decisions During The COVID-19 Crisis. 
  • Anthem Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Ohio Is Giving $100,000 To The Ohio Association Of Community Health Centers, Who Will Disperse The Funds To Member Health Centers Across The State.  The Health Centers Will Use The Funding To Support COVID-19 Testing In Ways As Varied As The Regions And Populations They Serve.

(Anthem, “Anthem’s Affiliated Health Plans Waive Member Costs For COVID-19 Testing, While Supporting Telehealth And 90-Day Maintenance Medication Supply,” Press Release, 3/6/20; Anthem, “Anthem Issues Updates Regarding COVID-19 Testing and Care to Support Affiliated Health Plan Members,” Press Release, 3/17/20; Anthem, “Anthem Announces New And Expanded Associate Benefits To Support Associates During Time Of Need,” Press Release, 3/19/20; Anthem, “Anthem Waives Cost Share For COVID-19 Treatment,” Press Release, 4/1/20; Anthem, “Anthem To Contribute $1 Million To Indy Chamber Rapid Response Loan Fund To Assist Small Businesses Affected By Coronavirus Pandemic,” Press Release, Accessed 4/2/20; Anthem, “Anthem Announces Additional Resources For Consumers, Care Providers And Community Partners To Deliver Whole Health Care Support And Relief In Response To COVID-19,” Press Release, 4/7/20; Anthem, “Anthem Blue Cross Donations To Feeding America And United Way Continue Supporting COVID-19 Relief In California,” Press Release, 4/21/20; Anthem, “Anthem Foundation Funds Address Food Insecurity In Georgia Resulting From COVID-19 Pandemic,” Medium, 4/27/20; Anthem, “Anthem Provides Nationwide Coordinated Response To COVID-19,” Press Release, 4/29/20; Anthem, “Anthem Blue Cross And Blue Shield Launches Virtual Dental Care Program To Enhance Patient Access To Oral Health Services During COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 4/30/20; Anthem, “Anthem Blue Cross Expands Access To Home Delivered Meal Program To Address The Needs Of Medi-Cal Members,” Press Release, 5/11/20; Anthem, “Anthem Blue Cross And Blue Shield Announces Ortho@Home For Convenient And Affordable Access To Orthodontic Benefits From Home,” Press Release, 5/14/20; Anthem, “Anthem Reaffirms Commitment To Consumers, Care Providers And Communities During COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 6/4/20; Anthem, “Anthem, Inc. Leads Collaboration To Develop Tools To Help Public Officials And Businesses Make Informed Decisions Related To COVID-19,” Press Release, 6/11/20; Anthem, “Anthem To Help Ohio Community Health Centers Increase Access To COVID-19 Testing In Disadvantaged Communities,” Press Release, 7/15/20)

Arkansas Blue Cross And Blue Shield And Health Advantage

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Encouraging 90-Day Prescription Refills.
  • Encouraging Members To Access Virtual Health And Nurse/Provider Hotlines.
  • The Waivers Will Be In Place Through At Least May 15, 2020.

(Arkansas Blue Cross And Blue Shield And Health Advantage, “COVID-19 Update For Members Covered By Arkansas Blue Cross/Health Advantage (Fully Insured),” Press Release, Accessed 3/31/20)

Aspire Health Plan

  • Waiving All Co-Pays Related To COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For Telemedicine.

(James Gilbert, “Coronavirus Information,” Aspire Health Plan, 3/18/20)

Avera Health Plans

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For Telemedicine Through June 14.
  • Offering 30-Day Prescription Refills.
  • Waiving Members’ Cost-Share Related To The Treatment Of COVID-19 (Co-Pay, Coinsurance And Deductible) When Seeking Care From An In-Network Provider Through June 30, 2020.
  • Waiving The Member Cost For All Applicable Telehealth Services Through December 31, 2020. 
  • Extended Its Waiver Of Member Cost-Share Payments Related To COVID-19 Treatment When Seeking Care From An In-Network Provider Through September 30, 2020.

(“COVID-19 Information For Members, Employers And Agents,” Avera Health Plans, Accessed 4/6/20; “COVID-19 Information For Members, Employers And Agents,” Avera Health Plans, Accessed 4/30/20; “COVID-19 Information For Members, Employers And Agents,” Avera Health Plans, Accessed 6/23/20; “COVID-19 Information For Members, Employers And Agents,” Avera Health Plans, Accessed 7/13/20)

AvMed

  • Waiving Early Prescription Refill Limits.
  • Offering 90-Day Prescription Refills.
  • Encouraging Telemedicine.
  • Offering Mental Health Benefits.
  • Waiving Out-Of-Pocket Costs For COVID-19 Treatments For Its Fully Insured Commercial And Medicare Advantage Members Through May 31.
  • Extending COVID-19 Benefits And Coverage Until July 31, 2020, Which Includes Zero-Cost Diagnostic Testing, Zero-Cost Treatment And Zero-Cost Virtual Visits.
  • Extending Its Waivers Of Out-Of-Pocket Costs For All COVID-19 Treatment Until September 30, 2020.  AvMed Will Also Administer A Waiver For Self-Funded Group Health Plans At Their Request.  The Treatments Covered At No Out-Of-Pocket Cost For COVID-19 Are Those Covered Under Medicare Or Other Applicable State Regulations.
  • Offering Zero Copays And Cost Share For Any And All Types Of Virtual Visits Until September 30, 2020.  Additionally, Where Applicable, Copays And Cost Share Will Be Waived For Telehealth Visits, As Well As Telephone Visits, Members May Need From Their Traditional Health Care Providers.

(AvMed, “AvMed Provides Members With Healthcare Services And Resources To Address COVID-19,” Press Release, 3/12/20; AvMed, “AvMed Expands Access To Care For COVID-19,” Press Release, 4/6/20; AvMed, “Coronavirus (COVID-19),” Accessed 6/9/20; AvMed, “AvMed Provides Members With Another Extension Of COVID-19 Benefits And Coverage,” Press Release, 7/13/20)

Blue California

  • Waiving Prior Authorization And Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For Telemedicine.
  • Offering Free Hospital-Triage Tool For Network Health Systems.
  • Providing Information On Mental Health During The Outbreak.
  • Donating $100,000 To Non-Profit For COVID-19 Response In Underserved Communities.
  • Providing $300,000 In Grants To Nonprofit Organizations Offering Mental Health Supports In San Diego And Alameda Counties.  This Builds On The Company’s Multi-Year, $10 Million Investment In Youth Mental Health. 
  • Announced A New “Primary Care Reimagined” Program That Provides In-Network Physician Groups Access To An Array Of Latest Technologies To Enhance Their Delivery Of Care, And New Reimbursement Models That Provide More Predictable Cash Flow For The Physician Practices. 

(Blue California, “Blue Shield Of California Provides Teladoc Health’s Virtual Care Service At $0 Cost To Most Of Its Members In Response To COVID-19,” Press Release, 3/16/20; Blue California, “What Blue Shield Of California Is Doing In The Battle Against The Coronavirus [COVID-19],” Press Release, 3/18/20; Blue California, “Blue Shield Of California Offers Digital Hospital-Triage Tool To Network Health Systems To Help Handle Anticipated Surge Of COVID-19 Patients,” Press Release, 3/18/20; “Your Coverage For Coronavirus,” Blue California, Accessed 3/19/20; Blue California, “Blue Shield Of California Gives $100,000 To Nonprofit MedShare For COVID-19 Response In Underserved Communities,” Press Release, 3/19/20; Blue California, “Blue Shield Of California Provides Additional $300,000 In Grants To Community Groups Supporting Youth Mental Health,” Press Release, 5/28/20; Blue California, “Blue Shield Of California Announces ‘Primary Care Reimagined’ To Support Network Providers During COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 9/8/20)

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

  • Waiving Prior Authorization, Copays, Coinsurance And Deductibles For COVID-19 Testing, In Line With CDC Guidance.
  • Encouraging Early Medication Refills And The Use Of 90-Day Prescription Supplies. 
  • Expanding Access To Telemedicine And Nurse/Provider Hotlines.
  • Waiving Prior Authorization, Copays, Coinsurance And Deductibles For COVID-19 Testing.
  • All 36 Independent And Locally Operated Blue Cross And Blue Shield Companies Are Also Waiving Cost Sharing For Telehealth Services For Fully Insured Members For The Next 90 Days.
  • BCBS Association Announced That Independent And Locally Operated Blue Cross Blue Shield Companies Across The Country And The BCBS Federal Employee Program® (FEP®) Have Decided To Waive Cost-Sharing For Treatment Of COVID-19 Through May 31.  This Includes Coverage For Testing And Treatment Administered, Including For Inpatient Hospital Stays.
  • Announced That The Network Of 36 Independent And Locally-Operated Blue Cross And Blue Shield (BCBS) Companies And The Blue Cross And Blue Shield Federal Employee Program® (FEP®), Have Committed Nearly $3 Billion To Date In Support Of Members, Health Care Workers And Local Communities To Aid In The Ongoing Fight Against COVID-19.

(Blue Cross Blue Shield, “Blue Cross And Blue Shield Companies Announce Coverage Of Coronavirus Testing For Members And Other Steps To Expand Access To Coronavirus Care,” Press Release, 3/6/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield; Blue Cross Blue Shield, “Media Statement: Blue Cross And Blue Shield Companies Announce Coverage Of Telehealth Services For Members,” Press Release, 3/19/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield, “Local Blue Cross And Blue Shield Companies Waive Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Treatment,” Press Release, 4/2/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield, “In Support of Local Communities, Blue Cross And Blue Shield Companies Commit Nearly $3 Billion To Members, Hospitals And Health Care Workers In The Ongoing Fight Against COVID-19,” Press Release, 4/21/20)

Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program

  • Waiving Prior Authorizations And Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Prior Authorization And Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Early Prescription Refill Limits.
  • Encouraging 90-Day Prescription Refills.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Related Telemedicine.

(Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program, “Blue Cross And Blue Shield Federal Employee Program Waives Cost Shares And Prior Authorization To Support Members’ Care For Coronavirus,” Press Release, 3/9/20)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arkansas

  • Waiving Prior Authorization And Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Early Prescription Refill Limits.
  • Encouraging 90-Day Prescription Refills.
  • Encouraging Use Of Telemedicine.
  • Announced That The Blue & You Foundation For A Healthier Arkansas Is Donating $500,000 In Support Of Immediate Needs Around Food Insecurity In The State And Opening The “Rapid-Response COVID Relief” Grant Process To Award Up To $1.7 Million In Grants Supporting Nonprofit Organizations That Have Experienced The Consequences Of COVID-19.
  • Extended The Waiver On Telehealth Out-Of-Pocket Costs Through July 25, 2020.  The Waiver For Cost-Sharing Payments For Medical Services For Fully Insured Members Whose Primary Diagnosis Is COVID-19 Has Also Been Extended To July 25, 2020.
  • Has Extended Its Temporary COVID-19 Benefits Until At Least August 17, 2020.  The Benefits Include Waiving Member Cost-Sharing Payments For COVID-19 Treatment, Covering Diagnostic COVID-19 Testing At No Cost To Members, And Waiving Out-Of-Pocket Costs For Telemedicine Counseling From In-Network Behavioral Health Professionals.

(“COVID-19 Update For Members Covered By Arkansas Blue Cross/Health Advantage [Fully Insured],” Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Arkansas, Accessed 3/19/20, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, “Blue & You Foundation Opens $1.7 Million COVID-19 Relief Grant Process; Provides $500,000 To Fight Food Insecurity In Arkansas,” Press Release, 4/9/20; “COVID-19 Update For Members Covered By Arkansas Blue Cross And Blue Shield And Health Advantage (Fully Insured Health Plans),” Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, Accessed 7/13/20; “COVID-19 Update For Members Covered By Arkansas Blue Cross And Blue Shield And Health Advantage (Fully Insured Health Plans),” Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, Accessed 7/22/20)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona

  • Waiving Prior Authorization And Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Eliminating Cost-Sharing For Telemedicine.
  • Waiving Early Prescription Refill Limits.
  • Encouraging 90-Day Prescription Refills.
  • Announced That More Than 20 Of Its Medically Qualified Employees Have Volunteered To Assist In Providing Care And Treatment To COVID-19 Patients
  • Supporting Trained Health Care Specialists Who Want To Return To Practice As Physicians, Nurses And Pharmacists To Care For Those In Need.
  • Donating $80,000, Along With Phoenix Suns Charities, To Purchase 5,000 COVID-19 Antibody Test Kits For First Responders. 
  • Announced A New Program To Support Primary Care Providers (PCP) Across The State During The COVID-19 Crisis.  PCPs Participating In The BCBSAZ Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Program Can Now Receive Partial Prepayment Of Their Estimated Annual Quality Incentive Payment.  These Advances Will Help BCBSAZ PCMH Providers Cover Monetary Shortfalls Due To The COVID-19 Crisis.
  • Collaborating With Sharecare To Help All Arizonans Better Manage Stress, Anxiety And Burnout.  BCBSAZ Is Providing All Arizonans With 90 Days Of Free Access To Sharecare’s Unwinding Anxiety, Which Is Clinically Proven To Decrease Anxiety Within Three Months.
  • Launching A Loan Program For Health Care Providers, Including Qualifying Hospitals And Physicians Across Arizona Who Have Been Impacted By COVID-19.  The Claim Payment Advance Program Will Allow Certain Providers To Receive A Three-Month Loan To Help Ease The Strain On Cash Flow So They Can Continue To Provide Medical Care To Arizonans.
  • Contributed $10,000 To Assist The Navajo Nation In Arizona In Its Efforts To Slow The Spread Of COVID-19.  The Funds Will Help The Tribe Purchase Critical Medical Supplies That Can Help Prevent The Continued Spread Of COVID-19.  Funds Provided By BCBSAZ Will Directly Benefit The Navajo Nation’s Dikos Ntsaaígíí-19 (COVID-19) Relief Efforts To Defeat And Overcome This Crisis.

(Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, “Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Arizona Expands Support For Coronavirus Services And Care, Waives Telehealth Cost Share For Members,” Press Release, 3/11/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, “Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Arizona Employees Volunteer To Assist With Covid-19 Patient Treatment,” Press Release, 4/17/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, “Covid-19 Antibody Testing Starts For 5,000 Arizona First Responders,” Press Release, 4/27/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, “Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Arizona Creates Prepayment Program To Support Primary Care Providers In Arizona,” Press Release, 5/4/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, “Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Arizona And Sharecare Team Up To Provide All Arizonans With Free Three-Month Access To Clinically Validated Anxiety Program,” Press Release, 5/14/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, “Following $10 Million In Accelerated Payments, Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Arizona Announces Up To $10 Million More In New Loan Program To Support Arizona Healthcare Providers,” Press Release, 6/1/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Arizona, “Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Arizona Donates $10,000 To Navajo Nation’s Covid-19 Relief Fund,” Press Release, 6/23/20)

Blue Shield of California

  • Waiving Prior Authorization And Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Monitoring prescription drug supplies and supporting members requesting early refills of their prescriptions.
  • Creating a dedicated COVID-19 website to inform members of their coverage under specific Blue Shield health benefit plans.
  • Offering a digital tool at no additional cost for its nearly 350 in-network hospitals to help them triage the influx of patients seeking advice on coronavirus or other medical care.
  • Donating $500,000 to the Oakland COVID-19 Relief Fund to support pop-up coronavirus testing sites and other community initiatives.
  • Providing $100,000 support to MedShare, a San Francisco Bay area nonprofit organization that provides personal protective equipment (PPE) to nonprofit community healthcare providers.
  • Providing Up To $200 Million In Direct Support To Health Care Providers And Hospitals Through Financing Guarantees, Advance Payments, And Restructuring Of Contracts.
  • Partnered With DoSomething.Org, The Largest Organization For Young People And Social Change In The Nation, To Develop A First-Of-Its-Kind Mental Health Guide To Help Youth Cope With Stress And Anxiety During The COVID-19 Crisis.
  • Extending Its Commitment To Waive Co-Payments, Coinsurance, And Deductibles For Treatment For COVID-19
  •  Continue Covering Costs For Virtual Care (Medical And Behavioral) Services Provided By Teladoc Health Through September 30, 2020, As Well As Waive Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Screening And Testing In Accordance With Applicable State And Federal Law.

(Blue Shield of California, “Blue Shield Of California Will Help Reduce Costs For Members During The COVID-19 Crisis,” Press Release, 4/1/20; Blue Shield of California, “Blue Shield Of California Offers Financial Support To Healthcare Providers In Response To COVID-19 Crisis,” Press Release, 4/6/20; Blue Shield Of California, “Blue Shield Of California’s Bluesky Launches ‘New State Of Mind’ Digital Campaign To Support Youth Mental Health And Resilience,” Press Release, 4/21/20; Blue Shield of California, “Blue Shield Of California Extends Member Cost-Sharing Waivers For COVID-19 Treatment And Teladoc Health’s Virtual Care Service Through Sept. 30,” Press Release, 6/3/20)

Blue Cross of Idaho

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Expanding Telehealth Services.
  • Created A Program To Allow Independent Providers, Such As Private-Practice Physician Groups, An Opportunity To Receive Advance Payments To Cover Monetary Shortfalls Due To The COVID-19 Pandemic.
  • Making Advance Payments To The Provider Once Per Month In April, May And June.
  • Waiving Of Cost-Sharing For Coverage Of Treatment For COVID-19 Applies Through June 30. 
  • Extending Telehealth Services For Its Members Until December 31, 2020. 

(Blue Cross Of Idaho, “Blue Cross Of Idaho Expands Telehealth Services For Members,” Press Release, 3/19/20; Blue Cross Of Idaho, “Blue Cross Of Idaho Creates New Cash Advance Program To Support Independent Physicians In Idaho,” Press Release, 3/30/20; Blue Cross Of Idaho, “Blue Cross Of Idaho Extends Telehealth Services For Members Through December 2020,” Press Release, 6/3/20)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois

  • Temporarily Lifting Cost Sharing Payments For Medically Necessary Health Services Delivered Through Telehealth.
  • Opened A $1.5 Million Funding Program To Support Community-Based Organizations With Missions Focused On Access To Health Care, Hunger And Shelter.  Its COVID-19 Community Collaboration Fund Will Release $20,000 Grants To Organizations Around The State.  The Program Is Designed To Distribute The Funds Quickly To Respond To The Current Health Crisis.  It Is Also Supporting Non-Profit Organizations That Serve Our Most Vulnerable Through A $1 Million Donation To Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund And $500,000 To The Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund.  It Has Also Purchased And Donated 150,000 KN95 Masks, To Meet The Urgent Need For Personal Protective Equipment.  The Masks Were Donated To The Illinois Emergency Management Agency For Distribution To Providers Most In Need.
  • Selected 75 Organizations To Receive $1.5 Million In Funding As Part Of The BCBSIL COVID-19 Community Collaboration Fund.  The Fund Supports Organizations That Are Providing Critical Services In The Areas Of Access To Health Care, Hunger And Shelter.
  • Extended Cost-Sharing Waivers For COVID-19 Treatment For Members Of All Fully Insured Group, Individual, Medicare (Excluding Part D), Medicare Supplement And Medicaid Plans Through August 31, 2020.
  • MATTER, Anthem, Inc., And Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Illinois (BCBSIL) Launched The Pandemic Response Innovation Challenge.  The Challenge Is A Global Call To Innovators To Develop Creative Solutions Aimed At Supporting The Health Care Needs Of Those Impacted By The COVID-19 Crisis. 

(Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Illinois, “Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Illinois Responds To COVID-19 By Further Expanding Telehealth And Waiving Member Cost-Share,” Press Release, 3/18/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Illinois, “Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Illinois Launches $1.5M Grant Program To Support Illinoisans Impacted By COVID-19,” Press Release, 4/15/20; Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Illinois, “Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Illinois Distributes $1.5M To Help Illinoisans Impacted By COVID-19,” Press Release, 5/12/20; “COVID-19 Coverage For Members,” Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Illinois, Accessed 7/27/20; Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Illinois, “MATTER, Anthem, Inc., And Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Illinois Launch Innovation Challenge Seeking Pandemic Response Solutions,” Press Release, 8/20/20)

Blue Cross Blue Shield Kansas

  • Waiving Member Cost Sharing, Including Co-Pays And Deductibles, Until June 30, 2020, For Telehealth Services And Treatment Of COVID-19, Which Includes Coverage For Testing And Treatment Administered At A Doctor’s Office, Urgent Care Facility And Emergency Room, As Well As Inpatient Hospital Stays. 
  • Allowing Early Refills On Prescription Medications Until June 30.
  • Covering The Following Services With No Member Cost Sharing For The Duration Of The COVID-19 Crisis: 
    • Medically Necessary Diagnostic Tests Related To COVID-19 And The Cost Of The Visit To Doctor’s Office, Urgent Care, Telehealth And Emergency Room Used For Diagnostic Testing Of COVID-19.
    • Related Services (Flu Tests, Respiratory Illness Tests) Provided During Urgent Care, Emergency Room, Or In-Person Or Telehealth Provider Visits That Result In An Order For Or Administration Of A Covered Diagnostic Test For COVID-19.
  • Extended Cost-Sharing Waivers For Telehealth Services For COVID-19 Treatment Until December 31, 2020.  Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Kansas Is Also Waiving Cost-Sharing For Treatment Of COVID-19 Until December 31, 2020.

(“Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Kansas Updated COVID-19 Response,” BlueCross BlueShield Kansas, Accessed 6/11/20; “Coronavirus,” Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Kansas, Accessed 7/27/20)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City

  • Waiving Prior Authorizations And Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Early Prescription Refill Limits.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For Telemedicine.
  • Partnering With The Battle Within To Provide Kansas City Health Care Providers, First Responders And Military Veterans With Cost-Free Virtual Or In-Person Behavioral Healthcare Through The Frontline Therapy Network.  The Frontline Therapy Network’s Licensed Providers Are Qualified To Provide Care To The Kansas City Medical Personnel, First Responders, And Veterans On The Trauma, Stress, Discomfort, Grief, Or Other Mental Health Concerns They Are Experiencing On The Frontlines Of The COVID-19 Response.
  • Committed Nearly $18 Million In Financial Relief To Support Employer Groups, Members, And Providers Experiencing Unexpected Financial Hardships Due To The COVID-19 Crisis. 
  • Partnering With Broker Partners To Deploy A Suite Of Financial Assistance Programs For Eligible Employers That Will Include Credits Of Certain Health Care Premiums.  Programs Will Be Introduced Starting August 2020, With Others Spanning Into The Summer Of 2021 To Provide More Long-Term Relief.
  • Advancing August And September 2020 Value-Based Payments To Health Care Providers Who Participate In Blue KC’s Advanced Primary Care Program. 
  • Continuing To Waive Member Cost Sharing For In-Network Primary Care Physician And Specialty Visits For Medicare Advantage Members Through December 31, 2020

(Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Kansas City, “Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Kansas City Announces It Will Cover Covid-19 Testing And 24/7 Access To Virtual Care,” Press Release, 3/9/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Kansas City, “Blue KC To Provide Free Therapy For Covid-19 Healthcare Providers And First Responders,” Press Release, 5/11/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Kansas City, “Blue KC Commits Nearly $18 Million In Financial Relief To Support Local Employers, Healthcare Providers And Members During Covid-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 6/23/20)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana

  • Working Closely With The Louisiana Department Of Health To Aggregate, Analyze And Model Diverse Data For Blue Cross Members And Members Of State Medicaid Plans.
  • Provided More Than $3.1 Million In Grants To 70 Non-Profit Organizations Since Mid-March.
  • Announced That The Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Louisiana Foundation Has Granted More Than $4 Million To 95 Nonprofits Across The State Working To Meet The Needs Of Communities In Response To COVID-19 Since Mid-March. Efforts Supported Through Foundation Grant Funding Include:
    • Providing Food To Kids, Financially Insecure Families And Seniors.
    • Supporting Health Care Needs, Including Securing Critical Supplies For Providers, Connecting Individuals To Care And Mental Health Resources.
    • Funding Direct Economic Support, Housing Assistance And Keeping Families Financially Stable.
    • Sustaining Essential Services Disproportionately Affected By Stay-At-Home Orders, Such As Sober Housing, Services For Sexual Assault Victims And A Limited Scope Of Education-Related Services.
    • Supporting Regional Groups Organizing Disaster Response In Communities Across Louisiana, And Supporting Nonprofits Through Community Relief Funds Operated By Local Community Foundations.

(Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Louisiana, “Blue Cross Platform Powers COVID-19 Louisiana Outbreak Tracker In Collaboration With State Health Department,” Press Release, 4/27/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Louisiana, “Blue Cross Foundation Announces Latest COVID-19 Disaster Grants,” Press Release, 5/6/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Louisiana, “Blue Cross Foundation Awards $4.2 Million In COVID-19 Response Grants,” Press Release, 7/6/20)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

  • Waiving Prior Authorizations And Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For Telemedicine.
  • Increasing Access To Prescriptions.
  • Providing 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line.
  • Donating $100,000 To The Boston Resiliency Fund And Committing An Additional $150,000 To Relief Efforts Across Massachusetts.
  • Has Taken Steps To Expand Inpatient Capacity During Coronavirus Pandemic.
  • Has Processed 180,000 Telehealth Claims Since Changing Its Policy To Both Expand Coverage For Telephone And Virtual Visits And Reimburse Them At The Same Rate As In-Person Visits During The COVID-19 State Of Emergency.  The March Telehealth Claims Figure Is A 3,600% Increase Over February And A 5,100% Increase Over The Monthly Average For 2019.  In March Blue Cross Made Payments Of Nearly $800 Million To Physician And Hospitals, Including More Than 50,000 New Claims For COVID-19 Testing And Care, Totaling Approximately $10 Million.
  • Accelerating Payments To Provider Groups Participating In Its Alternative Quality Contract (AQC).
  • Blue Cross Has Also Developed A New Expedited Credentialing And Enrollment Process For Practitioners, Designed To Speed Health Plan Approval Within 72 Hours.
  • Launched “We Are Mighty, Massachusetts,” A Campaign That Celebrates The Commonwealth’s Resiliency And Unity In The Fight Against COVID-19.
  • Re-Deploying A Portion Of Its Employees To Work With The Community Tracing Collaborative And Boston Hope Field Hospital, Two Key Elements Of The State’s COVID-19 Response.  More Than 100 Blue Cross Employees Will Be Temporarily Re-Deployed As Contact Tracers For The Boston-Based Global Health Nonprofit Partners In Health At The Collaborative.  Contact Tracers Will Call Massachusetts Residents Who Have Been In Contact With People Infected With COVID-19 And Support Them Through Quarantine. 
  • Fifteen Blue Cross Registered Nurses Are Supporting The Care Of Patients At The Boston Hope Field Hospital Seven Days A Week, From 7 A.M. To 7 P.M. It is Operating In The Boston Convention And Exhibition Center, And Provides Care To Low Acuity COVID-19 Patients To Ensure Beds In Boston Hospitals Are Available For The Most Serious COVID-19 Cases And Other Critical Patients.
  • Processed More Than One Million Telehealth Claims In The Nine Weeks Since Changing Its Policy To Expand Coverage For Telephone And Virtual Visits At No Cost To Members During The COVID-19 Crisis.  Blue Cross Is Reimbursing Telehealth Services At The Same Rate As In-Person Visits. 
  • Distributed Its 50,000th Meal As Part Of Its Community Meal Program In Partnership With Lovin’ Spoonfuls.  The Program, Now In Its 10th Week, Was Created To Address The Rising Rate Of Food Insecurity Across Massachusetts Due To The COVID-19 Crisis.
  • Launched A Series Of New Initiatives To Ensure That Members Have Timely Access To High-Quality, Affordable Mental Health Care.  Access To Mental Health Services Is A Serious Issue Across The Country And Has Become Even More Pronounced During The COVID-19 Crisis. The Initiatives Include:
    • Supporting Newer, More Convenient Mental Health Care Options By Reimbursing Telehealth Sessions Performed By Mental Health Specialists At The Same Rate As In-Person Visits Beyond The Current COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.  This Includes Both Video And Telephonic Telehealth Services.
    • Expanding Member Access To Telehealth Coverage For Psychiatric Care On The National Telehealth Platform.
    • Expanding The Number Of Child Psychiatrists Available To Members By Increasing Reimbursement Rates By 50% For Child Psychiatrists Who Participate In A New Incentive Program.
    • Offering New Financial Incentives For Primary Care Physicians To Integrate Mental Health Care Into Their Practices With The Goal Of Improving Members’ Physical And Mental Health Outcomes.
    • Expanding Access To An Innovative Online Program To Help Members Better Manage Anxiety And Stress.
    • Adding 2,000 New Clinicians To The Blue Cross Mental Health Network To Provide Members With More Options For Their Care.
  • Will Waive Copayments, Co-Insurance, And Deductibles For All Medically Necessary COVID-19 Related Care, Care Received At Doctor’s Offices, Urgent Care Centers And Emergency Departments, For The Duration Of The Massachusetts Health Emergency.
  • Will Also Waive Member Cost Share (Copayments, Co-Insurance, And Deductibles) For COVID-19 Related Inpatient Care At Both In- And Out-Of-Network Acute Care Facilities For Our Fully Insured Members, Also For The Duration Of The Massachusetts Health Emergency.
  • Member Cost Sharing For Telehealth Service With In-Network Providers Has Also Been Waived For The Duration Of The Massachusetts Health Emergency.

(Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Massachusetts, “Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Massachusetts Expands Coverage And Access For Members During The Coronavirus Pandemic,” Press Release, 3/18/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Massachusetts, “Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Massachusetts Announces COVID-19 Community Support,” Press Release, 3/20/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Massachusetts, “Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Massachusetts Takes Steps To Help Expand Inpatient Capacity During Coronavirus Pandemic,” Press Release, 3/25/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Massachusetts, “Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Massachusetts Commits $2M To COVID-19 Community Relief,” Press Release, 4/6/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Massachusetts, “Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Massachusetts Telehealth Claims Skyrocket During Coronavirus Pandemic,” Press Release, 4/13/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Massachusetts, “Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Massachusetts Unveils ‘We Are Mighty, Massachusetts’ To Salute Acts Of Kindness And Bravery In The Face Of Coronavirus,” Press Release, 4/20/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Massachusetts, “Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Massachusetts Expands Response To COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 4/28/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Massachusetts, “Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Massachusetts Processes 1 Million Telehealth Claims In 9 Weeks,” Press Release, 5/21/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Massachusetts, “Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Massachusetts Distributes Its 50,000th Meal To Support Those Affected By COVID-19,” Press Release, 7/15/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Massachusetts, “Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Massachusetts Announces Bold New Action To Expand Members’ Access To Mental Health Services,” Press Release, 7/23/20; “Coronavirus Resource Center,” Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Massachusetts, Accessed 7/28/20)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

  • Donating $500,000 To Support Community Non-Profits Impacted By COVID-19.
  • Waiving Prior Authorizations And Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For Telemedicine.
  • Waiving Early Prescription Refill Limits.
  • Encouraging 90-Day Prescription Refills.
  • Allowing Greater Access To Prescription Drugs.
  • Accelerating Payments To Michigan-Based Physician Organizations And Practices To Support Their Efforts For Treating Patients With COVID-19. 
  • Is Relaxing Some Of Its Administrative Requirements To Allow Michigan’s Physician Organizations And Health Systems To Spend More Time Treating Patients And Hasten Their Diagnoses And Treatment.
  • Offering Full Salary And Benefits To Employees With Medical Backgrounds Who Volunteer To Work In The Coronavirus Field Hospital Being Constructed At The TCF Center In Detroit.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For Medicare Advantage Members Through December 31, 2020, For Specific Services That Enable Seniors To Consult With Their Doctors And Therapists About Their Health Needs, Both In Person And Virtually.   Members Will Be Assured Of No Copays, Coinsurance Or Deductibles For The Following In-Network Services, From May 1, 2020, Through Dec. 31, 2020:
    • In-Person Primary Care Services
    • Behavioral Health Office Visits
    • Telehealth Services For Both Medical And Behavioral Health
  • Launching New Telehealth Programs With Behavioral Health Providers, So Members Who Are Interested In Participating In Group Sessions To Discuss The Impacts Of The COVID-19 Crisis On Their Mental Health Can Share Their Experiences With Others Under The Guidance Of A Trained Therapist.  The Programs Are Available For Free To Members With Blue Cross And Blue Care Network Behavioral Health Coverage Through June 30, 2020.
  • Returning More Than $100 Million To Many Fully Insured Customers This Year.  The Refunds Are In Addition To $494 Million That BCBSM Has Invested In Expanding The Availability Of No-Cost Benefits For Members And To Support Health Providers In Response To COVID-19 – Bringing The BCBSM Enterprise’s Commitment In Response To The Crisis To Nearly $600 Million. 
  • Providing $494 Million In Additional Support To Members And Providers:
    • Medicare Advantage Member Cost Share Waivers Will Be Offered Through December 31 For BCBSM And BCN Medicare Advantage Members.  The Projected Value Of These No-Cost Services Will Save BCBSM And BCN Medicare Advantage Members $10 Million.
    • COVID-19 Testing And Treatment Cost Share Waivers And No-Cost Telehealth Services Will Continue To Be Provided Through June 30, 2020, To Enable Free Access To Physician-Directed COVID-19 Testing And Treatment For Commercially Insured Members.  The Projected Value Of These No-Cost Services Will Save Members $97 Million. 
    • Advance Funding For Health Providers. BCBSM Pulled Forward $87 Million In Earned Incentive Payments To Michigan Physicians To Enable Them To Operate, Purchase Testing Supplies, Enhance Treatment Services For COVID-19 Patients And Expand Telehealth Services.  BCBSM Also Decided To Continue Planned Payments To Health Systems, Totaling About $300 Million.
  • Providing Their Members No-Cost Treatment For COVID-19 Through December 31, 2020. 

(Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Michigan, “Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Michigan Contributes $500,000 To Community-Based Efforts To Support People In Need During COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 3/16/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Michigan, “Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Michigan, Blue Care Network Will Cover Telehealth At No Cost Through April 30 For Members With Existing Telehealth Medical Benefits,” Press Release, 3/17/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Michigan, “Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Michigan Will Allow Greater Access To Prescription Drugs To Help Members During COVID-19 Crisis,” Press Release, 3/26/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Michigan, “Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Michigan Provides Support To Those On The Front Lines Of The COVID-19 Pandemic In Michigan,” Press Release, 4/3/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Michigan, “To Promote The Health Of Seniors During Pandemic, Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Michigan To Waive Cost Sharing For Medicare Advantage Members,” Press Release, 5/7/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Michigan, “Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Michigan And Behavioral Health Professionals Create Free Virtual Group Therapy Programs To Support Members’ Mental Health Needs During The COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 5/11/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Michigan, “Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Michigan To Return More Than $100 Million To Insured Customers And Members For Medical, Dental And Vision Premiums,” Press Release, 5/20/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Michigan, “Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Michigan To Extend No-Cost Benefits For COVID-19 Treatment Through Year’s End,” Press Release, 6/9/20)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota

  • Donating $750,000 To Provide Emergency Food Boxes To Families Facing Hunger.
  • Waiving Prior Authorization And Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For Telemedicine.
  • Waiving Early Prescription Refill Limits.
  • Encouraging 90-Day Prescription Refills.
  • Teaming Up With Allina Health To Address Shortage of PPE for Health Care Workers. 
  • The Waiving Of All Patient Costs Related To In-Network COVID-19 Treatment And Care, Including Hospitalization Will Be In Effect Through May 31.
  • Joined With North Memorial Health To Create Mask Covers Made Of Surgical Wrap Material That Can Be Worn Over N95 Masks.  One Sheet Of Wrap Can Make 24 Mask Covers, And Thousands Of Mask Covers Will Be Sewn For This Campaign. 
  • The Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Minnesota Foundation Has Granted More Than $825,000 To Community Organizations Through Its COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund, On Top Of Earlier Efforts That Include Contributing $100,000 To Both The Minnesota Disaster Recovery Fund And The Headwaters Foundation For Justice’s Communities First Fund; $100,000 To The Coalition Of Asian-American Leaders (CAAL) As Part Of Their Anti-Racism Campaign; And $15,000 To Both The Minneapolis American Indian Center And Northpoint Health And Wellness For Their Emergency Food Shelf Efforts. 
  • Announced Partnerships With WellShare International And The Minnesota Community Health Worker Alliance Designed To Strengthen And Extend The Community Health Work Infrastructure In Minnesota Communities, Reduce Health Disparities And Bridge Cultural And Language Barriers In Efforts To Limit The Spread Of COVID-19.
  • Reducing Barriers To Care For Medicare Advantage Members By Waiving Member Cost-Sharing For In-Network Primary Care, Mental Health And Substance Use Office Visits For The Duration Of The COVID-19 Crisis In 2020.  Additionally, Medicare Advantage Members Will Have Expanded Access To In-Home Wellness Care And Home Test Kits For Some Preventive Screenings.  
  • Joined Minnesota’s Latest Public Health Initiative To Defeat And Overcome COVID-19, And More Than 140 Blue Cross Associates From Across Blue Cross Will Volunteer As Contact Tracers For The Minnesota Department Of Health. 
  • Committed $60,000 In Funding To Support The Arrowhead Health Alliance’s (AHA) Arrowhead Telepresence Coalition, Enabling The Organization To Purchase And Distribute Internet Devices And Hardware To Individuals In The Region Who Are Most In Need Of Access To Telehealth Services. 
  • Announced That All Temporary Telehealth Coverage Changes Currently In Effect Will Be Extended.  This Includes Coverage For Behavioral Health Services, In Addition To Physical, Speech And Occupational Therapy, And Medication Management.
  • Extending Its Cost-Share Waiver For COVID-19 Testing, Related Office Visits And In-Network Treatment Through The End Of The Year, Ensuring Members Will Not Need To Pay Any Out-Of-Pocket Expenses For COVID-19 Related Care.
  • Will Accelerate Approximately $80 Million In Advance Payments To Providers For Quality And Cost Standards Achieved In 2019, Previously Scheduled For Payment In Late-2020.  In Addition, Blue Cross Will Provide Advance Payments To Providers For Achievements Made In The Innovation And Transformation Of Care Delivery Through Value-Based Care Partnerships. 

(Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Minnesota, “Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Minnesota Expands COVID-19 Coverage To Include Office Visits And Virtual Care At No Cost,” Press Release, 3/14/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Minnesota, “Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota announces $750,000 commitment to Second Harvest Heartland,” Press Release, 3/17/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Minnesota, “Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Minnesota And Allina Health Team Up To Address Shortage Of Personal Protective Equipment For Health Care Workers,” Press Release, Accessed 3/27/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Minnesota, “Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Minnesota Waives Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Treatment,” Press Release, 4/2/20;  Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Minnesota, “Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Minnesota And North Memorial Health Introduce A New Solution Of Mask Covers Made From Surgical Wrap To Protect Healthcare Workers,” Press Release, 4/14/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Minnesota Foundation, “Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Minnesota Foundation Contributes $1.1 Million To Support Communities During Covid-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 4/29/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Minnesota, “Blue Plus Expands Commitment To Community Health Workers,” Press Release, 5/4/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Minnesota, “Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Minnesota Increases Access To Care For Medicare Advantage Members,” Press Release, 5/18/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Minnesota, “Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Minnesota Joins State Efforts To Prevent Further Spread Of COVID-19,” Press Release, 5/19/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Minnesota, “Blue Plus Provides Telehealth Funding Support To Arrowhead Health Alliance In Greater Minnesota,” Press Release, 6/10/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Minnesota, “Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Minnesota Extends Coverage Of Expanded Telehealth Benefits Through 2020,” Press Release, 7/23/20; “Coronavirus: How We Are Responding To COVID-19,” Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Minnesota, Accessed 7/28/20)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Member Cost Sharing For Medically Necessary Covered Services For COVID-19 Treatment Through May 31.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For Telemedicine.
  • Has Expanded Telehealth Coverage For Members.

 (“Expanding Access To Care,” Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Mississippi, Accessed 4/6/20; “Expanding Access To Care,” Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Mississippi, Accessed 8/5/20)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana

  • Waiving Prior Authorization And Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Expanding Access To Telemedicine And Waiving Cost-Sharing.
  • Extending Cost-Sharing Waivers For COVID-19 Treatment For Members Of All Fully Insured Group, Individual, Medicare (Excluding Part D), Medicare Supplement, And Medicaid Plans Through August 31, 2020.

(Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Montana, “COVID-19 Coverage For BCBSMT Members,” Press Release, 3/7/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Montana, “BCBSMT Modifies Telemedicine Coverage And Cost Sharing In Response To COVID-19,” Press Release, 3/18/20; “COVID-19 Coverage For Members,” Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Montana, Accessed 7/23/20)

BlueShield of Northeastern New York

  • Offering Its Members Free Access To A Digital Behavioral Health App, myStrength.  MyStrength, Powered By Livongo®, Is A Highly Interactive Application That Empowers Users To Combat Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Chronic Pain And Sleep Challenges.  The App Features Modules That Can Help Manage Heightened Stress And Feelings Of Social Isolation Due To COVID-19, As Well As Manage Their Overall Health.
  • Targeting At-Risk New Yorkers For Wellness Check-Ins, Increasing Engagement And Support During The COVID-19 Crisis. 

(BlueShield of Northeastern New York, “BlueShield Of Northeastern New York Providing Members Free Digital App To Support Mental Health And Overall Wellness,” Press Release, 4/28/20; Blue Shield of Northeastern New York, “Wellness Strategy: Targeting At-Risk New Yorkers With Check-In Calls,” Press Release, 6/2/20)

BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina

  • Waiving Prior Authorization And Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Prior Authorization For COVID-19 Treatment.
  • Expanding Access To Telemedicine.
  • Waiving Early Prescription Refill Limits.
  • Speeding Up Payments To Providers As They Deal With Potential Short-Term Cash Flow Challenges From COVID-19.
  • The Company Is Also Fast-Tracking Proactive Steps To Support Hospitals, Physicians, Nurses And Thousands Of Other Health Care Providers Across North Carolina.
  • Announced Its Commitments To Provide Financial Support To Members, Employers, Providers, And Community Organizations To Address The COVID-19 Crisis  Will Reach Up To $593 Million – With $318 Million Dedicated To Improving Access To Care And $275 For Addressing Cash Flow Challenges Facing Members, Employers And Providers.
  • Significantly Expanding Its Support Of Primary Care By Creating Accelerate To Value, A Program To Help Independently Owned Primary Care Physician Practices Remain Financially Viable And Move To Value-Based Care.
  • Lowering How Much Members Pay For A 90-Day Supply Of Maintenance Medications Through The End Of 2020. 
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For All COVID-19 Related Treatments For Both In-Network And Out-Of-Network Providers.  BlueCross BlueShield Of North Carolina Is Also Waiving All Copays For In-Network Primary Care And Behavioral Health Visits For Medicare Advantage Members.

(“The Latest Updates On COVID-19,” Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina, 2/10/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of North Carolina, “Blue Cross NC To Speed Payments To Providers, Implement New Support Measures For Front Line Health Care Workers,” Press Release, 4/9/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of North Carolina, “Blue Cross NC’s Unprecedented COVID-19 Commitment Nearly $600 Million In Support Of Members, Employers And Providers,” Press Release, 4/24/20; Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of North Carolina, “Blue Cross NC Launches Comprehensive Program To Help Independent Primary Care Practices Stay In Business,” Press Release, 6/24/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of North Carolina, “Blue Cross NC Lowering Costs For 90-Day Maintenance Medications By Up To 33 Percent Through End Of 2020,” Press Release, 7/15/20; “COVID-19 Member Resources,” Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of North Carolina, Accessed 7/30/20)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota

  • Allowing Customers To Have 62 Days To Pay Their Premiums (Which Is An Extension From The Current 31-Day Requirement) For All Members With Individual Plans Or Small Group Coverage (Businesses With Under 50 Employees).
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Of North Dakota Announced Its Caring Foundation Has Given $150,000 To Nonprofit Organizations Working To Address The COVID-19 Crisis.  $75,000 Will Go To The Eight United Way Agencies Across The State Of North Dakota, As Well As $75,000 To Nonprofits Dedicated To Serving Homeless Populations, Feeding Families, Providing Childcare And Offering Other Basic Needs To Individuals Most Affected By COVID-19.
  • Waiving Out-Of-Pocket Costs For The Treatment Of COVID-19, Including Hospital Stays And Outpatient Treatment.  This Applies To Members With Fully Insured Employer Sponsored Plans Or Individual Plans.

(Blue Cross Blue Shield Of North Dakota, “BCBSND Expands Support for Members, Employer Groups,” Press Release, 3/27/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of North Dakota, “BCBSND Caring Foundation Commits $150,000 To COVID-19 Response,” Press Release, 4/15/20; “Expanded Coverage For COVID-19,” Blue Cross Blue Shield Of North Dakota, Accessed 4/16/20)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska

  • Waiving Prior Authorization And Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Early Prescription Refill Limits.
  • Encouraging 90-Day Prescription Refills.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For Telemedicine.
  • Donated $20,000 To The Open Door Mission.  The Donation Will Support The Nonprofit In Providing Shelter And Care For Men, Women And Children Experiencing Homelessness During The COVID-19 Crisis.
  • Extending The Waiver Of Member Cost Shares For In-Network COVID-19 Testing And Inpatient/Outpatient Treatment, Including Telehealth, Through September 30, 2020. 

(“How Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Nebraska Is Responding To The Coronavirus – And What You Need To Know,” Blue Cross Blue Shield Nebraska, 3/13/20; Cassandra Wade, “BCBSNE Donates $20,000 To Open Door Mission,” Press Release, 4/8/20; Ally Thomson, “BCBSNE Extends Waiver Of Member Cost Shares For COVID-19 Testing And Treatment, Including Telehealth,” Blue Cross Blue Shield Nebraska, 6/1/20)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico

  • Waiving Prior Authorization And Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Early Prescription Refill Limits.
  • Contributing $1 Million To Address The Needs Of New Mexicans Impacted By The COVID-19 Crisis, Which Will Focus On Food Security, Child And Senior Care, Providers And Health Care Access.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-Related Treatment For Medicare (Excluding Part D) And Medicare Supplement Members. 

(Blue Cross Blue Shield Of New Mexico, “COVID-19 Coverage For BCBSNM Members,” Press Release, 3/7/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of New Mexico, “BCBSNM Lifts Restrictions On Early Fills For Members With Prime Therapeutics,” Press Release, 3/19/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of New Mexico, “Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of New Mexico Contributes $1 Million To Aid New Mexico’s COVID-19 Response,” Press Release, 4/16/20; “COVID-19 Coverage For Members,” Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of New Mexico, Accessed 7/30/20)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Donated $100,000 To The Western New York COVID-19 Community Response Fund To Address The Most Critical And Immediate Community Needs Related To The Coronavirus, As Well As Other Efforts.
  • BlueCross BlueShield Of Western New York Is Sending Healthy Snack-Packs And Meals From Local Companies, Buffalo Strive And Jakes Cafe, To 1,500 Western New York Residents, On Behalf Of Their 1,500 Employees – A Symbolic Effort To Support The Dedicated Individuals Who Are On The Frontlines Serving Our Community During The COVID-19 Crisis.  BlueCross BlueShield Of Western New York Is Also Offering Members Free Access To A Digital Behavioral Health App, myStrength, Which Helps Users Combat Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Chronic Pain And Sleep Challenges.  The App Features Modules That Can Help Manage Heightened Stress And Feelings Of Social Isolation Due To COVID-19, As Well As Manage Their Overall Health.
  • Announced That Its Blue Fund Has Made A Corporate Donation Of $900,000 To The WNY COVID-19 Community Response Fund, Bringing The Blue Fund’s Total Investment To $1 Million.

(BlueCross BlueShield Of Western New York, “Statement From BlueCross BlueShield Of WNY President And CEO Dave Anderson,” Press Release, 4/2/20; BlueCross BlueShield Of Western New York, “BlueCross BlueShield Fuels The Frontline During COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 4/27/20; BlueCross BlueShield Of Western New York, “BlueCross BlueShield Blue Fund Contributes $1M To WNY COVID-19 Community Response Fund,” Press Release, 6/9/20) 

Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Oklahoma (BCBSOK)

  • Waiving Prior Authorization And Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For Telemedicine.
  • Preventing Overcrowding At Emergency Rooms And Other Health Care Facilities During The COVID-19 Pandemic Through Deliver On-Demand Health Care Services.
  • Authorizing Any Member Who Received Treatment Outside Of Oklahoma Prior To March 15, 2020 To Continue Receiving Care Closer To Home If They Prefer Not To Travel During The COVID-19 Crisis.  Members Can Transition To An In-Network Provider In Oklahoma, Or BCBSOK Will Cover The Costs To See An Out-Of-Network Provider In Oklahoma At The In-Network Rate.
  • Announced That MyHealth Access Network Is Providing Its Secure Health Records Portal To All Qualified Providers In Oklahoma.  The New Program Will Enable Front Line Health Care Providers To Use MyHealth To Reference Patient Health Data, Including Any Test Results For COVID-19, In Real-Time.
  • Will Authorize Any Member Who Was Receiving Treatment Outside Of Oklahoma Prior To March 15 To Continue Receiving Care Closer To Home If They Prefer Not To Travel During The COVID-19 Crisis Through July 31.  This Date Is An Extension From The Original End Date Of June 30.  Members Can Transition To An In-Network Provider In Oklahoma Or BCBSOK Will Cover The Costs To See An Out-Of-Network Provider In Oklahoma At The In-Network Rate.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Treatment For Members Of All Fully Insured Group, Individual, Medicare (Excluding Part D), Medicare Supplement And Medicaid Plans.

(Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Oklahoma, “Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Oklahoma Will Waive Member Copays And Deductibles For COVID-19 Tests,” Press Release, 3/9/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Oklahoma, “Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Oklahoma Temporarily Eliminating Telemedicine Copays,” Press Release, 3/19/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Oklahoma, “In-Home Medical Care Helps Prevent Overcrowding At The ER,” Press Release, 3/26/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Oklahoma, “BCBSOK Provides Continuity Of Life-Saving Treatments During COVID-19 Outbreak,” Press Release, 5/4/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Oklahoma, “MyHealth Access Network And Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Oklahoma Supercharge Efforts To Track And Contain COVID-19 Spread,” Press Release, 5/27/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Oklahoma, “BCBSOK Extends Continuity Of Care Treatments During COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 6/16/20; “COVID-19 Coverage For Members,” Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Oklahoma, Accessed 7/30/20)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island

  • Awarded $500,000 To Nine Local Organizations Committed To Improving Access To Affordable Housing. 
  • Streaming Virtual Fitness Classes Every Weekday At 10 A.M.  During The COVID-19 Crisis. 
  • Providing A 25% Dental Premium Credit For Fully Insured Customers And Is Extending Teledentistry Services With In-Network Dentists Through July 31, 2020. 
  • Has Awarded Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Rhode Island A Grant Of $75,000.  The Funds Will Support LISC’s Neighborhood Development Fund, Which Provides Funding, Training, Resources And Technical Assistance In An Effort To Strengthen The Operations Of Community Development Corporations To Produce Affordable Housing While Addressing Broader Community Revitalization Issues.

(Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Rhode Island, “Blue Cross & Blue Shield Of Rhode Island Makes $500K Investment To Improve Access To Safe And Affordable Housing; Nine Local Agencies Receive Funding,” Press Release, 5/11/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Rhode Island, “Blue Cross & Blue Shield Of Rhode Island Brings Popular Your Blue Store Fitness Classes To Rhode Islanders Through Facebook Live, Five Days A Week,” Press Release, 5/14/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Rhode Island, “Blue Cross & Blue Shield Of Rhode Island Provides 25 Percent Dental Premium Credit And Extends Coverage For Teledentistry Services,” Press Release, 6/5/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Rhode Island, “Blue Cross & Blue Shield Of Rhode Island Supports Affordable Housing Development With $75K Grant,” Press Release, 7/21/20)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina

  • Waiving Prior Authorization And Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • BlueCross BlueShield Of South Carolina And The BlueCross BlueShield Of South Carolina Foundation Have Joined Together With Senior Resources To Provide $1.6 Million To Expand Senior Resources’ Emergency Senior Nutrition Program, Which Is Giving Five Free Meals Weekly To Eligible Homebound Elderly.  The Contribution Is Anticipated To Provide 245,000 Meals.
  • Partnered with Charleston County Medical Society To Provide 300,000 Personal Protective Equipment Supplies To Independent Physicians In South Carolina.
  • BlueCross BlueShield Of South Carolina, The South Carolina Hospital Association And The South Carolina Medical Association Are Joining Together In An Effort To Persuade The Public To Limit Potential Exposure To COVID-19. The Groups Are Also Looking To Support South Carolina-Based Physicians By Providing Free Access To An Online Continuing Medical Education Module With Updates On The Most Current COVID-19 Treatment Information. 

(BlueCross BlueShield Of South Carolina, “Blue Cross And Blue Choice Health Plan Waive Cost-Sharing For In-Network COVID-19 Treatment,” Press Release, 4/2/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of South Carolina, “BlueCross BlueShield Of South Carolina And The BlueCross BlueShield Of South Carolina Foundation Join Forces With Senior Resources To Combat Food Insecurity For Vulnerable Elders In South Carolina,” Press Release, 4/28/20; BlueCross BlueShield Of South Carolina, “BlueCross BlueShield Of South Carolina And Charleston County Medical Society Join Forces To Bring 300,000 PPE Supplies To Independent Physicians In South Carolina,” Press Release, 5/1/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of South Carolina, “BlueCross BlueShield Of South Carolina, South Carolina Hospital Association And South Carolina Medical Association Collaborate On Public Service Campaign Encouraging South Carolinians To ‘Slow The Spread,’” Press Release, 7/3/20)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Expanding Access To Telemedicine.
  • Waiving Member Costs For Any Appropriate, FDA-Aligned COVID-19 Testing.
  • Allowing Early Prescription Refills And 90-Day Prescriptions To Avoid Increased Risk Of Exposure.
  • Expanding Access To Telehealth Services By Making Physician Now Visits Available At No Cost And By Covering Virtual Visits With Other Network Providers For Many Services.
  • Sharing Key Public Health Information, Such As Promoting Social Distancing And Warning Of Potential Scam Activity.
  • Donated A Total Of $3.25 Million To Six Food Banks Across The State To Help Them Meet Increased Community Needs.
  • Blue Cross Has Also Made Donations Of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) To Some Tennessee Health Systems.
  • Adapting Prior Authorization Requirements And Billing Processes For Emergency Care Through May 31, 2020.
  • Working With Community News Partners To Help Educate On And Address Health Care Disparities.
  • Permanently Changed Its Coverage Of Virtual Visits With In-Network Providers.  Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Tennessee Began Covering Telephone And Video Visits With In-Network Providers In March 2020.  The Change Initially Included Primary Care Providers, Specialists And Behavioral Health Providers And Was Later Expanded To Include Occupational, Physical And Speech Therapy As Well As Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy Services.  All Of These Services Will Now Be Covered On An Ongoing Basis.
  • Waiving Medicare Advantage Member Costs For Doctor’s Office And Virtual Visits To In-Network Primary Care And Behavioral Health Care Providers From May 19 – September 30, 2020.

(Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Tennessee, “Members Will Not Be Responsible For Co-Pays Or Cost Sharing For FDA-Approved Testing,” Press Release, 3/6/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Tennessee, “Blue Cross Expanding Telehealth Access With In-Network Providers,” Press Release, 3/17/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Tennessee, “BlueCross To Cover Full Treatment Costs For COVID-19,” Press Release, 4/2/20; “BlueCross BlueShield Of Tennessee Response To COVID-19,” Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Tennessee, Accessed 4/17/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Tennessee, “BlueCross Making In-Network Telehealth Services Permanent,” Press Release, 5/14/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Tennessee, “BlueCross Waives Primary, Behavioral Care Costs For Medicare Advantage Members,” Press Release, 5/19/20)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas

  • Waiving Prior Authorization And Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Offering A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) For Its Insured Group Customers.
  • Contributed A $1 Million Donation To The Communities Foundation Of Texas To Help With COVID-19 Relief Efforts, Which Will Support Nonprofits Statewide Who Are Providing Critical Services Such As: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) For First Responders, Childcare For First Responders And Health Care Professionals And Services For Senior Adults, Including Meal And Grocery Delivery. 
  • Donated $1 Million Grant To The Texas Restaurant Association’s TX Restaurant Relief Fund, Which Will Be Used To Keep Restaurant Operations Open And Employees Working, While Also Providing First Responders Across Texas With Meals To Show Appreciation For All They Are Doing During COVID-19 Crisis.  In Addition To Providing More Than 150,000 Meals To First Responders, The BCBSTX Grant Will Provide Support To More Than 100 Independently Owned Restaurants, 670 Whataburgers And More Than 220 Chipotles Across Texas. 
  • Extending Cost-Sharing Waivers For COVID-19 Treatment For Members Of All Fully Insured Group, Individual, Medicare (Excluding Part D), Medicare Supplement And Medicaid Plans.

(Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Texas, “Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Texas Will Waive Member Copays And Deductibles For COVID-19 Tests,” Press Release, 3/7/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Texas, “Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Texas Launches Special Enrollment Period For Some Employers,” Press Release, 4/2/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Texas, “Communities Foundation Of Texas Receives $1 Million Donation From Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Texas To Aid COVID-19 Relief Efforts Across Texas,” Press Release, 4/17/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Texas, “Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Texas Funds $1 Million Grant To TX Restaurant Relief Fund,” Press Release, 4/21/20; “COVID-19 Coverage For Members,” Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Texas, Accessed 7/28/20)

Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Vermont

  • Opened An Emergency COVID-19 Special Enrollment Period Starting On March 20, 2020 For The Uninsured To Enroll In Health Plan Coverage.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Expanding Access To Telemedicine.
  • Waiving The Costs Associated With Diagnosis And Treatment Of Acute COVID-19 Through The Duration Of The State Of Vermont’s Emergency Order.

(“Coronavirus Update,” Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Vermont, Accessed 4/5/20; “Coronavirus Update,” Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Vermont, Accessed 7/23/20)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For Telemedicine.
  • Waiving Early Prescription Refill Limits And Waived Prior Authorization Requirement For Refill.
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Wyoming Has Donated $100,000 To Support Local Anti-Hunger Programs Throughout The State.
  • Extended Its Waiver Of Out-Of-Pocket Costs For Telemedicine Services And Necessary Treatment For COVID-19. 
  • Extended Waivers For All Member Cost Sharing And Copayments For COVID-19 Treatment And Inpatient Hospital Admissions, Effective Until September 1, 2020.

(Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Wyoming, “Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Wyoming To Waive Out-Of-Pocket Costs For COVID-19 Treatment,” Press Release, 4/3/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Wyoming, “Blue Cross Blue Shield Announces Donation To Support The Wyoming Hunger Initiative,” Press Release, 4/28/20; Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Wyoming, “Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Wyoming Will Continue Waivers For Telemedicine And COVID-19 Treatment,” Press Release, 6/22/20; “Covid-19 Update,” Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Wyoming, Accessed 7/27/20)

Bright Health

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Early Refill Limits On Prescriptions.
  • Waiving Ride Limits For Non-Emergency Visits To The Doctor.
  • Offering Free COVID-19 Telemedicine.

(“Coronavirus And Coverage,” Bright Health, Accessed 3/19/20)

Cambia

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Early Refill Limits On Prescriptions.
  • Promoting Telehealth Options, And In-Network Providers Can Provide Telehealth Services At The Same Cost As An In-Person Visit.
  • Invested More Than $3 Million To Meet Emerging Needs Created By The COVID-19 Crisis.  The Investments Will Go To Four Community Health Associations That Support The Work Of Federally Qualified Health Centers Across Idaho, Oregon, Utah, And Washington.  The New Funding Also Supports The Development Of Tools And Resources For Health Care Providers On The Front Lines Of The Crisis.
  • Extended Coverage For COVID-19 Treatment Without Any Out-Of-Pocket Costs For Fully Insured Asuris Health Northwest Members Through December 31, 2020.  In Addition, Asuris Will Continue Paying Providers For Virtual Care Services At The Same Rate As In-Person Visits Through September 2020 To Help Ease Member Access And Support Providers Experiencing Financial Challenges.  Diagnostic Testing Also Remains Covered At No Cost To Members.

(Mark Ganz, “Caring For Each Other In Our New ‘Normal,’” Cambia, 4/10/20; Cambia Health Foundation, “Cambia Health Foundation Commits $3 Million To Address COVID-19 Immediate Impacts,” Press Release, 5/5/20; Cambia, “New Asuris Full Funding Health Plan Solutions Help Employers Reduce Risk, Boost Predictability In Challenging Economic Times,” Press Release, 6/30/20)

Capital Blue

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Suspending Prior Authorization For Diagnostic Tests And Covered Services.
  • Waiving Early Refill Limits On Prescriptions.
  • Offering Free Telemedicine To Members And Discounted Visits To The Public.
  • Waiving Member Cost Share (Copays, Coinsurance, And Deductibles) Through May 1, 2020, For In-Network, Inpatient Hospital Treatment For COVID-19.  This Cost Waiver Applies To Medicare And Fully Insured Individual And Commercial Group Members.  (Large, Self-Insured Groups May Choose To Offer This Waiver For Their Employees.) 
  • Enhancing Coverage For BlueCross Dental Plans By Covering In-Network TeleDentistry Consultations With No Member Cost Share Through May 15.  During This Time, Frequency Limits For Eligible Evaluations Will Be Waived And Covered TeleDentistry Exams Will Not Count Toward A Member’s Annual Oral Exam Frequency Allowance.  BlueCross Dental Members May Use TeleDentistry To Consult With A Dentist Through Video Conference Or By Sending Images For Review About Pain, An Abscess Or Other Urgent Issue.
  • Increasing Funding To Food Banks And Other Community Organizations In Pennsylvania – As Well As Providing Meals To Health Care Workers, First Responders, And Nursing Home Staff And Residents –To Help Communities And Front Line Workers During The COVID-19 Crisis.
  • Waiving Member Costs For In-Network, Inpatient Hospital Treatment For COVID-19 Through July 31, 2020.
  • Extending Member Cost Sharing Waivers For Any Provider Visits That Result In A COVID-19 Test Through The End Of The Federal Public Health Emergency.
  • Is Also Temporarily Waiving Early Refill Limits On Prescription Drugs, Whether Filled At A Retail Pharmacy Or Through Home Delivery.
  • For Members With The Capital BlueCross Virtual Care Benefit, Capital BlueCross Are Waiving Member Fees For Medical, Psychiatry And Counseling Visits Using The Virtual Care App.  That Means Members Are Not Responsible For Paying A Copay, Coinsurance Or Deductible For A Virtual Care Visit.
  • Waiving Member Fees For Certain In-Network Teledentistry Consultations.

(Capital Blue, “Capital Blue Cross Temporarily Modifies Coverage To Help Members Deal With Spread Of COVID-19,” Press Release, 3/9/20; Capital Blue, “Capital Blue Cross Offers Free Medical Virtual Care Visits For All Eligible Members, Extends A Discount To General Public,” Press Release, 3/12/20; Capital Blue, “Capital BlueCross Waives Additional Costs During COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 4/20/20; Capital Blue, “Capital BlueCross Increases Food Aid During COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 4/21/20; “Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19),” Capital Blue Cross, Accessed 7/13/20; Capital BlueCross, “Capital BlueCross Issues Rebate Checks,” Press Release, 7/30/20; “Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19),” Capital BlueCross, Accessed 8/7/20)

Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.  This Change Is Retroactive For All COVID-19 Treatment, Including Hospitalizations, Testing, And Office Visits With In-Network Providers.
  • Offering Free COVID-19 Telemedicine.
  • Assisting Patients And Families Through A Virtual Setting With The Following:
    • Providing Emotional Support To Members, Families, And Caregivers;
    • Providing Daily Communication Updates Between Hospital Staff, Patients, And Families;
    • Collaborating With Hospital Care Teams To Customize Discharge Planning;
    • Identifying Any Barriers To Care, Such As Access To Food, Medication, And Transportation;
    • Identifying Any Community Resources/Support Services Needed Post-Discharge; And
    • Facilitating Post-Discharge Phone Calls And Support.
  • Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan Has Partnered With Brook Health To Offer The Brook Personal Health Companion To Members And Non-Members For Free During The COVID-19 Crisis.  The Health Companion Is A Smartphone App That Can Provide Patient Support In Areas Including Healthy Meal Ideas, Blood Pressure Management And Sleep Support.
  • Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan Will Continue Its Support For Local Not-For-Profit Organizations And Communities Hit Hard By The Effects Of The COVID-19 Crisis By Extending Weekly Lunch Deliveries.  Over The Last Month, CDPHP Was Able To Distribute 2,000 Lunches To Those In Need.

(“Coverage for COVID-19,” Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan, Accessed 4/14/20; Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan, “CDPHP Patient Care Team Connects Patients, Doctors, And Loved Ones During COVID-19 Crisis,” Press Release, 4/16/20; Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan, “CDPHP Partners With Brook Health To Provide Free Community Resource To Combat COVID-19 Crisis,” Press Release, 4/28/20; Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan, “CDPHP Extends Important Meal Deliveries As COVID-19 Crisis Continues,” Press Release, 7/8/20)

CareFirst

  • Providing 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For Telemedicine.
  • Offering Prescription Refill Deliveries And Encouraging 90-Day Refills. 
  • Offering Financial Flexibility For Members And Groups That Are Experiencing Economic Hardship.
  • Offering Employees Who Are Licensed Nurses And Behavioral Health Practitioners The Opportunity To Volunteer Their Time, Resources And Expertise During The COVID-19 Pandemic.
  • Will Offer A New Accelerated Payment Program To An Array Of Healthcare Providers Experiencing Financial Strain Due To The COVID-19 Pandemic. 
  • Carefirst’s Combined Provider-Focused Efforts Will Result In Over $170 Million In Direct Support Of The Healthcare Delivery System During The Pandemic.
  •  Accelerating Funds That Would Otherwise Not Be Available During The Pandemic Or Have Been Paid Later In 2020 And 2021.
  • Maryland State Medical Society (MedChi) Also Announced A Partnership To Provide MedChi Independent Physician Practices With Five Or Fewer Members, A Year Of Complimentary Access To DrFirst’s Backline Telehealth Platform For Physicians Who Enroll Between March 1st And December 31st Of 2020.  DrFirst Is A Maryland-Based Company That Offers Secure Telehealth Services.
  • Providing Premium Credits To Many Fully Insured Customers As A Result Of Treatment Disruptions Related To The COVID-19 Crisis, Extendiing The Waiver Of Cost Sharing For Telehealth Services And COVID-19 Testing And Treatment And Returning Rebates From 2019 As A Result Of Lower Than Expected Use Of Medical Care By Its Members.  These Latest Benefits, Combined With Other Relief CareFirst Has Offered, Result In Over $300 Million Made Available To CareFirst’s Members, Providers And Communities During The COVID-19 Crisis.
  • Invested $1 Million In The Distribution Of Care Packages Including Masks, Hand Sanitizer And No-Touch Tools For High-Risk Members In Maryland, The District Of Columbia And Northern Virginia.  This Initiative Is One Of Several Actions Carefirst Is Taking To Provide Ongoing Relief To The Communities It Serves.

(“Member Updates & Information,” CareFirst, Accessed 3/19/20; CareFirst, “CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Announces Financial Flexibility Options During Coronavirus Pandemic,” Press Release, 3/26/20; CareFirst, “CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Announces Volunteer Program For Coronavirus Response And Relief,” Press Release, 3/27/20; CareFirst, “CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Accelerates Over $170 Million In Payments And Support To Healthcare Providers In Response To Coronavirus Pandemic,” Press Release, 4/10/20; CareFirst, “CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield And Maryland State Medical Society (MedChi) Announce Partnership To Provide Physicians Access To Telehealth Platform,” Press Release, 4/11/20; CareFirst, “CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield To Provide Premium Credits And Other Financial Benefits To Customers And Members,” Press Release, 6/12/20; CareFirst, “CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield To Provide Care Packages To Vulnerable Members During Coronavirus Pandemic,” Press Release, 8/25/20)

CareOregon

  • Reallocating $1 Million Of Funding Through Its Community Giving Grant Program To Assist Local Organizations And Help Them Continue To Offer Food Security, Shelter And Rental Assistance To Our Communities.
  • CareOregon Is Taking Actions To Support Providers During The COVID-19 Crisis, Including:
    • Offsetting Lost Revenue By Paying Providers A Lump Sum Advance For Visits That Would Have Been Conducted In March, April, May And June 2020.
    • Releasing The Majority Of State Incentive Payments Earlier Than Normal To Give Clinics Needed Access To Money For COVID-19 Mitigation.
    • Delaying The Implementation Of New Alternative Payment Methodology (APM) Contracts And Maintaining PMPM Payments At Current Respective Clinic Levels.
    • Expediting Approvals For Temporary Housing Support For Members Suspected To Have COVID-19, Including Helping Secure Hotel/Motel Stays For Houseless Members Who Are At Risk For Transmission
    • Working With Providers To Supply Flip Phones And Simple Smart Phones To Members As The Delivery Of Care Moves To Telehealth.

(CareOregon, “Letter To The Community From Eric C. Hunter, President And Chief Executive Officer Of CareOregon,” Press Release, 4/10/20; “Coronavirus (COVID-19) Member Information,” CareOregon, Accessed 5/6/20)

CareSource

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Partnering With Community Food Bank To Deliver Food Boxes To Seniors Below The Poverty Line.

(CareSource, “No Out-Of-Pocket Costs For Coronavirus Testing For Caresource Members,” Press Release, 3/9/20; CareSource, “CareSource And The Foodbank, Inc. Partner To Ensure Dayton Seniors Are Prepared For Potential Coronavirus Quarantines,” Press Release, 3/11/20)

CenCal Health

  • Delivering, 100,000 Disposable Face Masks, 100,000 Disposable Gloves And 20,000 Protective Gowns In Order To Protect And Support Local Health Care Workers During The COVID-19 Crisis.

(CenCal Health, “CenCal Health Procures PPE For Central Coast Hospitals, Clinics,” Press Release, 4/27/20)

Centene Corporation

  • Waiving All Cost-Sharing And Preauthorization For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Treatments In Doctor’s Offices Or Emergency Rooms And Services Delivered Via Telehealth.
  • Waiving Prescription Refill Limits.
  • Expanding Access To Certain Telehealth Services.
  • Relaxing Restrictions On Home Or Mail Delivery Of Prescription Drugs.
  • Creating A Medical Reserve Leave Policy To Support Clinical Staff Who Want To Join A Medical Reserve Force And Serve Their Communities During The COVID-19 Pandemic.  The New Policy Will Provide Paid Leave And Benefits For Up To 3 Months Of Volunteer Service.
  • Assisting Its Network Providers In Seeking Benefits From The Small Business Administration (SBA) Through The CARES Act.  As Part Of The Provider Program, The Company Has Launched A Dedicated Online Portal Where Providers Can Research Benefits They May Be Eligible For And Work Directly With Experts To Apply For Them.
  • Centene Has Also Created A Comprehensive Financial Aid Package In Response To The Unprecedented Needs Of Safety Net Providers Including Federally Qualified Healthcare Centers, Behavioral Health Providers And Community-Based Behavioral Health Organizations, And Long-Term Service And Support Organizations Operating On The Front Lines Of The Pandemic.
  • Partnering With Feeding America’s Network Of Food Banks To Donate 1 Million Meals A Month For 12 Months To Feed Communities All Over The Country.
  • Purchasing 50,000 Gift Cards For Use On Essential Items.
  • Supporting The Disability Community Affected By The COVID-19 Pandemic By:
    • Establishing An Emergency Registry For Members With Long-Term Services And Supports.
    • Establishing Onsite Disability Liaisons At COVID-19 Super Sites. 
    • Addressing Social Determinants Of Health To Support The Unique Needs Of Members With Disabilities By:
      • Augmenting Service Coordination Activities Through Peer Supports And Skills Training For Members With Disabilities.
      • Providing Grants To Area Agencies On Aging For Groceries And Meal Deliveries For Members With Disabilities Who Have Had A Disruption Of Natural Supports.
      • Matching Funds In Partnership With Organizations, Such As, Workforce Development Boards And Other Safety Net Organizations, To Train The Direct Care Workforce And Support Unemployed Individuals By Preparing Them For A Career In Health Care.
      • Offering Access To The Provider Accessibility Initiative COVID-19 Web Series To Provide Timely Recommendations From Experts With Disabilities On How Providers And Organizations Can Deliver Disability-Competent Care During The Pandemic And Future Emergencies.
  • Created A Medicaid Telehealth Partnership With The National Association Of Community Health Centers To Help Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) Quickly Ramp-Up Their Capacity To Provide Telehealth Solutions To Meet The Needs Created By The COVID-19 Crisis.  Centene Is Dedicating $5 Million To The Partnership’s Efforts, Which Will Be Used To Purchase Equipment And Provide Training And Technical Assistance To FQHCs.
  • Centene Is Collaborating With Quest Diagnostics To Increase Access To Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR) COVID-19 Testing In Critical Areas Of Need Across The Country.   Through This Collaboration, Centene Will Facilitate The Distribution Of 25,000 Quest COVID-19 Test Kits Each Week To Federally Qualified Health Centers In Ten States Or Districts Across The Country.
  • Centene Is Making Investments To Support Communities That Are Experiencing Elevated Levels Of Stress And Mental Strain Caused By An Increase In Grief, Loss, Economic Pressure, Unemployment And Social Isolation Due To The COVID-19 Crisis.
    • Partnering With Allegheny Health Network And The CARES Institute At Rowan University To Fund 25 Virtual Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Training Cohorts.
    • Directing Funds To The Crisis Text Line To Support Their ‘For The Frontlines’ Initiative.
    • Partnering With Peer Warmlines, Which Are Dedicated Call Centers For Mild To Moderate Behavioral Health Needs, In States Hardest Hit By COVID-19, Including California, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, Louisiana, Illinois And Florida.  As Part Of This Partnership, Centene Will Allocate Funds To Assist Warmlines In Meeting The Demand For Increased Capacity Brought On By The COVID-19 Crisis.
    • Donating To The National Council For Behavioral Health’s COVID-19 Relief Fund, Specifically For The Provision Of Mental Health First Aid. 
  • Collaborating With States To Release www.ConnectToCareJobs.com.  This New Website Serves As A Tool To Solve The Critical Problem Many Health Care Facilities Face During The COVID-19 Crisis – How To Fill Critical Staffing Gaps In A Timely Fashion. 
  • Convened A Group Of Medical, Non-Profit And Community Leaders To Form The Centene Health Disparities Task Force, Which Will Further Enhance Centene’s Leadership And Commitment To Ensuring Underserved Populations Have Access To Quality Health Care. 
  • Waiving All Cost Sharing For In-Network Primary Care, Behavioral Health And Telehealth Visits For The Remainder Of The Calendar Year For Medicare Advantage Members. 
  • Donating $500,000 To The National Domestic Violence Hotline, Which Aims To Support And Advocate For Those Affected By Domestic Abuse. 
  • Partnering With The National Minority Quality Forum To Assess The Impact Of COVID-19 On Racial Minorities And Underserved Communities Across The Country.  The “Minority And Rural Health Coronavirus Study” Will Examine The Risk Factors Associated With The Disproportionate Impact COVID-19 Is Having On Racial Minorities And Rural Communities.
  • Centene And Quartet Health Have Expanded Their Existing Partnership To Help Members Quickly And Easily Access The Behavioral Health Care They Need.  The Nationwide Expansion Will Enable Members To Seamlessly Access Quality Behavioral Health Care From Providers Located In Their Areas Who Serve Their Unique Clinical Needs.  To Support Members Who Want Access To Care From Their Homes During The COVID-19 Crisis, All Scheduled Appointments Will Be With Providers Who Support Virtual Care.

(Centene Corporation, “Centene Taking Additional Steps To Protect Members’ Health Amid COVID-19 Outbreak,” Press Release, 3/12/20; Centene Corporation, “Centene Announces New Benefits For Employees During COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 4/6/20; Centene Corporation, “Centene Announces Provider Support Program To Assist Providers With Grant Writing, Small Business Loan Applications,” Press Release, 4/8/20; Centene Corporation, “Centene Announces New Community Investments To Address Social Determinants Of Health,” Press Release, 4/13/20; Centene Corporation, “Centene To Offer Resources For The Disability Community Affected By COVID-19; Company Expands Support To Safety Net Organizations,” Press Release, 4/16/20; Centene Corporation, “Centene To Equip Critical Medicaid Providers With Telehealth Resources,” Press Release, 4/22/20; Centene Corporation, “Centene And Quest Diagnostics Team Up To Increase Access To COVID-19 Testing,” Press Release, 4/29/20; Centene Corporation, “Centene To Invest In Critical Mental Health Resources,” Press Release, 5/4/20; Centene Corporation, “Advancing States Announces Release Of ConnectToCareJobs.com,” Press Release, 5/11/20; Centene Corporation, “Centene Announces Health Disparities Task Force,” Press Release, 5/18/20; Centene Corporation, “Centene To Waive Primary Care, Behavioral Health, And Telehealth Costs For Medicare Advantage Members For Remainder Of 2020,” Press Release, 5/20/20; Centene Corporation, “Centene Donates $500,000 To National Domestic Violence Hotline,” Press Release, 5/26/20; Centene Corporation, “Centene, NMQF Partner To Study Impact Of COVID-19 On Racial Minorities And Underserved Communities,” Press Release, 6/8/20; Centene Corporation, “Centene And Quartet Health Expand Partnership Nationwide To Help Ensure Members Have Access To Critical Behavioral Health Care During COVID-19 Pandemic And Beyond,” Press Release, 7/16/20)

Cerner

  • Utilizing Its Electronic Health Records Technology To Help Health Systems Better Screen And Monitor Their Patient Populations.
  • Advancing Telehealth Solutions To Better Enable In-Home Care And Mitigate Community Spread Of COVID-19.

(Healthcare Leadership Council, “Healthcare Industry Actions To Protect Patients During The COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 3/26/20)

Cigna

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For Telehealth Screenings For COVID-19.
  • Providing A Dedicated COVID-19 24-Hour, Toll Free Resource Center And A Second Phone Line For Customers. 
  • Virtually Treating Routine Medical Examinations By In-Network Physicians During The Outbreak.
  • Providing Free Home Delivery Of Up To A 90-Day Prescription Supply And 24/7 Access To Pharmacists.
  • Giving 10 days (80 hours) Of Emergency Paid Time Off For Colleagues For COVID-19 Related Absences Through 2020.
  • Providing Premium Compensation And Additional Assistance To Reward Its Employees Who Must Continue To Work Onsite.    
  • Mandating All Employees With The Capability To Work From Home To Do So Immediately.
  • Providing Extensive Resources And Tools For Its Colleagues To Help Effectively Manage Feelings Of Fear, Anxiety, And Stress.
  • Accelerating Patient Transfers To Make It Easier For Hospitals To Focus On Treating COVID-19.
  • Waiving Prior Authorization For The Transfer Of Non-COVID-19 Patients.
  • Waiving Customer Cost-Sharing And Co-Payments For All Treatments Related To The Coronavirus Strain COVID-19. 
  • Providing Medications To Washington University School Of Medicine In St. Louis To Initiate A Clinical Trial That Will Evaluate Antimalarial And Antibiotic Treatments For COVID-19.
  • Launching A Pilot Program To Increase Social Connectivity Among Its Medicare Advantage (MA) Customers During The COVID-19 Pandemic.
  • Launched Dental Virtual Care, Which Will Be Available Through Cigna’s Growing Network Of Dental Providers Who Offer Teledentistry.  Cigna Dental Virtual Care Will Be Available This Month To Over 16 Million Dental Customers Enrolled In Cigna’s Employer-Sponsored Insurance Plans At No Cost Through May 31, 2020.  Cigna Is Also Partnering With The TeleDentists, A National Virtual Care Dental Provider With More Than 300 Dentists.  Through A Video Consultation, Licensed Dentists Can Triage Urgent Situations Such As Pain, Infection, And Swelling And Guide The Customer On Next Steps.  If Necessary, The Dentist Will Prescribe Medications, Such As Antibiotics And Non-Narcotic Pain Relievers.
  • Launched The Brave Of Heart Fund With New York Life Insurance Company To Provide Grants To The Families Of Frontline U.S. Health Care Workers Who Lost Their Lives In The Fight Against COVID-19 With The Goal To Raise More Than $100 Million.
  • Expanding Its Digital Capabilities To Help Customers With COVID-19 By Providing Real-Time, Personalized Support.  These New Virtual Solutions Will Help Rapidly Identify And Assist Cigna Customers Who Arrive In Emergency Room Settings With COVID-19 Symptoms, And Support Those Who Are Actively Recovering At Home.
  • Partnering With Collective Medical To Identify Customers, In Real-Time, Checking Into Emergency Care Settings With COVID-19 Symptoms.  With This Information, Cigna Care Advocates Can Quickly Engage These Customers And Connect Them With Programs To Support Whole Person Health, Such As Care Management, Remote Patient Monitoring And Behavioral Health Support.
  • Providing Customers With Mild To Moderate COVID-19 Symptoms Access To An Interactive Digital Tool While They Recover At Home.  Cigna Has Partnered With Medocity To Create A Simple Solution, Medocity For Cigna, Which Allows Customers To Track Their Symptoms, Connect With Care Advocates And Access Behavioral And Emotional Supportive Resources.
  • Adding Talkspace To Its Behavioral Provider Network For Customers Seeking A More Convenient Therapy Option.  With Private Messaging (Text, Voice And Video), Talkspace Connects Cigna Customers To Dedicated Licensed Therapists Who Engage Daily Through A Secure App.  Customers Can Also Schedule Live Video Sessions Based On Personal Preference.
  • Launching The Cigna Care Card To Help Clients Provide Financial Assistance To Keep Employees Healthy And Supported During The COVID-19 Crisis.  Employees Can Use The Debit Card For Qualified Disaster Relief Payments, Such As Medical Payments, Groceries, Child Care And Wellness Services.  Payments Are Tax-Free To Employees And Fully Deductible To The Employer.
  • Eliminating Cost-Sharing For All Primary Care, Specialty Care And Behavioral Health Care In-Office Or Telehealth Visits For COVID-19 And Non-COVID-19 Care.  This Expansion Applies To All U.S. Customers Enrolled In Cigna’s Medicare Advantage And Individual And Family Plans, Including Those Sold On The Individual Marketplace. 
  • Enhancing Its Medicare Advantage Meal Plan Benefits To Further Protect Customers During The Crisis And Underscore The Company’s Continued Commitment To Enabling Access To Simple, Affordable And Predictable Health Care.
  • Inviting Nonprofits Working To Create Greater Access To Mental Health Services To Apply For Funding Through Its Healthier Kids For Our FutureSM Grant Program.  The Program Will Provide Up To A Total Of $5 Million In Grants To Community Organizations Over The Next Year.
  • Cigna Dental Will Reimburse Contracted Network Dentists For Personal Protective Equipment When Providing Dental Services For Cigna Customers.  In Addition, Cigna Is Helping Dental Providers Overcome The Stress And Anxiety Of Returning To Work By Offering Mental Health Resources And Support For In-Network Dental Office Employees. 
  • Cigna Group Dental Clients Will Also Receive A One-Month Premium Credit Applied In July For Clients Who Were Active In May 2020.  In Addition, Cigna Dental Has Implemented Dental Care Solutions To Assist Employers And Their Employees During The COVID-19 Crisis, Including No-Cost Virtual Dental Care For Employees Through July 31, 2020.
  • Cigna Is Waiving Out-Of-Pocket Costs For All COVID-19 Treatment Through December 31, 2020. The Treatments That Cigna Will Cover For COVID-19 Are Those Covered Under Medicare Or Other Applicable State Regulations. The Company Will Reimburse Health Care Providers At Cigna’s In-Network Rates Or Medicare Rates, As Applicable.
  • Cigna Is Also Waiving Out-Of-Pocket Costs For COVID-19 Visits With In-Network Providers, Whether At A Provider’s Office, Urgent Care Center, Emergency Room, Or Via Virtual Care, Through January 21, 2021.
  • Cigna Is Also Waiving Out-Of-Pocket Costs For All COVID-19 Treatment.
  • Cigna Is Covering The Cost Of Approved Vaccines Without Any Cost Share. Cigna Covers The Cost Of Administering The Vaccine At 100% Without Any Out-Of-Pocket Costs When Done By Any In-Network Or Out-Of-Network Provider.

(Cigna, “Cigna Covers Cost Of Coronavirus Tests For Customers,” Press Release, 3/5/20; Cigna, “Cigna Takes Additional Actions To Protect Customers And Communities Against COVID-19,” Press Release, 3/13/20; Cigna, “Cigna Expands Benefits To Support And Protect Its Workforce In Response To COVID-19,” Press Release, 3/20/20; Cigna, “Cigna Makes It Easier For Hospitals To Focus On Covid-19 By Helping Accelerate Patient Transfers,” Press Release, 3/23/20; Bruce Japsen, “Cigna, Humana Waive Patient Out-Of-Pocket Costs For All Coronavirus Treatment,” Forbes, 3/29/20; Cigna, “Cigna And Express Scripts Partner With Buoy Health To Offer Digital Covid-19 Screening Tools,” Press Release, 4/3/20; Cigna, “Cigna Helps Accelerate Research For A Covid-19 Treatment By Donating Medications To Washington University School Of Medicine’s Clinical Trial, Press Release, 4/9/20; Cigna, “Cigna Takes Action To Support Social Connections For Seniors During Covid-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 4/13/20; Cigna, “Cigna Launches Dental Virtual Care To Improve Access And Protect Customers In Response To Covid-19,” Press Release, 4/14/20; Cigna, “Cigna Foundation And New York Life Foundation Partner To Launch Brave Of Heart Fund To Support The Families Of Front-Line Healthcare Workers Who Give Their Lives In The Covid-19 Fight,” Press Release, 4/21/20; Cigna, “Cigna Takes Action To Protect Its Customers From Covid-19 Surprise Bills,” Press Release, 5/6/20; Cigna, “Cigna Launches Real-Time Digital Capabilities To Assist Covid-19 Positive Customers,” Press Release, 5/14/20; Bruce Japsen, “Cigna Expands Mental Health Network With Talkspace’s Virtual Therapy,” Forbes, 5/21/20; Cigna, “Cigna Adds Talkspace To Its Rapidly-Expanding Virtual Provider Network,” Press Release, 5/21/20; Cigna, “New Cigna Care Card To Help Clients Provide Financial Assistance To Employees Impacted By Covid-19,” Press Release, 5/27/20; Paige Minemyer, “Cigna Eliminates Cost-Sharing For Primary, Specialty Care In Medicare Advantage Due To COVID-19,” Fierce Healthcare, 6/1/20; Cigna, “Cigna Expands And Extends Its Covid-19 Relief Efforts For Medicare Advantage And Individual And Family Plans,” Press Release, 6/1/20; Cigna, “Cigna Foundation Announces Availability Of $5 Million In Grants To Address Children’s Mental Health, Childhood Hunger,” Press Release, 6/15/20; Staff, “Cigna Dental Is Helping Employers Through COVID-19 Challenges,” Cigna, Accessed 6/17/20; Staff, “Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for Individuals and Families,” Cigna, Accessed 11/4/20; Staff, “Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for Individuals and Families,” Cigna, 12/23/20)

CommunityCare

  • Covering All Allowable Costs For Treatment Of COVID-19 For Fully Insured Employer Groups, Medicare Advantage, And Individual/Family Members.  This Policy Will Waive All Copays, Coinsurance And Deductibles To Cover Treatment Of COVID-19 Through May 31.
  • CommunityCare Members Also Have 100% Coverage When Accessing Their In-Network Providers Who Are Participating In Providing Telemedicine Services.
  • Covering All Allowable Costs For Treatment Of COVID-19 For Fully Insured Employer Groups, Medicare Advantage And Individual/Family Members.  This Policy Will Waive All Copays, Coinsurance And Deductibles To Cover Treatment Of COVID-19.

(CommunityCare, “Coronavirus (Covid-19) Testing And Treatment Coverage, Press Release, 4/3/20; “Coronavirus (Covid-19) Testing And Treatment Coverage,” CommunityCare, Accessed 8/10/20)

ConnectiCare

  • Covering Telehealth Visits For Covered Medical And Mental Health Services At No Cost Through May 31, 2020.
  • Launched A “Peace Of Mind” Initiative To Provide Members With Additional Support During The COVID-19 Crisis By Calling Members Who May Be More Vulnerable To COVID-19 Due To Medical Conditions Or Age And Providing Critical Information To Help Keep Them Safe.
  • Extended No-Cost Telehealth Benefits For Members. 

(ConnectiCare, “ConnectiCare Provides Members With Additional Support During COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 3/23/20; ConnectiCare, “ConnectiCare Announces ‘Peace Of Mind’ Initiative To Support Members During COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 4/9/20; ConnectiCare, “ConnectiCare Extends No-Cost Telehealth Benefits,” Press Release, 6/30/20)

Dean Health Plan

  • Waiving In-Network Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Offering No Cost Telemedicine.
  • Providing 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line.
  • Waiving In-Network Cost Sharing For COVID-19 Treatment. 

(“Coronavirus COVID-19: Update On Coverage For Testing,” Dean Health Plan, 3/12/20; “How Is Dean Health Plan Covering COVID-19 Testing And Treatment?,” Dean Health Plan, Accessed 4/14/20)

Delta Dental of Arizona

  • Donating $500,000 To The 23 Federally Qualified Health Centers Across The State.
  • Offering Claims Advances To Network Dentists Affected By COVID-19, Which Will Allow Arizona Dental Offices To Receive An Advance Of Up To $50,000 From The Dental Insurance Company.
  • Providing A 25 Percent Premium Credit To Its Fully Insured Group Dental Clients, Which Provides More Than $3 Million In Relief To More Than 2,900 Companies Statewide. 

(Delta Dental, “Delta Dental Of Arizona Announces Advance Payment Program To Aid Dental Practices Amid COVID-19,” Press Release, Accessed 4/21/20; Delta Dental, “Delta Dental Of Arizona Providing $500,000 COVID-19 Aid To Arizona’s Federally Qualified Health Centers,” Press Release, 4/23/20; Delta Dental, “Delta Dental Of Arizona Extends Its COVID-19 Relief For Group Dental Customers,” Press Release, 5/1/20)

Delta Dental of Arkansas

  • Committed A Total Of $6.5 Million In Emergency Financial Assistance To Dental Practices In Arkansas Who Are Limited To Providing Only Emergency Services During The COVID-19 Crisis.
  • Offering A Total Of $500,000 In Grants To Community Organizations For Projects Directly Related To COVID-19.
  • Providing Financial Assistance To Its Business Clients And Network Dentists As Arkansans Continue To Feel The Impact Of COVID-19 On Their Businesses.  The COVID-19 Relief Credit Gives A Credit In The Amount Equal To 100% Of The Monthly Premium Billed To Delta Dental’s Commercial Business Clients With Dental And/Or Vision Insurance.  This Premium “Holiday” Amounts To Almost $15 Million In Credits To Over 4,000 Arkansas Business Clients.

(Delta Dental, “Delta Dental Of Arkansas Provides Financial Assistance To Arkansas Dental Practices And Qualifying Non-Profits Amid COVID-19 Crisis,” Press Release, 3/31/20; Delta Dental of Arkansas, “Delta Dental Of Arkansas To Provide Nearly $18 Million In COVID-19 Relief To Business Clients And Dental Providers In Arkansas,” Press Release, 5/13/20)

Delta Dental of California

  • Announced That Delta Dental Community Care Foundation Is Making $5 Million In Funding Available To Organizations Across Its 15-State Service Area That Are At The Forefront Of Helping The Communities Most Impacted By COVID-19.
  • Establishing A $200 Million Loan Program To Provide Economic Assistance And Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Relief For Its Independent Provider Network Across 15 States And The District Of Columbia.  As Part Of This Aid, Delta Dental’s Co-Sponsored Loan Program Will Include Interest Subsidies, Principal Deferment, And Enable Providers To Refinance Other Business Loans And Get Working Capital.
  • Announced The Delta Dental Community Care Foundation Is Providing $2 Million In Funding For Organizations — Including Medical Clinics And Community Service Organizations — In New York State To Help Vulnerable Populations Affected By The COVID-19 Crisis.

Delta Dental, “Delta Dental Community Care Foundation Announces $5 Million In Funding For COVID-19 Response,” Press Release, 3/24/20; Delta Dental, “Delta Dental Of California Announces $200 Million COVID-19-Related Financial Aid Program To Support Its Independent Network Providers,” Press Release, 4/15/20; Delta Dental, “Delta Dental Community Care Foundation Pledges $2 Million In Funding To Support New York State Organizations Responding To Covid-19,” Press Release, 4/21/20)

Delta Dental Of Colorado

  •  Committed $30 Million In The Form Of Billing And Premium Credits, Loans, Relief Funds And Grants To Customers, Oral Health Care Providers And Local Community Organizations Through Delta Dental Of Colorado And The Delta Dental Of Colorado Foundation.

(Delta Dental, “Delta Dental Of Colorado Announces COVID-19 Relief Response,” Press Release, 5/15/20)

Delta Dental Of Illinois

  • Providing $1.5 Million To Help Ensure Illinoisans Continue To Receive Vital Health Services During The COVID-19 Crisis Through The Delta Dental Of Illinois Foundation.  The Foundation Has Provided $500,000 To Support The Illinois State Dental Society Foundation And Is Also Launching A $1 Million Emergency Grants Program To Federally Qualified Health Centers In Illinois.

(Delta Illinois, “Delta Dental Of Illinois Foundation To Give $1.5 Million To Support Community During COVID-19 Health Crisis,” Press Release, 4/6/20)

Delta Dental Of Iowa

  • Committing $10.5 Million In Grants To COVID-19 Relief Programs To Help Iowa Dentists And Nonprofits.

(Delta Dental, Delta Dental Of Iowa Announces $10.5 Million In Relief Programs To Assist Iowa Dentists And Nonprofits, Press Release, 3/23/20)

Delta Dental of Kentucky

  • Committing Approximately $5 Million To Help Kentucky Dental Practices Who Have Lost Income Since All Non-Emergency Medical And Dental Procedures Have Been Paused.

(Staff, “Delta Dental Of Kentucky Designates Millions To Help Support Dental Providers, WBKO ABC, 4/15/20)

Delta Dental of Massachusetts

  • Made Three Contributions Totaling $200,000 To Support Massachusetts Non-Profits In Their Response To Community Needs During The COVID-19 Outbreak.
  • Providing A 30% Credit On Premiums Paid For April And May Coverage, Following Approval By The Massachusetts Division Of Insurance For Individual Subscribers Who Signed Up Directly And Through The Massachusetts Health Connector. 
  • Offering Free Access To Its Delta Dental Patient Direct Card Discount Plan From June 1 Through The End Of The Year For Employees Of DDMA’s Clients, Who Have Been Furloughed Or Laid-Off And Lost Their Dental Insurance Coverage. 

(Delta Dental, “Delta Dental Of Massachusetts Contributions To Boston, Worcester And Pioneer Valley Nonprofits Strengthen COVID-19 Community Responses,” Press Release, 4/8/20; Delta Dental, “Delta Dental® Of Massachusetts Announces Next Phase Of $35M COVID-19 Relief And Recovery Plan,” Press Release, 6/1/20)

Delta Dental of Missouri

  • Donating $500,000 To Organizations Providing COVID-19 Relief Efforts In Missouri, And In South Carolina, Where The Company Does Business As Delta Dental Of South Carolina.

(Delta Dental, “Delta Dental Of Missouri Donates $500,000 To Organizations Providing Covid-19 Relief Efforts,” Press Release, 4/1/20)

Northeast Delta Dental

  • Providing Relief Totaling $18.8 Million In Returned And Reduced Premiums To Individual And Group Customers By: Extending Rate Holds For Fully Insured Individual And Group Customers Renewing July Through December, 2020; Crediting All Fully Insured Individual And Group Customers With A One-Month Dental Premium In July Based On June’s Billed Amount; And Crediting All Self-Insured Group Customers For The July Administrative Fee. 

(Northeast Delta Dental, “Northeast Delta Dental Offers $27 Million In COVID-19 Relief Support,” Press Release, 5/29/20)

Delta Dental Of Tennessee

  • Made A $50,000 Commitment To Support COVID-19 Relief Efforts Across Tennessee Through The Salvation Army Nashville Area Command And Second Harvest Food Bank Of Middle Tennessee.  The Nonprofits Will Receive $25,000 Each To Distribute Across The State Based On Need.
  • Announced A Commitment Of More Than $3.3 Million For Operation #SmilesMatter, A Grant Program To Help Tennessee Dentists Acquire Much-Needed Supplies, Equipment And Technology As They Prepare To Reopen Their Practices Following COVID-19-Related Closures.  Delta Dental Will Be Funding A $1,000 “Allowance” Or Credit Available To All Dentists In Tennessee, Regardless Of Whether They Participate In Delta Dental’s Network, To Purchase Dental Products.

(Delta Dental, “Delta Dental Of Tennessee Gifts $50,000 To Support Statewide COVID-19 Relief Efforts,” Press Release, 5/4/20)

Delta Dental of Virginia

  • Made A $1 Million Contribution To Support Virginia’s Dental Practices And Their Patients, Provide Financial Assistance For Safety Net Dental Clinics, And Support Local Non-Profits Working To Meet Needs In Their Communities.

Delta Dental, “Delta Dental Of Virginia Prioritizes Smiles With $1M Statewide Contribution To Support Virginians Impacted By COVID-19,” Press Release, 4/8/20)

Delta Dental Of Wisconsin

  • Announced That The Delta Dental Of Wisconsin Foundation Has Provided $800,000 In Grants To Safety-Net Clinics In Wisconsin As Well As An Additional $100,000 For Food Security Programs.

(Delta Dental, “Dental Offices Ready To Welcome Back Patients In Wisconsin: What To Expect When You Return To Dental Chairs,” Press Release, 5/26/20)

EmblemHealth

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Encouraging 90-Day Prescription Refills.
  • Offering Prescription Delivery.
  • Expanded Telemedicine Benefits For Members, Waiving All Cost Sharing For Telehealth Services And Expanding Services Available Via Telehealth.   
  • Supporting The Local Food Banks It Partners With Through Neighborhood Care Through Donations And Has Amended Its Paid Time Off Policy For Clinically Trained Qualified Employees To Answer The State’s Call To Serve.

(“Coronavirus [COVID-19] Frequently Asked Questions,” EmblemHealth, Accessed 3/19/20; “Coronavirus [COVID-19] Frequently Asked Questions,” EmblemHealth, Accessed 4/9/20)

Empire BlueCross BlueShield

  • The Empire BlueCross BlueShield Foundation Has Committed More Than $200,000 To Organizations To Fight Food Insecurity In New York.  Of The $200,000, Empire Has Made Contributions Of $50,000 Each To City Harvest And Food Bank For New York City, Which Will Support Local Families During The COVID-19 Crisis.
  • Launched Ortho@Home, A Teledentistry And At-Home Orthodontia Program. 
  • Will Cover COVID-19 Treatments For Enrollees With Individual And Family Plans With No Copays Or Cost-Sharing Through December 31, 2020, As Long As Members Receive Treatment From Doctors, Hospitals, And Other Health Care Professionals In Their Plan’s Network.  Costs Are Also Waived For Medicare Advantage Enrollees Seeking COVID-19 Treatment Through December 31, 2020, Including Inpatient And Outpatient Services, Respiratory Services, Durable Medical Equipment And Skilled-Care Needs.

(Empire BlueCross BlueShield, “Empire BlueCross BlueShield Foundation Commits Funding To Combat Food Insecurity As New Yorkers Continue To Confront COVID-19 Crisis,” Press Release, 4/29/20; Empire BlueCross BlueShield, “Empire BlueCross BlueShield Announces Ortho@Home For Convenient And Affordable Access To Orthodontic Benefits From Home,” Press Release, 5/14/20; “Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource Center,” Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, Accessed 7/20/20)

Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For Telehealth Screenings For COVID-19.
  • Waiving Prior Authorization For Diagnostic Tests And For Covered Services That Are Medically Necessary And Consistent With CDC Guidance For Members Diagnosed With COVID-19.
  • Waiving Out Of Pocket Costs For COVID-19 Diagnosis And Treatment For Its Fully Insured Employer Groups, Individual Market Qualified Health Plans And Medicare Advantage Members Through September 7, 2020.  Excellus Also Provides Coverage In Full For Medically Appropriate COVID-19 Testing.

(Excellus BCBS, “Excellus BCBS Working On Behalf Of Members, Employers And Providers To Respond To COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 3/25/20; Excellus BCBS, “Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Waives COVID-19 Cost Sharing – Extended To 9/7/20,” Press Release, 6/1/20)

Fallon Health

  • Relaxing Administrative Procedures, Including Prior Authorization And Out-Of-Network Requirements.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Copays For COVID-19 Treatment.
  • Providing 90-Day Prescription Refills And Waiving Early Refill Limits.
  • Providing A Dedicated Hotline.
  • Waived Cost-Sharing For All COVID-19 And Non-COVID-19 Related Medically Necessary Telehealth Services For All Members, And It Will Be Effective While Massachusetts Is Under A State Of Emergency.
  • Converted One Of Its Two Worcester Senior Care Facilities Into A Residential Coronavirus Care Center To Help Accommodate A Surge In Cases Locally.

(“Information About Coronavirus [COVID-19],” Fallon Health, 3/13/20; “Information About Coronavirus [COVID-19],” Fallon Health, 4/20/20; Grant Welker, “Fallon Converts Senior Facility To Coronavirus Care,” Worcester Business Journal, 5/19/20)

Fidelis Care

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For Telehealth Screenings For COVID-19.

(Fidelis Care, “Fidelis Care Expands Access To Telehealth Services To Support Members During COVID-19 Emergency,” Press Release, 4/9/20)

First Choice Health

  • Covering The Cost Of Telehealth And Virtual Care Services For Employers Via 98point6 Amid COVID-19 Crisis.

(First Choice Health, “First Choice Health Covers The Cost Of Telehealth And Virtual Care Services For Employers Via 98point6 Amid COVID-19 Crisis,” Press Release, 3/25/20)

Florida Blue

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Encouraging 90-Day Prescription Refills.
  • Waiving Early Prescription Refill Limits.
  • Encouraging Telemedicine.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing Through May 31 For Its Members Who Must Undergo Treatment For COVID-19, Including In-Patient Hospital Admissions.  The Announcement Impacts All Florida Blue Members With Affordable Care Act, Medicare Advantage (Excluding Part D Drug Plans) And Other Individual Plans, As Well As All Fully Insured Employer Group Health Plans.
  • Florida Blue Is Offering A Dedicated COVID-19 Virtual Assistant On Its Public Websites At www.FloridaBlue.com And www.FloridaBlue.com/COVID19, Free And Available To Anyone.  The Assessment Function Of The New Virtual Assistant Pops Up Automatically On The Websites, And Guides Users Through Educational Content Or Through A Series Of Questions To Check For COVID-19 Symptoms And Related Risk Factors.  Based On The Assessment Results, The Tool Directs Users To Contact Their Primary Care Provider For Next Steps, To The Florida Blue Center Nurses For Answers To Commonly Asked Questions About COVID-19 And Connection To Community Resources, Or To Immediate Care Options As Needed.
  • Extending The Premium Due Date Through The End Of June 2020 For Customers Who Needed Extra Time To Pay Premiums As A Result Of The COVID-19 Crisis And Would Otherwise Have Been Subject To Termination Of Coverage.  Additionally, All Member Cost Sharing Payments For In-Network Primary Care Office And Telehealth Visits, As Well As Behavioral Health-Related Office, Outpatient And Telehealth Visits, Will Be Waived For Florida Blue’s Medicare Advantage Plan Members Through December 2020.  Florida Blue Will Also Waive Cost-Sharing For Its Members Who Must Undergo Testing And Treatment For COVID-19, Including In-Patient Hospital Admissions, Through August 1, 2020.
  • More Than Tripling Its COVID-19 Community Investments To Over $7 Million:
    • Invest An Additional $2.5 Million To Provide Access To Testing And Health Care, Food Security And Other Essential Needs For Floridians. 
    • Contribute More Than $2.6 Million To United Way Organizations Across Florida. 
    • Dedicate More Than $1 Million Of The Additional Funding To Providing COVID-19 Testing And Access To Health Care For Underserved Floridians. 
    • Give A Three-Year Grant Of $220,000 To UF Health To Help Provide Necessary Technology For The Development Of A Model For COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests Called Pooled Testing. 
    • Utilize Over $1.3 Million To Help Address Food Security For Seniors, Children And Disadvantaged Families, Support The Mental Health Of Those Impacted By The COVID-19 Crisis And Provide Essential Needs To Those Struggling Due To The Crisis.

(Florida Blue, “Florida Blue Increasing Access To Health Care Services To Aid In Coronavirus Treatment,” Press Release, 3/6/20; Florida Blue, “Florida Blue Extends Grace Period For Payment Of Premiums,” Press Release, 3/26/20; Florida Blue, “Florida Blue Waives Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Treatment,” Press Release, 3/31/20; Florida Blue, “COVID-19 Virtual Assistant Available Free To All On Florida Blue Websites,” Press Release, 4/27/20; Florida Blue, “Florida Blue Provides $100 Million In Health Care Cost Relief To Members Of Its Individual, Fully Insured Employer Group And Medicare Advantage Plans,” Press Release, 5/12/20; Florida Blue, “Florida Blue Triples COVID-19 Community Investments To Over $7 Million,” Press Release, 6/12/20)

Gateway Health

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing And Treatments.  This Applies To In-Network And Out-Of-Network Inpatient, Outpatient And Emergency Department Services Related To COVID-19.  The Decision To Waive Member Cost-Sharing Affects All Gateway Members Participating In Pennsylvania Medicaid HealthChoices And Medicare Assured Part C Plans.
  • Committing More Than $1 Million To Support Non-Profit Organizations, Community Partners And Social Determinants Of Health Causes In 2020.  Gateway Health’s Donation To These Relief Efforts Will Assist Communities Across Pennsylvania.  They Will Be Able To Expand Access To Much-Needed Heathy Food Options In Light Of The Ongoing COVID-19 Crisis.  The Donation Also Supports Ongoing Nutrition Education And Resources In These Areas.

(Gateway Health, “Gateway Health To Make Medical Care More Affordable For Members Impacted By COVID-19,” Press Release, 4/15/20; Gateway Health, “Gateway Health Plan Debuts It’s Wholecare Brand Platform, Plans To Donate More Than $1 Million To Address Social Determinants Of Health,” Press Release, 6/4/20)

Geisinger Health Plan

  • Waiving Prior Authorization And Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Relaxing Early Prescription Refill Limits.
  • Allowing 90-Day Prescription Refills.
  • Relaxing Restriction On Prescription Delivery.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For Telemedicine.
  • Expanded Telemedicine Services To Include Primary Care And 70 Other Specialties.  The Service Allows Patients To Speak To Providers In Real-Time About Colds, The Flu, Rashes, Diabetes, Mental Health Conditions, Neurological Conditions, And Much More.
  • Offering New Virtual And Telephonic Services To Members, Which Include Health Coaching, Population Health Programs, Behavioral Health Services, And Online Health Resources.  Geisinger Is Also Providing Tools, Information And Guides To Help Employers Keep Their Staff And Patrons Safe And Healthy.  This Online Resources Center Is Available At Go.Geisinger.Org/Businessresources And Includes Frequently Asked Questions, Best Practices, Guidance For Screening Employees, Signage Kits Promoting Handwashing And Social Distancing At The Workplace And More.  Virtual Consultations Are Also Available Upon Request.
  • Launched A New Mobile App To Connect Patients With Their Care Providers And Monitor Their Symptoms As They Recover From COVID-19 At Home. 

(“Coronavirus Testing And Treatment Coverage,” Geisinger Health Plan, 4/3/20; Staff, “Geisinger Expands Telehealth Opportunities Amid COVID-19 Emergency,” NorthcentralPA.com, 4/13/20; Geisinger Health Plan, “Geisinger Providing Best Practices, Signage And Guidance For Employers,” Press Release, 5/14/20; Geisinger Health Plan, “Geisinger Launches COVID-19 Home Monitoring Program,” Press Release, 5/19/20)

Gold Coast Health Plan

  • Launched A 24/7 Emergency Hotline For Members To Consult A Medical Professional About COVID-19 Or Other Health Issues.  The Service Is Available To Medi-Cal Beneficiaries And Will Help Them Decide If They Need Urgent Medical Care Or Can Take Care Of Symptoms At Home.
  • Awarded $20,500 In Sponsorships To Seven Community Organizations That Are Helping County Residents During The COVID-19 Crisis.

(Staff, “Gold Coast Health Plan Launches Hotline During COVID-19 Crisis,” VC Star, 3/26/20; Susana Enriquez-Euyoque, “Gold Coast Health Plan Awards More Than $20,000 In Sponsorships To Ventura County Organizations,” Gold Coast Health Plan, 7/2/20)

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

  • Waiving Prior Authorizations And Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For Telemedicine.
  • Allowing 90-Day Prescription Refills.
  • Announced The Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation And ConvenientMD Have Partnered To Open A Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing Site At Harvard Pilgrim Health Care’s Quincy Headquarters’ Parking Lot. 
  • Extending Its Existing Policy That Waives Member Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Treatment At In-Network Facilities And Out-Of-Network Emergencies, COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing Facilitated By A Health Care Provider And Member-Cost Sharing For Telehealth Services Through September 30, 2020. 
  • Providing $32 Million In Premium Credits To All Its Fully Insured Employer Groups, As Well As To Medicare Supplement Members.  Additionally, The Nonprofit Health Plan Will Provide $3 Million In Financial Support To Independent Primary Care Physicians, $3 Million To Support Community Health Centers And Will Waive All Primary Care And Specialty Care Copays For Office Visits For Medicare Advantage Members Through The End Of The Year.
  • Harvard Pilgrim Will Be Providing The Following Relief And Support To Members, Customers, Independent Primary Care Physicians And Community Health Centers:
    • Fully Insured Employer Groups Regardless Of Size Or Location, Will Receive A 15% Credit On Their September Premium Invoice ($30 Million Total).
    • Medicare Supplement Members Will Receive A 15% Credit On Their September Invoice ($2 Million Total).
    • Medicare Advantage Members Copays For All Primary And Specialty Care Office Visits Will Be Waived Starting July 1st Until The End Of 2020.
    • Community Health Centers, Focusing On Those Providing Care To Predominately Black And Brown Communities, As Well As Centers That Provide Care For Vulnerable Populations, Will Receive $3 Million To Support Equity And Equality In Accessing Health Care And Address Health Disparities.
    • COVID-19 Testing And Treatment Cost-Share Waiving And No Out-Of-Pocket Expense For Telehealth Services Will Continue To Be Provided Through September 30, 2020.  Harvard Pilgrim Will Reassess These Policies As Circumstances Warrant.

(Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, “FAQs On Coronavirus Related Test Coverage, Telemedicine, Etc.,” Press Release, 3/12/20; Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, “Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation Partners With ConvenientMD Urgent Care To Open Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing Site In Quincy, Mass.,” Press Release, 4/2/20; Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, “Harvard Pilgrim Extends Policy To Waive Member Cost-Sharing Related To COVID-19 Treatment And Diagnostic Testing,” Press Release, 6/9/20; Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, “Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Announces $32 Million In Premium Credits To Employer Groups And Medicare Supplement Members,” Press Release, 6/18/20)

Hawaii Medical Service Association

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing And Treatment.

(“Information Members Should Know About Coronavirus And COVID-19,” Hawaii Medical Service Association, Accessed 4/6/20)

Health Alliance Plan (HAP)

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • This Cost-Sharing Waiver Is Currently In Effect For Services Rendered Through June 30, 2020.  Health Alliance Plan Is Also Waiving Cost-Sharing For Individual, Fully Insured Group And Medicare Members Using Telehealth Services Through June 30, 2020, Even If The Service Is Not Related To COVID-19.
  • Extended Its Cost-Sharing Waiver For Telehealth Services Through The End Of The Year.  All Cost-Sharing Is Waived For HAP’s Individual, Fully Insured Employer Group, Medicare, Medicaid And MI Health Link Members Using Telehealth Services Through December 31, 2020, Even If The Service Is Not Related To COVID-19.
  • For Its Individual Members And Small Employer Group Customers, HAP Will Decrease Monthly Premiums By 5% Through The End Of The Year.  These Decreases Will Be Reflected In Monthly Premium Bills Beginning July 1 And Will Be In Effect Through December 2020.
  • For Its Medicare Advantage Members, HAP Will Waive Copays For All In-Person Primary Care Visits And Behavioral Health Visits Through The End Of The Year.  In Addition, It  Will Waive All Member Cost-Sharing For Telehealth Visits For Its Medicare Advantage Members Through The End Of The Year.  This Means That HAP Medicare Advantage Members Will Not Be Charged Any Copays, Deductibles Or Co-Insurance For Telehealth Visits Made Through December 31, 2020, Even If It Is Unrelated To COVID-19.
  • Conducting Personalized Outreach To Its Most Vulnerable Members, Many Of Whom Are Medicare Advantage Members.  During April And May, HAP Conducted More Than 8,500 Phone Calls To Its Members To Determine If They Are In Need Of Food Or Other Services.  For Those In Need Of Mental Health Support, HAP Has Provided Access To Behavioral Health Resources.  For Medicare Members Who Lack Access To Nutritious Meals, HAP Has Expanded Its Partnership With Mom’s Meals To Have Two Weeks’ Worth Of Frozen, Ready-To-Heat Balanced Meals Delivered To Their Home. 
  • Extended Member Cost-Sharing Waivers For Treatment Of COVID-19, Which Includes Deductibles, Copays And Co-Insurance Associated With Treatment For The Virus.  This Cost-Sharing Waiver Is For Inpatient Or Outpatient Treatment From An In-Network Provider And Is Currently In Effect For Services Rendered Through December 31, 2020. 

(Health Alliance Plan, “HAP Waives Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing,” Press Release, 3/7/20; “Coronavirus (COVID-19) And Your HAP Coverage,” Health Alliance Plan, Accessed 4/16/20; Health Alliance Plan, “HAP Offers Extended Financial Relief For Members For The Duration Of 2020 In Response To COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 5/20/20; Health Alliance Plan, “HAP Offers Enhanced Medicare Advantage Benefits During COVID-19 Special Enrollment Period,” Press Release, 6/11/20; “Coronavirus (COVID-19) And Your HAP Coverage,” Health Alliance Plan, Accessed 7/17/20)

Health Net

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Providing California Medi-Cal Providers Grants Totaling $13.4 Million To Expand Telehealth Services.  

(Health Net, “Health Net Assisting Members In California During State Of Emergency Coronavirus COVID-19,” Press Release, 3/10/20; Health Net, “Health Net Rolls Out $5.9 Million In COVID-19 Assistance For Those Serving Medi-Cal Members,” Press Release, 4/2/20; Health Net, “California Medi-Cal Providers Receive Grants From Health Net Totaling $13.4 Million To Expand Telehealth Services,” Press Release, 5/6/20)

Health Care Services Corporation

  • Waiving Prior Authorization, Copays And Deductibles For COVID-19 Testing, In Line With CDC Guidance.
  • Offering A Special Enrollment Period For Some Employers.
  • Launch The Employed Clinician Volunteer Program For More Than 3,000 Employees, Who Are Medical Clinicians, Providing Them The Opportunity To Volunteer For Patient Care In Their Field For Up To 80 Hours Of Paid Time During Their Regular Scheduled Work Hours.

(Health Care Services Corporation, “Health Care Service Corporation COVID-19 Preparedness,” Press Release, 3/6/20; Health Care Services Corporation, “Health Care Service Corporation Launches Special Enrollment Period For Some Employers,” Press Release, 4/1/20; Health Care Services Corporation, “HCSC Supporting Provider And Hospital Partners On Front Lines Of The COVID-19 Outbreak,” Press Release, 4/20/20)

HealthFirst, Inc.

  • Waiving Co-Pays For In-Network COVID-19 Testing.
  • Offering Early Refills Of Prescriptions Including By Delivery.

(“Coronavirus [COVID-19] – What You Should Know,” HealthFirst Inc., Accessed 3/19/20)

HealthPartners

  • The HealthPartners Institute And Researchers At The University Of Minnesota Have Teamed Up With Developers To Create A Mobile App That Provides Users With Data About The Health Of Their Neighborhood, Helping Them Avoid Potential COVID-19 Hotspots.  The SafeDistance App Crowdsources Data Down To The Level Of People’s Census Block Groups, Which Usually Contain Around 1,500 People And Most Accurately Reflects Neighborhoods.
  • Waiving Medicare Member Cost-Sharing For All In-Network Primary Care And Behavioral Health Visits, Effective July 1-December 31, 2020. 
  • Waiving The Cost For Fully Insured Members For The Treatment Of COVID-19 When Getting Care From An In-Network Provider, Effective March 1 Through September 30, 2020.  This Includes Copays, Coinsurance And Deductibles.

(HealthPartners, “HealthPartners, UMN Researchers Launch App To Fight COVID-19 At The Neighborhood Level,” Press Release, 4/22/20;  HealthPartners, “HealthPartners Waives Medicare Cost-Sharing For Primary Care, Behavioral Health Visits,” Press Release, 6/9/20; “Information On Coronavirus (COVID-19),” HealthPartners, Accessed 7/1/20)

The Health Plan

  • Covering The Cost Of Copays, Co-Insurance And Deductibles For COVID-19 Testing For Commercial, Medicare And Medicaid Members When Recommended By A Medical Professional.  The Health Plan Is Also Waiving Cost Sharing Where Applicable For Telemedicine Visits For The Next 90 Days.

(“Important COVID-19 Information,” The Health Plan, Accessed 4/11/20)

Health Plan of San Joaquin

  • Waiving Costs For Screening, Testing, And Treatment For COVID-19.

(“Coronavirus,” Health Plan of San Joaquin, Accessed 4/7/20)

HealthPartners And Park Nicollet

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For In-Network Office And Urgent Care Visits Associated With COVID-19 Testing.
  • Delaying Routine Clinic Appointments And Elective Surgeries For The Safety Of Patients.

(“Information On Novel Coronavirus [COVID-19],” HealthPartners Park Nicollet, Accessed 3/19/20)

Highmark

  • Waiving Prior Authorizations And Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For Covered Telemedicine.
  • Waiving Deductibles, Co-Insurance, And Copays For Members Who Require In-Network, Inpatient Hospital Care For COVID-19.  The Waiver Will Continue Through May 31, 2020.
  • Assisting Local Primary Care Physicians By Advancing Payments Made Through The True Performance Reimbursement Program.
  • Announced Its Commercial, Affordable Care Act And Medicare Advantage Members In Pennsylvania And Delaware Now Have Access To A Comprehensive, Technology-Enabled Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Program To  Help Preserve Treatment Access And Promote Recovery During The COVID-19 Crisis And Beyond.
  • Highmark Has Collaborated With The Centers for Disease Control And Prevention Foundation And Microsoft To Develop And Launch The COVID-19 Symptom Checker Healthbot, Which Provides Guidance On Seeking Appropriate Medical Care When Necessary During The COVID-19 Crisis.
  • Partnering With Four Small And Diverse Pittsburgh-Based Businesses To Design, Manufacture And Donate Over 1 Million Cloth Face Coverings Throughout The Summer Months.  The Face Coverings Will Be Distributed To At-Risk And Vulnerable Highmark Members, Community Organizations In Need, Health Care Professionals And Employer Groups Across Pennsylvania, Delaware And West Virginia.
  • Waiving All Virtual Medicine And Telehealth Costs Through September 30, 2020.  Highmark Is Also Waiving All Costs For Care If A Patient Is In The Hospital Being Treated For COVID-19 Through September 30, 2020.

(Highmark, “Highmark To Cover Coronavirus Testing,” Press Release, 3/6/20; Highmark, “Highmark Waives Deductibles, Co-Insurance And Co-Pays For In-Network, Inpatient Hospital Care For Covid-19 Treatment,” Press Release, 4/2/20; Highmark, “Highmark Assists Primary Care Physicians During Covid-19 Crisis,” Press Release, 4/8/20; Highmark, “Highmark Expands Telehealth Opioid Treatment Program To Pennsylvania, Delaware During Covid-19 Crisis,” Press Release, 4/20/20; Highmark, “Highmark Introduces Online Tools To Check Covid-19 Symptoms; Enhance Customer Service,” Press Release, 4/27/20; Highmark, “Highmark Mobilizes Pittsburgh Businesses To Produce Over 1 Million Face Coverings For Members And Community,” Press Release, 6/10/20; “Coverage And Costs,” Highmark, Accessed 7/16/20)

Home State Health

  • Collaborating With Quest Diagnostics To Increase Access To Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR) COVID-19 Testing In Critical Areas Of Need In St. Louis. Through This Collaboration, Home State Will Facilitate The Distribution Of Up To 1,000 Quest COVID-19 Test Kits Each Week To Affinia Healthcare And People’s Health Centers, Which Are Both Federally Qualified Health Centers.

(Home State Health, “Home State Health And Quest Diagnostics Team Up To Increase Access To COVID-19 Testing In Underserved Communities,” Press Release, 5/29/20)

Horizon Health

  • Waiving Prior Authorizations And Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For Telemedicine.
  • Waiving Early Prescription Refill Limits.
  • Encouraging 90-Day Prescription Refills.
  • Extending Its Previously Announced Waiver Of All Member Cost-Sharing Obligations To Include All Covered Benefits Associated With Treatment For COVID-19.  The Policy, Retroactive To March 1, 2020, And In Place Through At Least June 30, 2020. 
  • Spending $2.35 Million To Donate 500,000 N95 Respirator Masks And 81,000 Face Shields To Governor Murphy’s Coordinated Response Effort.
  • Donated $2 Million To The New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund, The Response And Support Organization Established By Tammy Murphy, The State’s First Lady.  With The Donation, Horizon Has Contributed $4.35 Million For Protective Equipment For Health Care Workers, Food And Social Services In Response To The COVID-19 Outbreak.  Horizon Has Also Expanded Paid-Time-Off For Volunteer Service To Provide Those Employees Answering New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s Health Care Professionals Call To Serve With 40 Hours Of Compensated Volunteer Time.  72 Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists, And Clinicians From Horizon Have Volunteered And Are Awaiting Deployment.
  • Partnering With AbleTo To Offer Its Members Free Access To AbleTo’s Individual Teletherapy Services.  This Partnership Builds On Horizon BCBSNJ’s Larger Initiative To Provide In-Network Telemedicine Services To Members With Zero Out-Of-Pocket Costs Until At Least June 30, 2020.
  • Launched Horizon Neighbors In Health, A Comprehensive Program To Address Social Determinants Of Health.  It Is Investing $25 Million And Partnering With Some Of New Jersey’s Most Respected Health Organizations Over The Next 3 Years On A Model That Employs Local Community Health Workers To Connect Members With A Wide Array Of Services That Make Good Health More Possible.
  • Extended The Waiver Of Member Cost Sharing For Treatment Of COVID-19.  This Means That Members Will Pay No Deductible, Copay Or Coinsurance For Inpatient And Outpatient Care When Claims Indicate Treatment Was Directly Related To Treatment Of COVID-19 As The Primary Diagnosis.

(Horizon, “Horizon Announces Initial Steps To Support Members Through COVID-19 Outbreak,” Press Release, 3/6/20; Horizon, “Horizon Members Will Incur No Costs For Treatment Of COVID-19,” Press Release, 4/3/20; Horizon, “New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund Efforts Get $2 Million Boost From Horizon,” Press Release, 4/13/20; Horizon, “NJ’s Largest Insurer Just Made It Much Easier To Get Mental Health Help,” Press Release, 5/26/20; Horizon, “Horizon Teams Up With Leading Health Groups To Tackle Social Barriers To Health,” Press Release, 6/2/20; “Update: Cost-Share Waiver For Telemedicine And COVID-19 Testing Extended,” Horizon, Accessed 7/29/20)

Humana

  • Waiving Telemedicine Costs For All Urgent Care Needs.
  • Allowing Early Prescription Refills For The Next 30 Days.
  • Providing A Toll-Free Customer Support Line.
  • Donating $500,000 To Support Coronavirus Relief And Recovery Efforts Through The Humana Foundation.
  • Expanding Availability Of Telehealth Services For Its Members To Help Reduce Exposure Risk From The Continued Spread Of COVID-19.
  • Working To Increase Capacity For Coronavirus Treatment. 
  • Waiving Customer Cost-Sharing And Co-Payments For All Treatments Related To The Coronavirus Strain COVID-19.
  • Providing Financial And Administrative Relief For The Health Care Provider Community Facing Unprecedented Strain During The Coronavirus Pandemic.
  • Expanding Its Policy Of Suspending Prior Authorization And Referral Requirements, Instead Requesting Notification Within 24 Hours Of Inpatient (Acute And Post-Acute) And Outpatient Care. 
  • The Humana Foundation, Philanthropic Arm Of Humana Inc., Announced It Will Deploy $50 Million In Immediate Short-Term And Long-Term Relief And Partner With National And Community Service Organizations To Help Those Disproportionately Impacted By The COVID-19 Health Crisis.  The Commitment, The Largest In The Foundation’s 38-Year History, Will Be Split Between Organizations That Support Essential Workers, Food Security, Behavioral Health And Community-Based Organizations.
  • Waiving Member Costs For All Primary Care And Behavioral Health Office Visits For Medicare Advantage Members And Is Delivering Safety Kits To Members.
  • Covering Costs For Millions Of Customers When They Are Ready To Ease COVID-19 Social Distancing And Return To The Doctor’s Office.
  • Eliminating Out-Of-Pocket Costs For Office Visits So Medicare Advantage Members Can Reconnect With Their Health Care Providers. 
  • Reducing Barriers To Care By Waiving In-Network Primary Care Costs, Not Only For COVID-19 Costs, But Also All Primary Care Visits For The Rest Of 2020.  In Addition, The Company Is Waiving Member Costs For Outpatient, Non-Facility Based Behavioral Health Visits Through The End Of Year, And Extending Telehealth Cost Share Waivers For All Telehealth Visits – Primary Care Physicans And Specialty, Including Behavioral Health, For In-Network Providers Through 2020.
  • Awarding $2.2 Million To Nonprofit Organizations In Louisville As Part Of Its Ongoing Community Partners Program.  The Initiative Began In 2018 And Has Since Awarded More Than $6 Million To Local Nonprofits Addressing Social Determinants Of Health And Creating Greater Health Equity In Humana’s Corporate Hometown.
  • Announced That As Of June 1, It Will Pay An Additional $7 Per Humana Member Dental Claim – For All Fully Insured Humana Dental Members.  In Addition To This Financial Support, Humana Is Also Offering 24/7 Access To Its EAP And Work-Life Services To Providers In Its Dental Networks. 
  • Will Mail More Than 1 Million In-Home Preventive Care Screening Kits To Members In 2020, Helping Increase Access To Routine Screenings That Many Members Have Put Off During The COVID-19 Crisis. 
  • Humana Has Delivered More Than $1.6 Million In Financial Grants In Ohio For COVID-19 Relief And Economic Recovery Efforts.
  • Partnered With Several Of Ohio’s Leading Community Service Organizations To Address Social Factors That Can Significantly Impact Individual And Community Health, Including Food Insecurity And Housing Insecurity. These Latest Community Investments Total Nearly $500,000 And Build On An Earlier Humana Initiative To Provide More Than $1.6 Million In COVID-19 Relief And Recovery Assistance In Ohio.

(Humana, “Humana Takes Steps To Care For Members In Response To Coronavirus,” Press Release, 3/9/20; Humana, “Humana Foundation Donates $500,000 In Support Of Coronavirus Pandemic Relief And Recovery Efforts,” Press Release, 3/17/20; Humana, “Humana Expands Access To Telehealth Services To Help Reduce Coronavirus Risk,” Press Release, 3/24/20; Humana, “Humana Works To Increase Capacity For Coronavirus Treatment,” Press Release, 3/26/20; Bruce Japsen, “Cigna, Humana Waive Patient Out-Of-Pocket Costs For All Coronavirus Treatment,” Forbes, 3/29/20; Humana, “Humana Announces Health Care Provider Initiative To Help Ease Financial And Administrative Stress During Coronavirus Pandemic,” Press Release, 4/2/20; Humana Foundation, “Humana Foundation Commits $50M To Coronavirus Relief And Recovery Efforts,” Press Release, 4/30/20; Humana, “Humana To Waive Member Costs For All Primary Care And Behavioral Health Office Visits For Medicare Advantage Members, Delivers Safety Kits To Members,” Press Release, 5/5/20; Tom Murphy, “Humana Picks Up The Tab For Medicare Advantage Doctor Visits,” ABC News, 5/5/20; “Expanded Medicare Advantage Cost Share Waivers Effective May 1, 2020,” Humana, Accessed 5/6/20; Humana, “Louisville Nonprofits Receive $2.2 Million Through Humana Foundation’s Community Partners Program,” Press Release, 5/30/20; Humana, “Humana Announces Monthly Stipend To Reduce Costs For Dental Providers During Pandemic,” Press Release, 6/15/20; Humana, “Humana Mailing More Than 1 Million Home Screening Kits To Increase Access To Preventive Care During COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 7/23/20; Humana, “Humana, Humana Foundation Commit More Than $1 Million To COVID-19 Relief And Recovery Efforts In Georgia,” Press Release, 10/12/20; Humana, “Humana Delivers COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Assistance to Community Service Organizations in Ohio,” Press Release, 11/12/20; Staff, “Humana Partners with Leading Ohio Nonprofits to Address Food Insecurity and Housing,” Press Release, 1/8/21)

Independence Blue Cross

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing On COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For Telemedicine.
  • Waiving Early Prescription Refill Limits.
  • Encouraging 90-Day Prescription Refills.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For Emergency Department Visits When Members Are Admitted To The Hospital Under These Same Conditions.  These Changes Are Effective March 30, 2020, And Will Extend Through May 31, 2020. 
  • Temporarily Suspending Prior Authorizations For Acute Inpatient Admissions From An Emergency Department At All In-Network Facilities For Members With A COVID-19 Diagnosis Through April 30.
  • Prior Authorization Requirements Are Temporarily Suspended For Transfers From Acute In-Network Inpatient Facilities To Post-Acute In-Network Facilities (Long-Term Acute Care Hospitals, Rehabilitation Or Skilled Nursing Facilities) For Any Diagnoses.
  • Waiving Cost Sharing Payments For All Primary Care Telemedicine Visits Through June 4.
  • Offering A Comprehensive COVID-19 Preparedness Tool Developed By Quil To Some Independence Members At No Cost.
  • Offering Members Access To An Emotional Wellness App, Stop, Breathe & Think, At No Cost Until June 14, 2020.
  • Expanding Its Temporary Suspension Of Prior Authorization For Acute In-Network Inpatient Admissions From The Emergency Department To Include All Diagnoses (Including COVID-19) And For In-Network Transfers And Transportation Between Facilities.  The Change, Which Is For Fully Insured Members, Takes Effect Immediately And Will Remain In Effect Until June 4, 2020.
  • Developed A New Initiative Called “Calls Of Kindness.”  The Initiative Involves Independence Employee Volunteers Making Proactive Check-In Calls To Medicare Members.  The Purpose Of The Calls Is To Give Comfort And Support To Those Who Need It During The COVID-19 Crisis.  So Far Volunteers Have Made “Calls Of Kindness” To More Than 2,000 Medicare Members.
  • Launched A Comprehensive COVID-19 Provider Hub Website.  The Site Provides Information On Clinical And Business Initiatives Taken By Independence To Support Doctors, Hospitals, Health Systems And Other Health Care Professionals During The Crisis.

(“Independence Response To COVID-19 [Coronavirus],” Independence Blue Cross, 3/16/20; Independence Blue Cross, “Independence Waives Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Inpatient Treatment,” Press Release, 4/3/20; Independence Blue Cross, “Independence Blue Cross Offers Quil COVID-19 Preparedness Tool To Members,” Press Release, 4/9/20; Independence Blue Cross, “Independence Provides Members Access To Emotional Wellness App At No Cost,” Press Release, 4/14/20; Independence Blue Cross, “Independence Expands Suspension Of Prior Authorization Beyond COVID-19 Diagnoses,” Press Release, 4/22/20; Independence Blue Cross, “Independence Blue Cross Stays Connected With Seniors During COVID-19 Pandemic Through ‘Calls Of Kindness,’” Press Release, 5/26/20; Independence Blue Cross, “Independence Blue Cross Launches COVID-19 Website For Providers,” Press Release, 6/2/20)

Independent Health

  • Expanding Its Partnership With Brook, A Seattle-Based Technology Company, To Offer The Western New York Community Free Access To The Brook Personal Health Companion App For The Duration Of The COVID-19 Health Emergency.
  • Waived Copayments And Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Medical Testing, Diagnosis And Treatment For Its Fully Insured Employer Groups, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid And Individual Plan Members.  In Addition, Independent Health Is Covering In-Network Telehealth/Telemedicine Services, Whether Or Not It Is COVID-19 Related, To Encourage Social Distancing And Help Reduce The Spread Of COVID-19.  There Will Be $0 Copay Or Cost-Sharing For These Services.
  • Implemented A Global Payment Reimbursement Model To Help Primary Care Practices During The COVID-19 Crisis.  
  • Partnered With Several Primary Care Practices To Connect Members With Primary Care Physicians.
  • Allowing Members Who Are Considered To Be At Higher Risk As Defined By CDC Guidelines To Obtain An Early Refill Of Their Medication If Needed.
  • Expanding Its Partnership With Brook, A Seattle-Based Health-Technology Company That Helps Individuals Take Better Care Of Their Health.  Independent And Brook Also Confirmed That They Will Continue To Provide The Western New York Community With Free Access To The Brook Personal Health Companion App During The COVID-19 Crisis.

(Independent Health, “Independent Health Partners With Brook Personal Health Companion To Provide Western New York Community Access To Health Support During COVID-19 Emergency,” Press Release, 4/1/20; “COVID-19 Coronavirus Update,” Independent Health, Accessed 5/11/20; Independent Health, “Independent Health Deepens Its Partnership With The Brook Health Companion App By Launching An Enhanced Nutrition Feature To Make It Easier To Stay Healthy,” Press Release, 8/3/20)

Indiana University Health

  • Expanding Testing For The SARS-Cov-2 Virus, Which Causes COVID-19, To Any Health Care Worker Or First Responder In Indiana Who May Have Been Exposed To The Virus.  This Includes Health Care Workers Serving At Non-IU Health Facilities.
  • Accelerating Payments For Purchased Products And Services.  The Initiative Aims To Boost Cash Flow For The Many Indiana-Based Businesses That Supply Needed Goods And Services To Health Care Providers And Other Central Indiana Companies During The COVID-19 Crisis.  IU Health Is Expediting The Processing Of Over $5 Million A Week In Billings Into The Accounts Of Its In-State Vendors.  The Dozens Of Indiana Vendors Who Will See Expedited Payments From IU Health Include Many Small Businesses And Women- And Minority-Owned Enterprises.

(Indiana University Health, “IU Health Expands COVID-19 Testing To Indiana Health Care Workers, First Responders And Critically Ill Patients,” Press Release, 4/3/20; Indiana University Health, “IU Health Accelerates Payments To Indiana Suppliers To Help Ensure Delivery Of Care,” Press Release, 5/15/20)

Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP)

  • Has Partnered With County Public Health, County Health Systems, And One Of The Nation’s Largest Federally Qualified Health Centers, SAC Health System, To Administer Tests To Members Locally.  The Health Plan Has Also Expanded Telehealth Services To Include Both New And Established Patients For An Array Of Services.  IEHP Has Increased Rates For Skilled Nursing Facilities So They May Provide Care For COVID-19 Patients (When Clinically Appropriate) To Lower The Number Of Patients Transferred To Hospital Emergency Rooms.  In Addition, IEHP Has Also Organized The Procurement And Distribution Of Personal Protective Equipment For Hospitals And Providers.
  • Implementing A Provider Payment Initiative That Compares The Average Claim Payments In 2019 To What A Physician Specialist Received During The COVID-19 Crisis In 2020.  The Difference, Up To 90%, Is Paid To The Physician So They Can Keep Their Practice And Employees Intact.   All Provider Claims Are Also Being Processed In Under 30 Days To Make Sure Critical Cash Flow Is Available To Physicians, Hospitals, Clinics, And Other Providers.
  • Announced That Uninsured Inland Empire Residents Now Have Access To Medical Advice 24/7 Through The Inland Empire COVID-19 Medline, Due To A Collaboration Between Inland Empire Health Plan, 211 Riverside And San Bernardino County, Riverside And San Bernardino County Public Health And Carenet Health. 
  • Sourced And Donated More Than 221,000 Units Of Personal Protective Equipment Supplies To Local Government Agencies, Medical Societies, Associations And Hospitals In Riverside And San Bernardino Counties During The COVID-19 Pandemic.
  • Amending Its Contracts To Include A Capitation Feature That Will Pay A Facility The Hospital’s Expected Net Patient Revenue For Its Medi-Cal Members Or Their Monthly Claims’ Average For Calendar Year 2019, Whichever Is Greater.  IEHP Is Expecting To Provide More Than $90 Million In Support To Providers During Their COVID-19 Response Efforts.

(“Coronavirus (COVID-19),” Inland Empire Health Plan, Accessed 4/10/20; “COVID-19 Updates,” Inland Empire Health Plan, Accessed 5/5/20; “Uninsured Inland Empire Residents Receive 24/7 Access To COVID-19 Medical Advice,” Press Release, 5/7/20; Inland Empire Health Plan, “Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) And L.A. Care Health Plan Take Steps To Provide Financial Support To Contracted Health Care Providers Amid The COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 5/14/20)

InnovaCare Health

  • Implemented Expedited Claims Processing, Ensuring Claims Are Processed Within 5 Days Or Sooner, Allowing Providers To Be Reimbursed As Quickly As Possible For The Care They Are Providing.
  • Expanded Its Telehealth Offerings To Help Patients Access The Care They Need And Maintain Important Relationships With Their Physicians. 

(InnovaCare Health, “InnovaCare Health Announces Initiative To Financially Support Caregivers, Hospitals During COVID-19,” Press Release, 5/11/20; InnovaCare Health, “InnovaCare Health Expands Telehealth Access For Medicare Populations During,” Press Release, 5/20/20)

Inter Valley Health Plan

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing On COVID-19 Testing.
  • Providing Flexibility To Medicare Part D Recipients In Refilling Prescriptions.

(Inter Valley Health Plan, Press Release, Accessed 3/19/20)

IQVIA

  • Working Globally To Combat COVID-19, Including Research In Asia On Treatments Using Existing HIV And Flu Vaccines.
  • Collaborating With Academic Institutions In The U.S. To Develop Tests That More Rapidly Identify Viable Vaccine Candidates.

(Healthcare Leadership Council, “Healthcare Industry Actions To Protect Patients During The COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 3/26/20)

Kaiser Permanente

  • Kaiser Permanente’s Washington Health Research Institute Is Performing Clinical Trial On COVID-19 Vaccine.
  • Donating $1 Million To Public Health Organizations Collaborating With The CDC Found On The COVID-19 Response.
  • Extending Use Of Telehealth Appointments Via Video And Phone Where Appropriate.
  • Encouraging The Use Of Mail-Order Pharmacy Service To Help Members Avoid Unnecessary Outings.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing On COVID-19 Testing And Treatment Through May 31.
  • Kaiser Permanente And Dignity Health Will Partner With California And Los Angeles County To Open The Los Angeles Surge Hospital, A Temporary Facility In Los Angeles That Will Expand Access To Additional Beds And Expand Intensive Care Unit Capacity For Patients Who Contract COVID-19.  The Los Angeles Surge Hospital is expected to open April 13, 2020. 
  • Announced That Futuro Health, A California-Based Nonprofit Established By Kaiser Permanente And The Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) To Address The Nation’s Allied Health Worker Shortage, Has Expanded Its Education Offerings To Prepare Front-Line Health Care Workers For An Expected Surge In COVID-19 Cases, Committing $1 Million To Launch A New Pandemic-Readiness Program.
  • In The Race To Find Safe And Effective Treatments For Seriously Ill Patients With COVID-19, Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) Is Enrolling Patients In Nationwide Clinical Trials And Participating In An Expanded Access Program Of A Novel Treatment Strategy That Uses Blood Plasma From Recovered Patients.  KPNC Is Expected To Add Additional Clinical Trials In Coming Weeks.
  • Enabling Members To Download Calm Premium On Their Smartphone, Computer, Or Tablet Through Their Kp.Org Account.  Kaiser Permanente Members Will Have Unlimited Access To Calm Content, Including An Ever-Growing Library Of Guided Meditations, Sleep Stories For Deeper And Better Sleep, And Video Lessons On Mindful Movement And Gentle Stretching.  The Availability Of The Calm App Is Part Of Kaiser Permanente’s Continued Commitment To Provide Its Members With New Ways To Support Emotional Wellness Anytime And Anywhere, Particularly During Times Of Increased Stress And Anxiety.
  • Released A Playbook, “Planning For The Next Normal At Work,” To Guide Employers And Businesses Through Health Considerations They Will Need To Address As They Safeguard Workplaces During The COVID-19 Crisis.
  • Extending Its Waiver For Most Member Out-Of-Pocket Costs For Inpatient And Outpatient Services Related To The Treatment Of COVID-19 Through December 31, 2020.
  • Contributing $1 Million To 10 Leading Public Health Organizations And Collaborating With CDC Foundation To Strengthen The United States’ Public Health Infrastructure And Response Systems To Stop The Spread Of COVID-19. 
  • Committing $63 Million To Support California’s Contact-Tracing Work In Order To Reduce The Number Of Californians Who Contract COVID-19.
  • Waiving Costs Related To COVID-19 Screening Or Testing When Referred By A Kaiser Permanente Doctor.
  • Has Created Guidance That Can Be Widely Adopted Across The Health Care Industry For Assessing COVID-19 Patients’ Need For Social Resources That Will Allow Them To Safely Recover And Reduce Community Spread Of The Virus.

(Kaiser Permanente, “Supporting Public Health Response To COVID-19,” Press Release, 3/11/20; Kaiser Permanente, “First COVID-19 Vaccine Trial At Kaiser Permanente Washington,” Press Release, 3/16/20; Kaiser Permanente, “COVID-19: The Latest Information,” Press Release, 3/20/20; Kaiser Permanente, “Costs Waived For Members Receiving COVID-19 Treatment,” Press Release, 4/3/20; Kaiser Permanente, “Innovative Partnership Creates Los Angeles Surge Hospital,” Press Release, 4/7/20; Kaiser Permanente, “Pandemic-Readiness Training For LVNs/LPNs For COVID-19 Surge,” Press Release, 4/8/20; Kaiser Permanente, “COVID-19 Clinical Studies Ramp Up Quickly At Kaiser Permanente Northern California,” Press Release, 4/28/20; Kaiser Permanente, “Calm App Available To Kaiser Permanente Members At No Cost,” Press Release, 5/19/20; Kaiser Permanente, “COVID-19 Playbook Offers Return-To-Workplace Strategies,” Press Release, 5/21/20; Kaiser Permanente, “Kaiser Permanente Extends COVID-19 Cost Waiver Through 2020,” Press Release, 5/28/20; Governor Jared Polis, “Kaiser Permanente And Employees Make Major Donation To Colorado COVID Relief Fund,” Press Release, 7/21/20; Kaiser Permanente, “Kaiser Permanente Commits $63M To Support Contact Tracing,” Press Release, 8/10/20; “COVID-19: The Latest Information,” Kaiser Permanente, Accessed 8/14/20; Kaiser Permanente, “Kaiser Permanente Creates COVID-19 Social Health Playbook,” Press Release, 10/13/20)

L.A. Health Care Plan

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing On COVID-19 Testing.
  • Connecting Clients With Community Resources Such As Food Banks And Financial Assistance.
  • Offering Telemedicine.
  • Offering Prescription Refill Delivery.
  • Providing 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line.  
  • Accelerating  More Than $7 Million In Grant Payments To 138 Clinics And Community-Based Organizations.
  • Committing More Than $6 Million In Targeted Grant Support For Its Most Vulnerable Members And Communities, Including Some Who Are Experiencing Homelessness. 
  • Has Awarded Nearly $1.5 Million To 10 Grantees Through The Robert E. Tranquada, MD Safety Net Initiative XI.  Health Care Centers And Community Clinics Across Los Angeles County Will Receive Between $100,000 And $150,000 To Conduct Projects That Will Primarily Help Communities Of Color, Which Have Been Harder Hit By COVID-19.
  • Committed Grant Funding Of Up To $550,000 To Project Angel Food.  Project Angel Food Provides Medically Tailored Meals And Nutritional Counseling To 2,000 Low-Income Individuals In Los Angeles County Affected By Life Threatening Illnesses Each Week.  For A Year, These Clients Will Receive Medically Tailored Meals Based Upon Their Personal Health Conditions.

(“What You Should Know About COVID-19,” L.A. Care Health Plan, 3/18/20; L.A. Health Care Plan, “L.A. Care Commits Nearly $70 Million To Frontline Health Care Providers During The COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 4/16/20; L.A. Care, “L.A. Care Commits Nearly $1.5 Million To Improve Health Outcomes In Vulnerable Communities During The COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 6/10/20; L.A. Care, “L.A. Care Health Plan Commits Up To $550,000 To Reduce Project Angel Food Waiting List,” Press Release, 6/15/20)

Lighthouse Health Plan

  • Lighthouse Health Plan Is Waiving All Co-Payments For COVID-19 Related Services.

(“COVID-19 Provider Payment Provisions,” Lighthouse Health Plan, Accessed 8/7/20)

Magellan Health

  • Expanding Telehealth Services To Support Clients During COVID-19 Outbreak.
  • Opened A Free National 24-Hour Crisis Line For All First Responders And Health Care Workers Who Are Serving On The Front Lines Battling The Coronavirus Pandemic.
  • Launched A Free Crisis Texting Service For Anyone Who Needs Help During The COVID-19 Crisis.  Individuals Can Connect With A Certified, Licensed Mental Health Clinician Who Will Provide Confidential Mental Health Services. 

(Magellan Health, “Magellan Health Expands Telehealth Services To Support Clients During COVID-19 Outbreak,” Press Release, 3/20/20; Magellan Health, “Magellan Health Opens Free Crisis Hotline To Support First Responders And Healthcare Workers Responding To COVID-19,” Press Release, 4/10/20; Magellan Health, “Magellan Health Provides Mental Health Support With Free Crisis Texting Service,” Press Release, 6/23/20)

Magnolia Health

  • Partnering With The Mississippi Department Of Child Protective Services To Provide Health Care Workers With The Items They Need.  Magnolia Health, A MississippiCAN Medicaid Health Plan, Has Provided 500 Masks To Child Protective Services Workers.
  • Providing Additional Mental Health Resources To Mississippi Residents Impacted By The COVID-19 Crisis. 
  • Announced That Allwell From Magnolia Health Has Waived Pre-Authorizations, Co-Pays And Other Costs Related To COVID-19 Testing, Screening And Medically Necessary Treatment.  Allwell From Magnolia Has Also Waived Prescription Refill Limits, And Members Are Able To Refill Prescriptions Prior To Their Refill Date During The Crisis.  Effective July 1, 2020, Expanded Benefits Will Include:
    • $0 Member Liability Extension: Allwell From Magnolia Is Waiving In-Network Member Costs For All Primary Care Visits For The Rest Of 2020.  Allwell From Magnolia Is Also Waiving Member Costs For Outpatient, Non-Facility-Based Behavioral Health Visits And Extending Telehealth Cost Share Waivers For All Telehealth Visits – Primary Care, Specialty And Behavioral Health – For In-Network Providers For The Remainder Of 2020. 
    • Extended Meal Benefits – Members Eligible For Meal Benefits Due To A Chronic Condition Or Recent Discharge May Receive An Additional 14 Meals Delivered To Their Home At No Cost.
    • Increased Annual Wellness Visit Incentives – Members May Be Eligible For An Increased Incentive For Completing Their Annual Wellness Visits, A Benefit Offered At No Cost To The Member.
    • Additional Over-The-Counter (OTC) Benefits – Plans With An OTC Benefit May Now Receive Additional Allowance Dollars In Monthly Or Quarterly Increments, Adding Up To As Much As $150 For The Remainder Of 2020, Depending On Plan.
    • Access To WellCare’s Community Connections Help Line – The Community Connections Help Line – A Toll-Free Line Provided By Partners At WellCare And Available To Anyone In Need – Is Staffed By Peer Coaches And Support Specialists Who Can Refer Individuals And Caregivers In Need To A Database Of More Than Half A Million Social Services In Local Communities Across The Country.
    • Beginning July 1, 2020, Providers Should Also Waive The Member Liability For The Eligible Primary And Behavioral Health Care Claims At The Point Of Service, And Forego The Collection Of The Member Cost Share.

(Magnolia Health, “Magnolia Health Provides PPE To Mississippi Department Of Child Protective Services,” Press Release, 5/22/20; Magnolia Health, “Magnolia Health To Invest In Critical Mental Health Resources,” Press Release, 6/2/20; Magnolia Health, “Allwell From Magnolia Health Extends $0 Member Liability For Primary Care, Behavioral Health, And Telehealth Services For Remainder of 2020,” Press Release, 6/8/20)

Martin’s Point Health Care

  • Has Received The First Maine Shipment Of Newly Developed Rapid COVID-19 Tests.  The New Test Offers Results In Minutes, Rather Than The Days Required By Current Tests.

(Martin’s Point Health Care, “Martin’s Point Health Care Is Maine’s First Recipient Of New Rapid COVID-19 Test,” Press Release, 4/7/20)

Medica Health Plan

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Offering Telemedicine.
  • Donating $1 Million To Minnesota Non-Profits To Meet Emergency Needs From COVID-19.
  • Waiving Copays, Co-Insurance, And Deductibles For COVID-19 In-Patient Hospital Care.  The Waiver Will Extend Through May 31.  Prior Authorization Will Not Be Required For Admissions To Long-Term Care Facilities, Acute In-Patient Rehabilitation, Or Skilled Nursing And Home Health Care Facilities.  This Will Change Will Extend Through May 31. 
  • Donating $200,000 To Nine Nebraska Non-Profit Organizations And Community Health Centers That Play Important Roles In Addressing The Needs Of The Most Vulnerable People In Communities Statewide, Especially During The COVID-19 Crisis.
  • Distributing More Than 200,000 Disposable Protective Masks To Members Who Are At The Greatest Risk For Experiencing Complications Related To COVID-19.  Medica Is Also Donating An Additional 150,000 Masks And Other Personal Protection Equipment To Community Organizations And Its Skilled Nursing Partners.
  • Has Waived In-Person, In-Network Primary, Specialty And Behavioral Care Office Visit Copays For All Medica Advantage Members For Appointments Completed Between June 1, 2020 Through September 30, 2020.  Medica Will Continue To Suspend Prior Authorization For Admission To A Post-Acute Care Setting, Also Through September 30, 2020. 
  • Extended The Waiver For Copays, Co-Insurance And Deductibles For In-Network COVID-19 Inpatient Hospital Care For Fully Insured Group Members.

(“Coverage Changes,” Medica, Accessed 3/19/20; Medica, “Medica Donates $1 Million To Minnesota Non-Profits To Meet Emergency Needs From The Coronavirus,” Press Release, 3/25/20; “Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19,” Medica, Accessed 4/14/20; Medica, “Medica Donates $200,000 To Nebraska Non-Profits To Meet Emergency Needs From The Coronavirus,” Press Release, 4/29/20; Medica Health Plan, “As COVID-19 Response Shifts, Medica Extends Commitment To Members, Community Partners And Long-Term Care Partners,” Press Release, 5/22/20; “Medica COVID-19 Response Provider FAQ,” Medica Health Plan, Accessed 7/1/20; “Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19,” Medica, Accessed 8/3/20)

Medical Mutual Of Ohio

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Early Prescription Refill Limits.
  • Offering Telemedicine.
  • Cost Sharing Will Be Waived For All Treatment Related To COVID-19, Including Hospitalizations And Ground Ambulance Transfers Through May 31.
  • Waiving The Requirement That Telehealth Visits Have A Visual Encounter.
  • Waiving Member Cost Sharing Associated With COVID-19 Testing And Treatment.  This Is Effective Through The End Of The National Public Health Emergency Declared By The U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services.  Medical Mutual Has Extended The Period During Which Cost Sharing For All Treatment Related To COVID-19 Will Be Waived To Now Go Through July 24, 2020.  In Addition, Medical Mutual Will Permanently Cover FDA-Approved Medications And Vaccines When They Become Available.
  • Extended The Cost Sharing Waivers For All COVID-19-Related Treatment.  Treatment Includes Hospitalizations And Ground Ambulance Transfers For Individuals With A Positive COVID-19 Diagnosis.  In Addition, Medical Mutual Will Permanently Cover FDA-Approved Medications And Vaccines When They Become Available.

(“Important Information For Our Members About COVID-19,” Medical Mutual, Accessed 3/19/20; “Important Information For Our Members About COVID-19,” Medical Mutual, Accessed 4/7/20; “Important Information For Our Members About COVID-19,” Medical Mutual, Accessed 6/30/20; “Important Information For Our Members About COVID-19,” Medical Mutual, Accessed 7/29/20)

MeridianHealth

  • Identified Four Organizations Serving As Either Federally Qualified Health Centers And/Or Community Mental Health Centers To Receive $500,000 In Total Funding To Continue Their Work During The COVID-19 Crisis, And Recently Donated 100,000 Protective Masks To The Westside Homeless COVID-19 Response Workgroup. 
  • Donated More Than 130,000 Units Of Personal Protective Equipment To Help Protect Michigan’s First Responders And Essential Workers On The Front Lines Of The COVID-19 Crisis.
  • Partnering With Aunt Martha’s Health And Wellness To Offer COVID-19 PCR Tests And Antibody Testing At No Cost In The Chicago Heights And Kankakee Communities.

(MeridianHealth, “Meridian To Help Populations Disproportionately Impacted By COVID-19 In Illinois,” Press Release, 4/23/20; MeridianHealth, “Meridian Donates PPE To Help Michigan First Responders And Frontline Workers Stay Safe Amid COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 5/5/20; MeridianHealth, “Meridian Partners With Aunt Martha’s Health And Wellness To Screen 1,000 Residents For COVID-19 In Chicago Heights And Kankakee,” Press Release, 6/11/20)

MetroPlus Health Plan

  • Partnered with Healthx And Launched Improved Online Engagement Platforms For Its Members And Providers. 
  • Started A New Food And Safety Member Care Package Initiative That Will Soon Reach 10,000 Of Its Members Determined To Be Especially In Need.  The Care Packages Contain Non-Perishable Foods And Items Like Hand Sanitizer And Face Masks.

(MetroPlus Health Plan, “MetroPlus Health Plan, Responding To COVID-19 Crisis, Announces Enhanced Online Websites, Radically Improving Engagement For Nearly 545,000 Members And More Than 23,000 Of The Plan’s Providers,” Press Release, 5/8/20)

MHS Health Wisconsin

  • Donated $45,000 To Food Banks In Milwaukee, Eastern Wisconsin And Western Wisconsin.  Also, MHS Health Is Partnering With Feeding America And Centene To Coordinate A Donation Of 1 Million Meals A Month For The Next 12 Months To Feed Americans In Wisconsin And Across The Country.
  • Coordinating With Centene To Purchase 500 Gift Cards For Use On Essential Items.  MHS Wisconsin Will Deliver The Cards To Federally Qualified Health Centers And A Local Pharmacy For Distribution To Individuals In Need.  The Gift Cards Will Have A Value Of $35 And Can Be Used To Purchase Essential Health Care And Educational Items, Including Diapers, Over-The-Counter Medicines, Cleaning Supplies And Books.

(MHS Health Wisconsin, “MHS Health Wisconsin Supports Community Needs During The COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 5/19/20)

Minnesota Council Of Health Plans

  • Announced That Minnesota’s Nonprofit Health Insurance Providers Are Enhancing Support For Enrollees Impacted By The COVID-19 Crisis By Extending Cost-Sharing Waivers For In-Patient Treatment.  To The Extent Permitted By Law, Health Insurance Providers Are Extending Waivers For Cost Sharing For In-Network COVID-19 Hospitalization On Fully Insured, Individual And Group Health Plans Until September 30, 2020. 

(Minnesota Council Of Health Plans, “Minnesota Health Plans Announce Additional Support For People Affected By COVID-19,” Press Release, 5/20/20)

Moda Health

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Cost Sharing For Oregon And Alaska Individual And Family Plans And Fully Insured Employer Groups Plans For In-Network Medical Treatment Related To COVID-19, Both Inpatient And Outpatient, And FDA-Approved Medications Administered Inpatient For The Treatment Of COVID-19, Until May 31, 2020.

(“COVID-19: What You Need To Know,” Moda Health, 3/19/20; “COVID-19: What You Need To Know In Oregon,” Moda Health, Accessed 4/21/20)

Molina Healthcare

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing. 
  • Continuing To Provide Virtual Urgent Care For Adult Medicaid Members.
  • Offering Free Home Delivery Of Prescriptions Through Any CVS Pharmacy.
  • Unveiled Its Coronavirus Chatbot, An Enhanced Digital Tool For Members Seeking Information About COVID-19 Risk Factors And Their Own Personal Risk Profile.
  • Molina Healthcare Of New Mexico Is Donating A Relief Package That Includes Medical Supplies For Families, Indian Health Services, And 638 Facilities Across The Navajo Nation That Are Experiencing Hardships As A Result Of The Coronavirus Pandemic.
  • Waiving All COVID-19-Related Out-Of-Pocket Expenses For Its Medicare, Medicaid, And Marketplace Members Nationwide.
  • Has Accelerated $150 Million In Payments To Providers.  Additionally, Molina Has Extended All Previously Approved Prior Authorizations Until September 1, 2020.  Molina Has Also Enabled Providers To Be Paid The Same Amount For Serving Members Via Telehealth As They Would Have For In-Person Service, And Has Expedited Credentialing To Ensure Providers Are Able To See Members For Any Health Care Reason.  Molina Has Also Provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) In Many Markets And Continues Efforts To Seek And Provide PPE Where It Is Most Needed.

(Molina Healthcare, “Molina Healthcare Waives COVID-19 Testing Cost For Members,” Press Release, 3/6/20; Molina Healthcare, “Molina Healthcare Of Ohio Takes Measures To Provide New Resources To Support Members Due To COVID-19,” Press Release, 3/13/20; Molina Healthcare, “Molina Healthcare Launches Coronavirus Chatbot,” Press Release, 3/24/20; Molina Healthcare, “Molina Healthcare Of New Mexico Offers Support To The Navajo Nation During Coronavirus Pandemic,” Press Release, 3/31/20; Molina Healthcare, “Molina Healthcare Waives Costs Associated With COVID-19 Treatment For All Members,” Press Release, 4/2/20; Molina Healthcare, “Molina Healthcare Continues Relief Efforts Nationwide For Its Members, Providers, Employees, And Communities,” Press Release, 4/15/20)

Molina Healthcare of Illinois

  • Molina Healthcare Of Illinois Has Donated $40,500 To An Array Of Community-Based Organizations Across The State, Which Will Help Nonprofits Provide Hygiene Essentials, Food, Financial Support And Other Resources To Help Vulnerable Communities During The COVID-19 Crisis.

(Molina Healthcare, “Molina Healthcare Of Illinois Gives Over $40,000 To Local Nonprofits Across The State To Support Families During COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 4/21/20)

Molina Healthcare of Mississippi

  • Committing Nearly $50,000 For The Purchase Of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) To Help Protect Health Care Professionals And Those In Need During The COVID-19 Crisis.  Molina Is Donating More Than 17,000 3-Ply Masks, 4,000 N95 Masks And 7,000 Nitrile Medical Gloves, Which Will Support Small Clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics And Larger Health Systems.

(Molina Healthcare, “Molina Healthcare Of Mississippi Announces Nearly $50,000 Commitment To Fund Purchase Of Personal Protective Equipment,” Press Release, 4/23/20)

Molina Healthcare of New York

  • Molina Healthcare Of New York Is Donating Over $38,000 To Community-Based Organizations That Are Providing Support And Essentials During The COVID-19 Crisis.

(Molina Healthcare, “Molina Healthcare Of New York Helps Area Nonprofits Replenish Resources And Services,” Press Release, 4/27/20)

Molina Healthcare Of Ohio

  • Committing $150,000 For The Purchase Of Personal Protective Equipment, COVID-19 Test Kits, And Other Needed Essentials To Help Protect Providers, Health Care Professionals, And Those In Need During The Coronavirus Pandemic.
  • Partnered With The Make-A-Day Foundation And Former Ohio State University Football Coach Urban Meyer To Provide 20,000 Nutritious Meals To Ohioans Experiencing Homelessness Or Financial Distress During The COVID-19 Crisis.
  • Committed Over $1.5 Million To Support Innovative Programs Across The State.  The Molina Community Innovation Fund Will Provide Grants And Sponsorships To Various Partners Launching Innovative Programs Designed To Increase Access To Care, Provide Unique Approaches To Reinforce Health And Wellness And Support Integrated Care Services.  The Funding Also Supports Organizations Helping To Fill Community Needs Around Social Determinants Of Health.  Through Molina’s Efforts With Partner Organizations, Ohioans Will Be Provided With Additional Access To Resources That Support Their Physical And Behavioral Health Amid The COVID-19 Crisis.

(Molina Healthcare Of Ohio, “Molina Healthcare Of Ohio Announces $150,000 Commitment To Fund Purchase Of Personal Protective Equipment And Other Essential Supplies,” Press Release, 4/2/20; Molina Healthcare Of Ohio, “Molina Healthcare Of Ohio Partners With Make-A-Day Foundation And Urban Meyer To Serve 20,000 Meals To Ohioans Experiencing Homelessness Or Financial Distress During COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 4/22/20; Molina Healthcare Of Ohio, “Molina Healthcare Of Ohio Commits $1.5 Million To Advance The Health Of Ohioans Through Its 2020 Community Innovation Fund,” Press Release, 5/7/20)

Molina Healthcare of Texas

  • Contributed $20,000 To The North Texas Food Bank To Help Replenish Necessary Food Supplies For Area Residents Experiencing High Levels Of Unemployment Or Reduced Income Due To The COVID-19 Crisis.

(Molina Healthcare, “North Texas Food Bank Receives $20,000 Donation From Molina Healthcare To Help Feed Area Residents In Need,” Press Release, 4/30/20)

Molina Healthcare of Utah

  • Molina Healthcare Of Utah Is Donating $15,500 To Relief Efforts In The Wake Of COVID-19.  Molina Will Provide Funds To Food Banks And Other Community-Based Organizations Across The State That Are Working To Provide For Those Most In Need.

(Molina Healthcare, “Molina Healthcare Of Utah Donates $15,500 To Area Nonprofits In Response To Coronavirus Pandemic,” Press Release, 4/24/20)

Molina Healthcare Of Washington

  • Committed Over $1 Million In Donations And Relief Efforts To Local Communities And Organizations In The State As Part Of Its Comprehensive COVID-19 Community Response Plan. 
  • To Increase Access To Telehealth Services, Molina Is Providing More Than 20 Behavioral Health Provider Organizations With Technological Support And Resources, Such As Computers And Cell Phones.  Molina Is Also Offering Cell Phones And Data Plans To Its Medicaid Members Who Do Not Otherwise Have The Capabilities To Contact Their Provider Via Virtual Visits. 

(Molina Healthcare of Washington, “Molina Healthcare Of Washington Commits Over $1 Million To Support Local Communities Affected By COVID-19,” Press Release, 6/15/20)

MVP Healthcare

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Launched A New Website, Trytelemedicinefirst.Com With  Media Logic, Which Serves As A Directory Of Available Telemedicine Services, And Can Be Searched By Health Insurance Provider Name Or By Zip Code – The Latter Of Which Will Provide Information On Hospitals And Providers That Offer Telemedicine Services.
  • Partnering With CDPHP,And Quick Response To Provide The Cities Of Albany, Schenectady, And Troy With Essential Sanitation Equipment To Protect Local First Responders From COVID-19. 

(“Information On COVID-19,” MVP Healthcare, Accessed 4/2/20; MVP Health Care, “New ‘Try Telemedicine First’ Website Launched To Increase Access To Virtual Care Resources During COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 4/14/20; MVP Healthcare, “MVP Health Care, CDPHP, And Quick Response Partner To Invest In The Capital Region And Its First Responders,” Press Release, 5/18/20)

Most Michigan Health Insurance Companies Won’t Charge For Coronavirus Treatment. “Nearly all of Michigan’s health insurance companies have agreed not to charge customers for any COVID-19 treatments.  Ten health insurers will waive the costs, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services announced on Friday, April 10.  Here’s the list of providers that have agreed to waive cost sharing.

  • Aetna Better Health of Michigan
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Care Network, MI Blue Cross Complete
  • HAP, Alliance Health
  • Humana Insurance
  • McLaren Health Plan
  • Meridian Health Plan
  • Molina Healthcare Michigan
  • Physicians Health Plan (PHP)
  • Priority Health, Priority Health Insurance Co., Priority Health Choice, Total Health Care
  • United Healthcare Insurance, United Healthcare Community Plan.” (Taylor DesOrmeau, “Most Michigan Health Insurance Companies Won’t Charge For Coronavirus Treatment,” Mlive, 4/10/20) 

Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island

  • Waiving Prior Authorizations And Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Requirements For Health Care Providers To Seek Prior Authorizations For All Behavioral Health And All Inpatient Medical Services, Regardless Of Whether They Are COVID-19 Related Or Not.

(“Neighborhood Health Plan Of Rhode Island,” Neighborhood Health Plan Of Rhode Island, Accessed 4/2/20; Neighborhood Health Plan Of Rhode Island, “Neighborhood Waives Prior Authorizations For All Behavioral Health And Inpatient Medical Services,” Press Release, 4/6/20)

‘Ohana Health Plan

  • Donated 26,000 Units Of Personal Protection Equipment To The Hawaii Hospital Education And Research Foundation To Help Protect Providers Across Hawaii During The Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic.

(‘Ohana Health Plan, “’Ohana Health Plan Donates 26,000 Units Of PPE To Hawaii Health Care Workers Amid COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 4/10/20) 

Optima Health

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For Telemedicine.
  • Waiving Member Cost-Sharing For The Treatment Of COVID-19 From Health Care Providers From April 1, 2020, Through June 7, 2020, For Its Fully Insured Commercial, Medicare Advantage And Medicaid Plans.
  • Extending Coverage For Treatment Of COVID-19 To June 30, 2020.  There Will Be No Member Co-Pays Or Cost-Sharing For All Telehealth Visits, Including Telephone Only, With Any In-Network Providers.  Additionally, Members Will Not Have Co-Pays Or Cost-Sharing For Any Necessary In-Network Or Emergent Out-Of-Network Treatment For COVID-19.  The Extended Coverage Applies To Optima’s Fully Insured Commercial, Medicare Advantage And Medicaid Plans, As Well As Participating Self-Funded Groups.
  • Covering The Following Through July 31, 2020:
    • All Telehealth Visits, Including Telephone Only, With Any In-Network Care Provider
    • Any Necessary In-Network Or Emergent Out-Of-Network Treatment Of COVID-19
  • Pre-Authorization Requirements For Out-Of-Network Services Will Be Waived As Appropriate For Medicaid Members. 
  • Extending Member Cost-Sharing Waivers For All Telehealth Visits With In-Network Providers.  Optima Is Also Extending Member Cost-Sharing Waivers For Any Necessary In-Network Or Emergent Out-Of-Network Treatment For COVID-19.

(“Monitoring Coronavirus [COVID-19] In Virginia,” Optima Health, 3/11/20; Optima Health, “Optima Health Waives Costs For Treatment Of Covid-19, Press Release, 4/3/20; Optima Health, “Optima Health Extends Coverage For Treatment Of Covid-19,” Press Release, 5/11/20; “Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19),” Optima Health, Accessed 7/1/20; “Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19),” Optima Health, 7/15/20)

Oscar Health

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Encouraging 90-Day Prescription Refills And Home Delivery.
  • Offering Free Telemedicine Services Under Most Plans. 
  • Partnering With Uno Health To Help Oscar Medicare Advantage Members Unlock Financial Assistance, Providing Critical Relief During The COVID-19 Crisis.  Oscar Medicare Advantage Members Have Achieved An Average Financial Assistance Of More Than $5,000 Per Member.
  • Will Waive Cost-Sharing For The Treatment Of COVID-19 For Its Individual And Small Group Members Through July 31, 2020. 
  • Will Offer Zero-Dollar Virtual Primary Care In 10 Markets In 2021: Miami, FL, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Palm Beach, FL, Houston, TX, Dallas, TX, Austin, TX, Los Angeles, CA, Orange County, CA, Denver, CO, And New York, NY, Pending Regulatory Approval.  The New Service Will Include Unlimited Virtual Visits With A Dedicated Team Of Oscar Primary Care Providers.  Oscar Primary Care Also Will Bring Some Care Directly To Members In Their Homes, By Offering $0 Vitals Monitoring Kits And In-Home Lab Draws When Ordered By An Oscar Primary Care Provider.

(Oscar Health, “Oscar Shares Update On COVID-19,” Press Release, 3/6/20; “Helping You Understand COVID-19, The Infectious Disease Caused By Coronavirus,” Oscar, Accessed 3/19/20; Oscar Health, “Oscar And Uno Health Partner To Unlock Financial Support And Resources For Medicare Advantage Members,” Press Release, Accessed 5/13/20; “COVID-19 Update: Easing The Costs Of Testing And Treatment For Our Members,” Oscar Health, Accessed 7/2/20; Oscar, “Oscar Launches New $0 Virtual Primary Care As Part Of 2021 Expansion Plans,” Press Release, 7/30/20)

Pacific Source

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Early Prescription Refill Limits.
  • Encouraging 90-Day Refills Of Prescription Drugs.
  • Waiving All Out-Of-Pocket Costs For COVID-19 Testing, Diagnosis And Treatment For Its Fully Insured Commercial, Medicare Advantage, And Health Savings Accounts Members.  This Waiver Will Apply To Those Members Who Have Received Or Will Receive Care Between January 31, 2020, Through June 30, 2020, Regardless Of Place Of Care.  The Organization’s Self-Funded Businesses Will Have The Option To Adopt These Provisions.

(Pacific Source, “Providers’ COVID-19 Benefit And Reimbursement Policy Frequently Asked Questions,” FAQs, 3/24/20; Pacific Source, “PacificSource Waives Member Costs For Coronavirus (COVID-19) Diagnosis And Treatment,” Press Release, 4/6/20)

Passport Health Plan

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Providing 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line. 

(“Coronavirus Update,” Passport Health Plan, Accessed 3/19/20)

Peach State Health Plan

  • Collaborating With Quest Diagnostics To Increase Access To Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR) COVID-19 Testing In Critical Areas Of Need Georgia.  Through This Collaboration, Peach State Health Plan Will Facilitate The Distribution Of Approximately 1,000 Quest COVID-19 Test Kits Each Week To Federally Qualified Health Centers.

(Peach State Health Plan, “Peach State Health Plan And Quest Diagnostics Team Up To Increase Access To COVID-19 Testing In Underserved Communities,” Press Release, 5/8/20)

Piedmont Community Health Plan

  • Waiving Prior Authorization Requirements For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Extending Its Waiver Of Out-Pocket Members Costs For Telehealth Services Through December 31, 2020.  Piedmont’s Waiver Of Out-Of-Pocket Costs For COVID-19 Testing Has Also Been Extended Through December 31, 2020.

(“Piedmont Community Health Plan Drops Prior Authorization Requirements For COVID-19 Diagnostic Services,” Piedmont Community Health Plan, Accessed 3/27/20; ; “Coronavirus Updates,” Piedmont Community Health Plan, Accessed 7/14/20)

Physicians Health Plan Of Northern Indiana

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Will Cover The COVID-19 Test And The Visit Where The Test Takes Place 100%, With No Deductible, Copay, Or Coinsurance.

(“COVID-19,” Physicians Health Plan Of Northern Indiana, Accessed 3/19/20; “COVID-19,” Physicians Health Plan Of Northern Indiana, Accessed 3/30/20)

PreferredOne

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For In-Network COVID-19 Hospitalization For Fully Insured Employer And Individual Plan Members Effective March 1, 2020 Through May 31, 2020.
  • Extending Cost-Sharing Waivers For In-Network COVID-19 Hospitalization For Fully Insured Employer And Individual Plan Members Through September 30, 2020.

(PreferredOne, “PreferredOne Coverage For COVID-19 Testing,” Press Release, 3/10/20; PreferredOne, “PreferredOne Expands COVID-19 Coverage,” Press Release, 4/2/20; PreferredOne, “PreferredOne Extends COVID-19 Coverage,” Press Release, 5/20/20)

Premera Blue Cross

  • Expanding Telehealth Offerings At Little To No Cost To Members During COVID-19 Pandemic.
  • Waiving Consumer Cost Shares And Deductibles For Treatment Related To COVID-19 Services For All Fully Insured, Medicare And Individual Market Customers Through October 1, 2020.
  • Providing Up To $100 Million In Financial Support In The Form Of Advance Payments Of Claims To Medical, Dental And Behavioral Health Providers Facing Significant Financial Pressures Due To The COVID-19 Pandemic.
  • Expanded Its Zero Cost Share Options For Virtual Mental Health Care And Substance Use Disorder Treatment In Response To The Unprecedented Demand For Virtual Care During The COVID-19 Crisis.  Premera Has Signed Provider Agreements With Doctor On Demand, Boulder Care And Workit Health To Deliver Video-Based Mental Health Care And Substance Use Disorder Treatment To Nearly All 2.3 Million Premera Blue Cross, Premera Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Alaska, And LifeWise Health Plan Of Washington Customers Through At Least June 30, 2020.
  • Providing More Than 200,000 Of Its Commercial And Individual Customers Across Washington And Alaska Up To $65 Million In Premium Relief Funds And Premium Rebates Over The Coming Months.  Premera Is Committing Up To $25 Million To Provide Premium Relief For Small And Large Group Commercial Customers. 
  • Launching Its First-Ever Virtual Primary Care Plan Called Premera NOW. The New Product Leverages Digital Solutions To Help Customers Access Care Easily And Affordably Without Leaving The Comfort Of Their Home.  Washington-State Employers Can Purchase The Product Now For Availability October 1, 2020.  Designed With 98point6, The Premera NOW Health Plan Will Offer Access To A 98point6 Virtual Provider At Any Time Across The Country At A $0 Copay.

(Premera Blue Cross, “Premera Blue Cross Expands Telehealth Offerings At Little To No Cost To Members During COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 3/25/20; Premera Blue Cross, “Premera Blue Cross To Waive Costs Related To COVID-19 Treatment,” Press Release, 4/2/20; Premera Blue Cross, “Premera Blue Cross Offers Advance Payments To Health Care Providers In Response To COVID-19 Crisis,” Press Release, 4/8/20; Premera Blue Cross, “Premera Blue Cross Offers Zero Cost Share Virtual Mental Health And Substance Use Disorder Treatment During COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 4/21/20; Premera Blue Cross, “Premera Blue Cross Provides $65 Million In Premium Relief And Rebates To Customers In Response To COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 5/13/20; Premera Blue Cross, “Premera Blue Cross Launches Its First Virtual Primary Care Health Plan,” Press Release, 5/14/20)

Premier

  • Released A Survey That Found Over Two-Thirds Of Senior Living Facilities In The U.S. Do Not Have Sufficient Masks, Face Shields, And Personal Protective Equipment To Treat Suspected Cases Of COVID-19.

(Healthcare Leadership Council, “Healthcare Industry Actions To Protect Patients During The COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 3/23/20)

Priority Health

  • Expanding Free Telehealth To All Members In March And April In Response To COVID-19 Outbreak.
  • Waiving All Copays, Deductibles And Coinsurance For The Treatment Of COVID-19 Through June 30, 2020.
  • Covered Treatment May Be Inpatient Or Outpatient From An In-Network Provider.  Self-Funded Employer Groups Are Also Included Unless They Choose To Opt-Out.
  • Created An Affordable New Option To Help Those Who Have Lost Their Employer-Based Health Benefits Due To COVID-19.  By Combining A Short-Term Plan, To Bridge Any Coverage Gap, With A Special Enrollment In An Individual ACA Plan, Consumers Can Safely Move From Their Employer-Sponsored Coverage To A New Plan Without The Risk Of Going Uninsured During The Ongoing Outbreak.  Priority Health Is Also Offering A Deductible Credit To All New Individual Members Transitioning From An Employer Group Plan.
  • Partnered With Digital Health Specialist Livongo To Offer Free Access To Its Members To MyStrength, A Mental Wellness Tool With Activities To Manage Stress And Bolster Mental Health.
  • Providing Financial Support To Members And Employers Facing Challenges Amid The Ongoing COVID-19 Crisis, and It Will Offer Premium Credits And Waive Cost Sharing For Its Most Heavily Impacted Populations. 
  • Partnering With Papa To Enlist College Students To Provide Essential Services And Companionship For Seniors During The COVID-19 Crisis And Help With:
    • Sign Up For And Use Of Technology Services Such As Telehealth.
    • Virtual Hangouts To Socialize.
    • Pick-Up And Delivery Of Pharmacy Refills And Food.
    • Identifying And Preventing COVID-19 Email And Phone Scams.
    • Transporting Members To Necessary Medical Appointments.
    • Cleaning And Sterilizing Frequently Touched Surfaces Inducing Mailboxes And Doorknobs.
  • Extended Its Waiver Of Out-Of-Pocket Costs For COVID-19 Treatment From In-Network Providers Through December 31, 2020.

(Priority Health, “Priority Health Expands Free Telehealth To All Members In March And April In Response To COVID-19 Outbreak,” Press Release, 3/20/20; Priority Health, “Priority Health Waives All Member Cost Sharing For The Treatment Of COVID-19,” Press Release, 4/9/20; Priority Health, “New Option From Priority Health Helps Those Losing Employer Health Benefits Avoid A Gap In Coverage, Get Credit For Deductible Balance,” Press Release, 4/14/20; Priority Health, “Priority Health Provides Free Access To Mental Wellness Tools In Response To COVID-19,” Press Release, 4/16/20; Priority Health, “Priority Health To Offer Financial Relief To Members And Employers In Response To COVID-19,” Press Release, 5/12/20; Priority Health, “Priority Health And Papa Connect Older Adults With College Students To Combat Isolation, Deliver Essential Services,” Press Release, 6/9/20; “COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions,” Priority Health, Accessed 7/14/20)

Providence Health Plan

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Encouraging 90-Day Refills Of Prescription Drugs.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Treatment For Service Dates Beginning April 1, 2020, Through May 31, 2020.  This Applies To In-Network Inpatient, Outpatient, Facility And Professional Visits.  This Change Is Applicable For All Members On An Individual And Family Plan, Small Group Fully Insured Plan And Large Group Fully Insured Plan.
  • If An Employer Group Has Furloughed Or Laid Off Employees, Providence Will Continue To Cover Those Employees Contingent On Payment Of Premium By The Employer.
  • People Who Purchase Individual Plans Through The Federal Marketplace And Who Receive An Advance Premium Tax Credit Will Continue To Receive A 90-Day Grace Period, Established By Federal Law That We Will Continue To Follow Without Adjustment.
  • Providence Will Grant A 30-Day Extension For The Following People That Are Unable To Pay Some Or All Of Their Premium.
  • Waiving Cost Sharing For Commercial Insured Members For COVID-19 Treatments For In-Network Inpatient, Outpatient, Facility And Professional Visits.
  •  Providing Health Care Workers With Personal Protective Equipment, And Provide Vulnerable Populations With Soap And Disinfectant.
  • Extended The Waiver For All Member Cost Sharing For COVID-19 Treatment Until June 30, 2020.
  • Extended The Waiver For All Cost Sharing Payments For COVID-19 Treatment Through August 31, 2020.

(Providence Health Plan, “Support For Health Plan Members And Medicare Beneficiaries Impacted By COVID-19,” Press Release, Accessed 3/19/20; “COVID-19: Supporting Our Communities With Information You Can Trust,” Providence Health Plan, Accessed 4/12/20; “Your Hub For Coronavirus Resources,” Providence Health Plan, Accessed 5/5/20; Providence Health Plan, “Covering Costs For COVID-19 Treatment Updated May 20, 2020 To Extend The Service Date To June 30, 2020,” Press Release, 5/20/20; Providence Health Plan, “Covering Costs For COVID-19 Treatment Updated June 25, 2020 To Extend The Service Date To August 31, 2020,” Press Release, 6/25/20)

Prominence Health Plan

  • Providing Members Telehealth Services Through Teladoc With Zero-Dollar Copays.

(“Telemedicine Services,” Prominence Health Plan, Accessed 4/9/20)

QualChoice Health Insurance

  • Waiving Prior Authorizations And Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For Telemedicine.
  • Distributing $35 Walmart Gift Cards To Arkansans In Need To Use On Essential Items, And Additional Resources To Communities Across Arkansas Through Partnerships With Local Organizations Such As The Arkansas Food Bank, Healthy Connections, Hoover Treatment Center, Lucie’s Place And Others.

(“Protecting Our Members Against COVID-19,” QualChoice Health Insurance, Accessed 4/2/20; QualChoice Health Insurance, “QualChoice To Provide Critical Supplies And Community Supports During The COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 4/28/20)

Quartz Health Solutions

  • Waiving Prior Authorizations And Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For Telemedicine.
  • This Benefit Enhancement Is Being Offered Through May 31, 2020, And Applies To Quartz’s Commercial Lines Of Business.  These Services Are Also Covered For Both In And Out-Of-Network Providers For Quartz Medicare Advantage Members As Directed By CMS.  Quartz Is Also Allowing Earlier Access To Prescription Drugs.  For Non-Maintenance Prescriptions, Members Can Refill Prescriptions 22 Days Before They Should Be Needed Based On The Date Of Their Last Claim.  For Maintenance Prescriptions Eligible For A 90-Day Supply, Members Can Refill Prescriptions 30 Days Before They Should Be Needed Based On The Date Of Their Last Claim.  These Benefit Enhancements Are Being Offered Until Further Notice And Apply To Quartz’s Commercial Lines Of Business.  Quartz’s Medicare Advantage Members Also Have Access To Early Refills, Without Limits, Through The Duration Of The Public Health Emergency.
  • Offering Telehealth, Video Visits, Virtual Visits And E-Visits With Quartz Providers With No Out-Of-Pocket Costs.  These Benefit Enhancements Are Being Offered Through July 31, 2020, And Apply To Quartz’s Commercial Lines Of Business And Members Enrolled In A HDHP Or HSA Plan.  Self-Insured Plan Sponsors May Opt-In To These Enhancements At Their Discretion.
  • Quartz Has Also Extended Cost-Sharing Waivers For Inpatient Hospitalizations At All In-Network Facilities For Treatment Related To COVID-19.  This Benefit Enhancement Is Being Offered Through July 31, 2020, And Applies To Quartz’s Commercial Lines Of Business.  These Services Are Also Covered For Both In And Out-Of-Network Providers For Quartz Medicare Advantage Members As Directed By CMS Through The Public Health Emergency.  
  • Has Waived Out-Of-Pocket Costs For Testing Related To COVID-19.  Office Visits And Services Associated With Testing For COVID-19 Will Be Covered With No Out-Of-Pocket Costs.
  • Offering Telehealth, Video Visits, Virtual Visits, And E-Visits With Quartz Providers With No Out-Of-Pocket Costs.  These Benefit Enhancements Apply To Quartz’s Commercial Lines Of Business And Members Enrolled In An HDHP Or HSA Plan.
  • Quartz Has Waived Cost-Sharing For Inpatient Hospitalizations At All In-Network Facilities For Treatment Related To COVID-19.  This Benefit Enhancement Applies To Quartz’s Commercial Lines Of Business.  These Services Are Also Covered For Both In And Out-Of-Network Providers For Quartz Medicare Advantage Members As Directed By CMS Through The Public Health Emergency.  
  • Quartz Is Allowing Earlier Access To Prescription Drugs.  For Non-Maintenance Prescriptions, Members Can Refill Prescriptions 22 Days Before They Should Be Needed Based On The Date Of Their Last Claim.  For Maintenance Prescriptions Eligible For A 90-Day Supply, Members Can Refill Prescriptions 30 Days Before They Should Be Needed Based On The Date Of Their Last Claim.  These Benefit Enhancements Are Being Offered Until Further Notice And Apply To Quartz’s Commercial Lines Of Business.  Quartz’s Medicare Advantage Members Also Have Access To Early Refills, Without Limits, Through The Duration Of The Public Health Emergency.

(“Coronavirus,” Quartz, Accessed 4/2/20; “Coronavirus,” Quartz, Accessed 4/20/20; “Coronavirus,” Quartz, Accessed 7/7/20); “Coronavirus,” Quartz, Accessed 7/31/20)

Regence Blue Shields of Idaho, Oregon & Utah

  • Waiving Prior Authorizations And Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Encouraging Telemedicine.
  • Relaxing Early Prescription Refill Limits.
  • Allowing 90-Day Prescription Refills.
  • Proactively Reaching Out To High-Risk Members.
  • Covering Treatment For COVID-19 Without Any Out-Of-Pocket Costs For Fully Insured Members Through June 30, 2020.
  • Offering Its Members Free Access To COVID-19 And Mental Wellness Resources Powered By MyStrength, A Digital Behavioral Health App, Through The End Of The Year. Through Year-End, Regence’s Fully Insured And Self-Funded Members Will Have Complementary Access To Mystrength’s COVID-19 And Mental Wellness Resources, Which Include Stress-Management Strategies, Tips For Parenting During Challenging Times, Ideas To Manage Feelings Of Social Isolation And Other Emotional Support Tools.
  • Members Across Regence’s Four-State Region Who Received Behavioral Health Care Before The COVID-19 Crisis Successfully Switched To Virtual Care Options To Ensure Their Continued Care From The Earliest Days Of Physical Distancing.  This Included 87% Of Members In Washington, 85% In Oregon, 85% In Idaho And 82% In Utah, Averaging To 85% Across The Four States.
  • Regence Has Also Extended Coverage For COVID-19 Treatment Without Any Out-Of-Pocket Costs For Fully Insured Members Through December 31, 2020.  In Addition, Regence Will Continue Paying Providers For Virtual Care Services At The Same Rate As In-Person Visits Through September 2020 To Help Ease Member Access And Support Providers Experiencing Financial Challenges.  Diagnostic Testing Also Remains Covered At No Cost To Members.

(Regence Blue Shield Of Idaho, “Regence Blue Shield Of Idaho To Cover Cost Of Coronavirus [COVID-19] Testing For Members,” Press Release, 3/5/20; Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Utah, “Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Utah To Cover Cost Of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Testing For Members,” Press Release, 3/5/20; Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Oregon, “Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Oregon Taking Action To Support Members Through Coronavirus [COVID-19] Outbreak,” Press Release, 3/6/20; Regence Blue Shield Of Idaho, Utah, Oregon And Washington, “Regence Health Plans To Cover Cost Of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Treatment At No Cost To Members Through June 30, 2020,” Press Release, 4/2/20; Regence, “Regence Health Plans Offer Members Virtual Mental Health Resources Through MyStrength At No Cost,” Press Release, 5/27/20; Regence, “Regence Ensures Members Continue Access To Mental Health Care Through Telehealth During COVID-19,” Press Release, 6/16/20)

Sanford Health Plan

  • Waiving Prior Authorizations And Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Deployed A Test For COVID-19 That Can Deliver Results Within 90 Minutes.  These Rapid Tests Will Be Used For The Highest Priority Patients, Including Those Who Are Hospitalized, Health Care Workers And Elderly Adults Living In Long-Term Care Facilities, And Are Available In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, And Fargo, North Dakota.
  • Waiving All Cost-Sharing Payments For COVID-19 Treatment Through September 30, 2020.  Sanford Is Also Waiving All Co-Pays For Telehealth Care Through September 30, 2020. 

(“Coverage Updates & Information,” Sanford Health Plan, Accessed 4/2/20; Shawn Neisteadt & Courtney Collen, “90-Minute Rapid Coronavirus Tests Now Available,” Press Release, 4/3/20; “Coverage Updates & Information,” Sanford Health Plan, Accessed 7/14/20)

SCAN Health Plan

  • Supporting California Governor Gavin Newsom’s “Stay Home. Save Lives. Check In.” Campaign.
  • Providing Emergency Funding For Nonprofits Serving Seniors, Including, To Date, An Additional $330,000 To 14 Organizations – Most Of Which Are Delivering Meals And Other Necessary Supplies.
  • Committing $5.1 Million To Address A Variety Of Needs For Vulnerable Seniors And Others At Risk Due To The Effects Of The COVID-19 Crisis.  The Emergency Funding Will Address: Delivery Of Additional Services To Seniors In Need Of Nutritious Meals And Other Essential Supplies; New Financial Support To Non-Profit, Senior-Focused Organizations And Provider Groups In Addition To The Nearly $350,000 In COVID-19-Related Funding SCAN Has Already Provided To Such Groups; And Assistance For SCAN Employees Most Impacted By Current Circumstances.
  • Waiving Copayments For Primary Care Doctor Visits, Or Members Of Their Staff Like A Physician Assistant Or Nurse Practitioner, Through December 31, 2020.  This Includes In-Person Visits, As Well As Those Done Over The Telephone Or Virtually Through A Computer Or Smart Phone.  SCAN Is Also Waiving Copayments For Outpatient Visits With Behavioral Health Professionals Through December 31, 2020.
  • Launched Rally®, An Interactive Member Engagement Platform From Digital Health Company Rally Health, Inc.  Working In Collaboration With Rally, SCAN Is Offering Its Members A Digital Solution That Enables Them To Engage In Online Social Communities, Set And Meet Wellness Goals And Get Information About The Health Topics Of Interest To Them.

(SCAN Health Plan, “Applauding Governor Newsom’s Call To Protect California Seniors, SCAN Health Plan Expands COVID-19 Member And Community Support,” Press Release, 4/2/20; SCAN Health Plan, “SCAN Health Plan Allocates More Than $5 Million To Support Coronavirus Relief For Seniors,” Press Release, 4/15/20; “Coronavirus Information,” SCAN Health Plan, Accessed 7/14/20; SCAN Health Plan, “SCAN Health Plan Launches An Interactive Member Engagement Platform, Coinciding With Rise In Digital Use Among Older Adults,” Press Release, 8/4/20)

Security Health Plan

  • Issuing Premium Rebates To Its Fully Insured Employer Clients And Waiving Cost Sharing For Its Individual Consumer Clients.  Security Health Plan Will Refund 10% Of The April Premium And 5% Of The May Premium To Fully Insured Employer Customers.

(Security Health Plan, “Security Health Plan Helps Ease COVID-19 Cost Burden For Employers, Consumers,” Press Release, 7/28/20)

Sendero Health Plans

  • Waiving All Costs For Treatment Of COVID-19.
  • Waiving Copayments For In-Network Doctor Visits And Lab Costs To Screen For The Disease.

(Sendero Health Plans, “Sendero Health Plans Becomes First Austin Area Affordable Care Act Health Plan To Waive Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Treatment,” Press Release, 4/1/20)

Sentara Healthcare

  • Partnering With Local Health Departments, Urban League And NAACP Chapters, Community Organizations And Faith Groups To Provide Free COVID-19 Tests In Underserved Communities Sentara Serves Across Virginia And In Northeast North Carolina. 

(Dale Gauding, “Sentara Partners With Community Organizations To Offer Free Coronavirus Testing To Underserved Minority Populations,” Sentara Healthcare, 5/26/20)

Sharp Health Plan

  • Waived Out-Of-Pocket Costs For All COVID-19 Treatment Received April 1 – May 31, 2020, For Members Diagnosed With COVID-19.
  • Extended Its Waiver For Out-Of-Pocket Costs For All COVID-19 Diagnostic Treatment Through September 30, 2020.

(“COVID-19: Stay Informed,” Sharp Health Plan, Accessed 4/23/20; “COVID-19: Stay Informed,” Sharp Health Plan, Accessed 7/10/20)

SummaCare

  • Waiving Any Co-Pays And Deductibles Related To Provider-Ordered Testing Of COVID-19.

(“Important Information Regarding COVID-19 & Your SummaCare Coverage,” SummaCare, 3/26/20)

Superior HealthPlan

  • Contributing A Total Of $100,000 To Nine Organizations That Support Americans Living With Disabilities Affected By The COVID-19 Crisis. 
  • Providing Additional Mental Health Resources To Texas Residents Impacted By The COVID-19 Crisis.  Through A Series Of Partnerships, Superior Will Enable Providers To Better Support Communities That Are Experiencing Elevated Levels Of Stress Caused By An Increase In Grief, Loss, Economic Pressure, Unemployment Or Social Isolation.  As Part Of This Effort, Superior Is Taking The Following Steps:
    • Collaborating, In Partnership With Its Parent Company Centene Corporation, The Allegheny Health Network And The CARES Institute At Rowan University To Fund Virtual Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Training Cohorts.
    • Donating To The National Council For Behavioral Health’s COVID-19 Relief Fund, Specifically For The Provision Of Mental Health First Aid, Ensuring A Long-Term Impact Beyond The Current Crisis.
  • Cover The Cost Of Medically Necessary COVID-19 Tests, Screenings, Associated Physician’s Visit(S) And/Or Treatment For Most Members. 
  • Will Not Require Prior Authorization, Prior Certification, Prior Notification And/Or Step Therapy Protocols For Medically Necessary COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing, Medical Screening Services And/Or Treatment When Medically Necessary Services Are Ordered And/Or Referred By A Licensed Health Care Provider.  Any Medically Necessary Treatment Related To COVID-19 Would Be Considered A Covered Benefit.

(Superior HealthPlan, “Superior HealthPlan Announces Initiatives To Support Disability Community Affected By COVID-19 In Texas,” Press Release, 6/18/20; Superior HealthPlan, “Superior HealthPlan Investing In Mental Health Resources For Texans Impacted By COVID-19,” Press Release, 6/24/20; “Coronavirus Updates,” Superior HealthPlan, Accessed 7/2/20)

Sutter Health

  • Waiving Any Co-Pays And Deductibles Related To Provider-Ordered Testing Of COVID-19.
  • Waiving Cost Sharing For Covered Services Related To Screening And Testing For COVID-19.  Sutter Health Plus Will Waive The Cost-Share For Covered Services Related To COVID-19 Treatment From February Through The End Of September 2020.  This Includes, But Is Not Limited To, Primary Care Physician Office Visits, Urgent Care Visits, Emergency Department Visits, Inpatient Hospital Stays, Telehealth Visits And Lab Tests.  Sutter Health Plus Will Waive The Cost-Share For Telehealth Visits For Covered Services From April Through The End Of December 2020.
  • Waiving The Cost Share For Covered Services Related To Screening And Testing For COVID-19.  Sutter Health Plus Will Waive The Cost-Share For Covered Services Related To COVID-19 Treatment From February 2020 Through The End Of September 2020.  Sutter Health Plus Will Waive The Cost-Share For Telehealth Visits For Covered Services From April 2020 Through The End Of December 2020.

(Information About COVID-19, Sutter Health, Accessed 3/26/20; “COVID-19 Information,” Sutter Health Plus, Accessed 4/28/20; “Information About COVID-19 Coverage, Cost And Access To Care,” Sutter Health Plus, Accessed 5/13/20)

Teladoc

  • Establishing Virtual “COVID Clinics” For Health Systems.

(Healthcare Leadership Council, “Healthcare Industry Actions To Protect Patients During The COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 3/26/20)

Trillium Community Health Plan

  • Waiving Any Co-Pays And Deductibles Related To Provider-Ordered Testing Of COVID-19.

(“Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19),” Trillium Community Health Plan, Accessed 3/31/20)

Trusted Health Plan

  • Waiving Any Co-Pays And Deductibles Related To Provider-Ordered Testing Of COVID-19.

(Trusted Health Plan, “COVID-19 Testing,” Press Release, 3/24/20)

Tufts Health Plan

  • Making “An Additional $1 Million Available To Efforts Driven By Community And To Nonprofit Organizations Supporting Older People Affected By The Coronavirus Outbreak In Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire And Connecticut.”
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For Telemedicine.
  • Providing Funding To 18 Additional Nonprofit Organizations As Part Of The $1 Million It Has Committed To Support Community Efforts On Behalf Of Older People Affected By COVID-19.  This Second Wave Of Funding, Totaling $345,000, Focuses On Housing And Equity Efforts In Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire And Connecticut.
  • Providing $10,000 Grants To Five Diverse Community Organizations To Help Them Address The COVID-19 Crisis. 
  • Launching An Employee Relief Fund To Support Employees Who Have Been Affected By The COVID-19 Crisis And Are Experiencing Financial Hardship, Including The Loss Of A Job By Someone In Their Household.  Eligible Employees Can Apply For $1,000 Grants To Cover Essential Living Expenses, Such As Rent Or Mortgage, Utilities And Certain Medical Costs.
  • Awarding $170,000 In Grants To 10 Nonprofit Organizations, Part Of The $1 Million It Committed To Support Community Efforts Addressing Coronavirus In Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire And Connecticut.  In Total, 49 Organizations On The Front Lines Of The Pandemic Have Received Funding.  This Funding Goes To Organizations Working To Improve Access To Food And Respond To Inequities In Housing And Services.  It Bolsters Collaborative Regional Responses, Particularly In Communities Reporting The Highest Rates Of COVID-19 Infection.
  • Named A 2020 Honoree Of The Civic 50, By Points Of Light, The World’s Largest Organization Dedicated To Volunteer Service.  The Award Recognizes Superior Corporate Citizenship Programs And Showcases How Companies Use Their Time, Skills And Resources To Impact Their Communities.
  • Announced That The Tufts Health Plan Foundation Board Has Approved An Additional $900,000 To Support Recovery And Rebuilding Efforts Addressing The Effects Of The COVID-19 Crisis In Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire And Connecticut.  The Foundation’s Commitment To COVID-19 Response Now Reaches Nearly $2 Million.

(Tufts Health Plan, “Tufts Health Plan Foundation Commits $1 Million To Address COVID-19,” Press Release, 3/19/20; Tufts Health Plan, “Tufts Health Plan Waiving Treatment Costs For Members With COVID-19,” Press Release, 4/3/20; Tufts Health Plan, “Tufts Health Plan Foundation Announces Second Wave Of Funding To Address Coronavirus Impact,” Press Release, 4/14/20; Tufts Health Plan, “5 Community Organizations Receive Grants From Tufts Health Plan Employee Groups,” Press Release, 5/5/20; Tufts Health Plan, “Tufts Health Plan Launches Employee Relief Fund,” Press Release, 5/13/20; Tufts Health Plan, “Tufts Health Plan Foundation Announces Third Wave Of Funding To Address Coronavirus Impact,” Press Release, 5/19/20; Tufts Health Plan, “Tufts Health Plan Recognized As One Of The 50 Most Community-Minded Companies In The United States,” Press Release, 6/10/20; Tufts Health Plan, “Tufts Health Plan Foundation Board Approves Additional Funding For Organizations Responding To Coronavirus,” Press Release, 6/29/20)

UCare

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Encouraging 90-Day Prescription Refills And Home Delivery.
  • Covering Coinsurance, Copays, And Deductibles For Members Who Receive In-Network Hospital Services To Treat COVID-19 Through May 31, 2020.  UCare Will Continue To Track The Situation And Determine Whether To Extend This Coverage Beyond May 31.
  • Announced UCare Foundation Is Providing $500,000 In Short-And Long-Term Assistance To Benefit Minnesotans Impacted By COVID-19, And The Funds Will Support Needs Related To Social Isolation, Telehealth, Food Insecurity And Personal Protective Equipment.
  • Removing Copays For Medicare Primary Care And Mental Health Clinic Services – Including Telehealth – During The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.
  • Continuing To Waive Copays, Coinsurance And Deductibles For COVID-19 Tests And Associated Clinic, Urgent Care And Emergency Room Visits.
  • Continuing To Waive Copays, Coinsurance, Deductibles For COVID-19 Inpatient Hospitalizations Through September 2020.
  • Supplying Health Care Providers, Group Homes, Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, Social Service Organizations And Vulnerable Members With Telehealth Home Kits, Masks, Healthy Snack Boxes And iPads.
  • Offering $25,000 Grants To Small Provider Groups And Community Clinics To Build Infrastructure During COVID-19.
  • Waiving Copays, Coinsurance And Deductibles When Members Receive In-Network, Inpatient Hospital Services To Treat COVID-19 Through September 2020.

(“UCare’s Response To COVID-19,” UCare, Accessed 3/19/20; “UCare Will Cover Costs For Hospital Services To Treat COVID-19,” UCare, Accessed 4/23/20; UCare, “UCare Foundation COVID-19 Funds Support Communities In Need,” Press Release, 4/24/20); “COVID-19: What’s Covered?,” UCare, Accessed 5/20/20; “We’re Here For You,” UCare, Accessed 7/21/20)

UniCare

  • UniCare Will Cover COVID-19 Treatment With No Copays Or Cost-Sharing Through December 31, 2020, As Long As Members Receive Treatment From Doctors, Hospitals, And Other Health-Care Professionals In Their Plan’s Network.  UniCare Is Also Covering Telehealth Visits With Doctors And Health-Care Professionals At No Cost To Members Through September 13, 2020.

(“Information About Benefits And COVID-19,” UniCare, Accessed 7/21/20)

UniCare Health Plan Of West Virginia

  • Announced $134,000 In Grants To Community-Based Organizations To Support Health Care Workers And First Responders, Improve Access To Food And Shelter For The Homeless And Other Vital Community Needs And Resources.  UniCare Health Plan Has Also Provided Ongoing Member Support For Those That May Have An Increased Need During This Crisis, Including Those High-Risk Members Impacted By Immunosuppression, Chronic Conditions Or Social Isolation. 

(“Stay Informed About Coronavirus (Covid-19),” UniCare Health Plan Of West Virginia, Accessed 5/26/20)

UnitedHealth Group, UnitedHealthcare And Optum

  • Waiving All Copays, Coinsurance And Deductibles For COVID-19 Testing. 
  • Offering Emotional-Support Help Line “To Support Anyone Who May Be Experiencing Anxiety Or Stress Following The Recent Developments Around COVID-19.”
  • Expanding Access “To Testing And Medical Care, Medication, Telehealth Services And Virtual Care Including Rollout Of An Innovative, Personalized Digital Platform Which Includes A Symptom Checker To Help Members Rapidly Assess Their Risk For COVID-19.”
  • Expanding Its Efforts To Engage People With The Highest Risk Of Contracting Serious Illness.
  • Sanvello Is Offering Free Premium Access To Help People Cope With Mental Health Impacts of COVID-19.
  • Launching A Special Enrollment Period For Some Of Its Existing Commercial Customers, Reducing Prior Authorization Requirements For Providers And Expanding Telehealth.
  • Committing An Initial $50 Million To Combat COVID-19 And Support Affected Communities.   
  • Waiving All Copays, Coinsurance And Deductibles For COVID-19 Testing Until May 31. 
  • Accelerating Nearly $2 Billion In Payments And Support To Health Care Providers To Help With COVID-19 Financial Challenges. 
  • UnitedHealth Group Has Been Asked To Assist The U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services In Distributing, As Directed By The Department, An Initial $30 Billion In Emergency Funding To Health Care Providers Seeking Assistance Under The CARES Act. 
  • Donating $5 Million To Support A Federally Sponsored Program Led Mayo Clinic Seeking To Accelerate And Expand The Availability Of Investigational Convalescent Plasma Treatments For COVID-19 Patients Nationwide.    
  • Providing $1.5 Billion In Additional Support For Its Customers.  Actions Taken To Deliver The Support Include: 
    • Applying Credits To Premium Billings Received By June For People Served By UnitedHealthcare Commercial Fully Insured Benefits.  The Credits Will Range From 5% To 20%.
    • All Specialist And Primary Care Physician Cost Sharing Will Be Waived At Least Through The End Of September For People Served By UnitedHealthcare Under Medicare Advantage Plans.
    • Providing Both New And Renewal Premium Price Stability And Support For People Served By UnitedHealthcare AARP Medicare Supplement Policies.
    • Accelerating Funds To State Partners And Critical Care Providers To Serve More People And Expanding Its Housing+Health And Homeless Support Programs, Providing Shelf Stable Food And Baby Formula For People Served By UnitedHealthcare Medicaid Plans.
  • Donated Nearly $70 Million In Philanthropic Commitments Since The Start Of The COVID-19 Crisis In The U.S. To Help Fight Hunger, To Develop Plasma Treatments For The Virus And To Expand COVID-19 Testing In Underserved Communities, Among Other Causes. 
  • Partnering With Microsoft To Launch ProtectWell™, An Innovative Return-To-Workplace Protocol That Enables Employers To Help Bring Employees Back To Work.  
  • Will Continue To Waive All Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing-Related Visits, Testing And Treatment, As Well As Telehealth Coverage For COVID-19 Related Services.

(UnitedHealth Group, “UnitedHealth Group Reinforces Actions Taken To Provide Members And Patients With COVID-19 Support And Resources,” Press Release, 3/9/20; UnitedHealth Group, “UnitedHealthcare Expands Access To Care, Support And Resources To Help People And Families Address COVID-19,” Press Release, 3/18/20; UnitedHealth Group, “Sanvello Offers Free Premium Access To Help People Cope With Mental Health Impacts Of COVID-19,” Press Release, 3/20/20; UnitedHealth Group, “UnitedHealthcare Offers Special Enrollment And Reduces Administrative Requirements To Improve Access To Care And Coverage In Response To COVID-19,” Press Release, 3/24/20; UnitedHealth Group, “UnitedHealth Group Commits Initial $50 Million To Combat COVID-19 And Support Affected Communities,” Press Release, 3/26/20; “Latest Updates On COVID-19,” UnitedHealthcare, Accessed 4/2/20; UnitedHealth Group, “UnitedHealth Group Accelerates Nearly $2 Billion In Payments And Support To Health Care Providers To Help With COVID-19 Financial Challenges,” Press Release, 4/7/20; UnitedHealth Group, “UnitedHealth Group Honored To Assist The U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services Under The CARES Act,” Optum, 4/10/20; UnitedHealth Group, “UnitedHealth Group Donates $5 Million To Support A Federal Program Developing Treatments For COVID-19,” Press Release, 4/21/20; UnitedHealth Group, “UnitedHealth Group Provides Over $1.5 Billion Of Additional Support In Response To Covid-19 Challenges,” Press Release, 5/7/20; Marguerite Ward, “9 Major Companies That Have Shown Compassionate Leadership In Their Response To The Coronavirus Pandemic,” Business Insider, 5/13/20; UnitedHealth Group, “UnitedHealth Group And Microsoft Collaborate To Launch ProtectWell™ Protocol And App To Support Return-To-Workplace Planning And COVID-19 Symptom Screening,” Press Release, 5/15/20; Jim Spencer, “UnitedHealth, HealthPartners Offer Employer Guides To Get Employees Back To Workplaces,” Star Tribune, 5/20/20; “COVID-19 Resource Center,” UnitedHealthcare, Accessed 8/4/20)

UnitedHealth Customers Will See A Discount On Next Month’s Bill. “With so many of its customers struggling during the pandemic, UnitedHealth Group, one of the nation’s largest health insurers whose profits have not suffered during the crisis, is offering modest relief.  On Thursday it said it would make $1.5 billion worth of premium credits and fees for doctor’s visits available to people enrolled in its plans.” (Reed Abelson, “UnitedHealth Customers Will See A Discount On Next Month’s Bill,” The New York Times, 5/7/20)

UnitedHealth Is Speeding Up Payments To Doctors & Hospitals. “UnitedHealth Group Inc. is accelerating payments to doctors and hospitals, starting with about $2 billion over the next week, to ease a cash crunch that has led some health-care providers to furlough workers amid the coronavirus pandemic.  The move by the biggest U.S. insurer to hasten claims payments, which it said would last for the duration of the crisis, could shave weeks off the time it takes for some providers to get paid for a service.  Typically, contracts allow for payment within 30 days, the company said.” (Anna Wilde Mathews, “UnitedHealth Will Speed Payments To Doctors, Hospitals, The Wall Street Journal, 4/7/20)

University Health Alliance

  • University Health Alliance Is Covering 100% Of The Cost For All Services Related To The Diagnosis Of COVID-19.  For Inpatient Hospitalizations, UHA Is Paying 100% Of The UHA Eligible Charge.  Member Co-Pays, Coinsurance And Deductibles Will Be Waived.  University Health Alliance Is Also Covering All Telehealth Access At 100% Of Eligible Charges With No Copay For Any Telehealth Service For The Duration Of The COVID-19 State Of Emergency – Regardless Of The Primary Purpose Of The Visit.

(Important Information About Coronavirus (COVID-19) In Hawaii,” University Health Alliance, Accessed 7/21/20)

UPMC Health Plan

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For Telemedicine.
  • Waiving Early Prescription Refill Limits.
  • Providing 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line.
  • Waiving All Deductibles, Co-Insurance And Co-Pays For All In-Network, Inpatient COVID-19 Treatment For Its Members Enrolled In Fully Insured Group, Affordable Care Act, And Medicare Advantage Plans, As Well As In Self-Insured Employer Group Plans That Opt In To This Coverage.  This Policy Change Is Effective Immediately And Will Stay In Effect Through June 15, 2020.
  • Extending $0 Cost-Sharing For All Covered Telehealth Services Through September 30, 2020. 
  • Waiving All Deductibles, Coinsurance And Copays For In-Network, Inpatient COVID-19 Treatment For Members.

(“UPMC Health Plan Is Here For You,” UPMC Health Plan, Accessed 3/19/20; UPMC Health Plan, “UPMC Health Plan Waives Out-Of-Pocket Costs For Members For In-Network, Inpatient COVID-19 Treatment,” Press Release, 4/6/20; UPMC Health Plan, “UPMC Health Plan Extends Members’ No-Cost Access To Telehealth Services,” Press Release, 5/28/20; “Extended Benefits For Members,” UPMC Health Plan, Accessed 7/29/20)

Upper Peninsula Health Plan

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For Telemedicine For Next 90 Days.
  • Waiving Prior Authorizations And Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.

(“UPHP Coverage Information Updates For Members Amid COVID-19 Outbreak,” Upper Peninsula Health Plan, Accessed 4/15/20)

Valley Health Plan

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Encouraging Telemedicine.
  • Waiving Early Prescription Refill Limits.

(“Updated 03.13.20: Novel Coronavirus Prevention And Preparation,” Valley Health Plan, 3/13/20)

Viva Health

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For Telemedicine.
  • Encouraging 90-Day Refills Of Prescription Drugs.
  • Covering Inpatient Hospital Treatment At 100% On All Viva Health Fully Insured Plans Through September 30, 2020 For Members Who Require Hospitalization For The Treatment Of COVID-19.

(“Coronavirus,” Viva Health, Accessed 3/19/20; Viva Health, “Coronavirus Updates,” Press Release, Accessed 7/2/20)

Vizient

  • Offered Recommendations To The White House Coronavirus Task Force On Improving Access To Chloroquine And Hydroxychloroquine For Hospitals Caring For COVID-19 Patients.

(Healthcare Leadership Council, “Healthcare Industry Actions To Protect Patients During The COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 3/26/20)

Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield

  • Waiving Prior Authorization And Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing And Treatment.
  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For Telemedicine.
  • Waiving Early Prescription Refill Limits.
  • Encouraging 90-Day Refills Of Prescription Drugs.
  • Providing 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line.
  • Extending Its Previously Announced COVID-19 Benefits Through August 31, 2020, Which Include Member Cost-Share Waivers For COVID-19 Testing And Treatment, Virtual Visits And Support For Business Customers.  The Extension Also Includes Payment Parity For Providers Of Virtual Health Care Visits.
  • Extending The Same Reimbursement Fee To Iowa Providers For Virtual Visits As Is Paid For In-Person Visits Until February 1, 2021. 

(Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, “Wellmark To Waive Cost-Share For Virtual Health Care Visits To Help Members During The Coronavirus Outbreak,” Press Release, 3/17/20; Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, “Wellmark Extends COVID-19 Benefits Through August 31,” Press Release, 5/27/20; Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, “Wellmark To Continue Paying Health Care Providers The Same For Virtual Visits Until Feb. 1, 2021,” Press Release, 6/17/20)

WellCare

  • Has Partnered With Shipt, A Same-Day Delivery Service, To Help Medicare Advantage Members Safely And Conveniently Access Groceries And Everyday Essentials Throughout 2020, Providing Them With A Critical Service During The COVID-19 Crisis.

(WellCare, “WellCare Partners With Shipt To Provide Free Grocery Delivery Memberships To Medicare Advantage Members For Remainder Of 2020,” Press Release, 8/3/20)

WellCare Of Georgia

  • Will Award Grants Up To $1,500 To Local Community Partners Through Its Community Connections Resource Grant Process To Help Support Those Affected By The Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).  The Goal Of The Grant Process Is To Identify Local, Community-Based Organizations That Are Creating Innovative Solutions To Address Social Service Barriers Affecting Vulnerable Populations Due To The COVID-19 Pandemic.

(WellCare Of Georgia, “WellCare Of Georgia To Award Grants To Local Social Service Providers To Support COVID-19 Relief Efforts,” Press Release, 4/8/20)

WellCare Of North Carolina

  • Partnering With Community-Based Organizations And Other Programs Across The State To Provide Access To Food And Other Essential Supplies.  WellCare Of North Carolina Has Donated $40,000 Directly To Local Food Pantries And Community Partners Across The State.  WellCare Also Purchased Nearly $35,000 Worth Of Walmart Gift Cards To Support Vulnerable Populations In The Community Who Are In Need Of Food, Supplies And Support During The COVID-19 Crisis.  Each Gift Card Holds A Value Of $35 And Can Be Used To Purchase Essential Items. 

(WellCare of North Carolina, “WellCare Supports North Carolina Communities In Need During The COVID-19 Pandemic,” Press Release, 6/2/20)

WellCare of South Carolina

  • WellCare Of South Carolina Will Award Grants Up To $1,500 To Local Community Partners Through Its Community Connections Resource Grant (CCRG) Process To Help Support Those Affected By COVID-19.  The Goal Of The Grant Process Is To Identify Local, Community-Based Organizations That Are Creating Innovative Solutions To Address Social Service Barriers Affecting Vulnerable Populations Due To The COVID-19 Crisis. 

(WellCare Of South Carolina, “WellCare Of South Carolina To Award Grants To Local Social Service Organizations To Support COVID-19 Relief Efforts,” Press Release, 4/29/20)

Western Health Advantage

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Offering Delivery And 90-Day Refills Of Prescription Drugs.
  • Waiving All Treatment Costs Associated With COVID-19 Care.  This Includes Copayments And Deductibles, If Applicable, For Office Visits And Hospitalization, For Services Related To The Treatment Of COVID-19.  This Relief Will Apply For Any Treatments From February 2020 Until The End Of September 2020.

(“Coronavirus Disease [COVID-19],” Western Health Advantage, Accessed 3/19/20; “Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19),” Western Health Advantage, Accessed 7/21/20)

WEA Trust

  • Waiving Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.
  • Not Require Pre-Authorization For Medical Services Related To The Testing For COVID-19.

(“Our WEA Trust Covid-19 Response,” WEA Trust, Accessed 3/26/20)

West Virginia Association of Health Plans

  • Announced Managed Care Organizations, That  Oversee West Virginia’s Medicaid Program Will Temporarily Remove All Prior Authorization/Service Authorization Requirements For All Covered Medical Services For Out-Of-Network And In-Network Providers.  An Additional Measure Will Extend The Time Period For Patients To Remain In Residential Substance Abuse Disorder Treatment Facilities.

(West Virginia Association Of Health Plans, “Medicaid MCOs Take Measures To Assist Healthcare Providers During COVID-19 Crisis,” Press Release, 3/31/20)

WPS Health Insurance

  • Waiving Prior Authorizations And Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Testing.  This Coverage Applies For Both In-Network And Out-Of-Network Providers.
  • Waiving Copays For Telehealth Services For Any Condition Provided By Teladoc Providers And Other Preferred Providers. 

(“What You Should Know About Coronavirus Disease 2019,” WPS Health Insurance, Accessed 4/14/20; “What You Should Know About Coronavirus Disease 2019,” WPS Health Insurance, Accessed 7/21/20)

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