Article

COVID - 19 Carrier Updates

Allied

"Given the state of flux of both the Federal and state response, Allied's compliance and clinical teams remain committed to continuing to monitor clinical, legislative, and regulatory developments in order to keep you informed with the most up to date information as to requirements and best practices.

With that being said, please note that in connection with your own Summary Plan Descriptions:

-There will be no prior authorization requirements for plan members seeking COVID-19 diagnostic tests

-With respect to non-grandfathered plans, these plans already cover emergency room services at the in-network benefit level for both in-network and out-of-network providers, subject to the terms and conditions of your Summary Plan Description"

Allied's COVID-19 Update can be found here.


BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois

Covers:

-COVID-19 Testing - Members won't pay copays, deductibles or coinsurance for medically necessary lab tests to diagnose COVID-19. Doctors do not have to ask BCBSIL for the OK to to test for COVID-19.

-COVID-19 Testing-Related Visits - Members won't pay copays, deductibles or coinsurance with in-network providers for visits related to COVID-19, whether at a provider's office, urgent care clinic, emergency room or by telehealth. (Testing must be medically necessary, consistent with CDC guidance and at the direction of a doctor.)

-COVID-19 Treatment - If a member is insured by BCBSIL, they won't pay copays, deductibles or coinsurance related to treatment for COVID-19. This applies to costs associated with COVID-19 treatment at in-network facilities and treatment for out-of-network emergencies. This policy covers treatment from 4/1/2020 to 5/31/2020. BCBSIL will reassess this policy as events warrant.

Additional information about Pharmacy and Telehealth can be found here.

Special Enrollment Period & Eligibility Requirements:1

-Optional Special Enrollment Period: eligible employees and their dependents who previously declined coverage and how want to enroll, or currently enrolled employees who wish to add an eligible spouse or dependent to their existing coverage may do so from 3/30/2020 to 4/30/2020; effective date of coverage will be the group's standard coverage effective date/billing date

-Relaxed Eligibility Requirements:

From 4/1/2020 through 4/30/2020 employers can maintain employees who were enrolled on their plans as of March 20, regardless of the eligibility definition stated in their plan or the BPA (this includes reduced work hours, furlough, leave of absence or layoffs)

You can find BCBSIL's Coronavirus Resource Center here.


Cigna

-Covers COVID-19 testing similar to a preventive benefit for fully-insured and Administrative Services Only plans, waiving co-pays, deductibles and co-insurance for customers.2

-Waives customer cost-sharing and co-payments for COVID-19 treatment through May 31st.3

-Offers a 24-hour toll-free help line (866) 912-1687 available to the general public to speak with qualified behavior health clinicians who can provide one-on-one support. You can read more about the news release.4

-Relaxes eligibility requirements for active, enrolled employees working 30 hours or more per week as of 3/1/20, if furloughed or has hours reduced below normal full-time eligibility, at the request of employer employee will be allowed to remain on the plan for the duration of the extended relief period as long as fee and premium payments are made.5

-You can find Cigna's Coronavirus Resource Center here

-You can find Cigna's answers to Coronavirus FAQs here and here


UnitedHealthcare / AllSavers

Covers:6

-COVID-19 Testing - If your provider agrees that you need COVID-19 testing cost-sharing at any CDC approved testing site will be waived.

-Provider Visit Related to COVID-19 Testing - If you need a COVID-19 testing-related visit with a healthcare provider cost-sharing for this visit will be waived. This includes a visit to a health care provider's office, an urgent care center, an emergency department or a telehealth visit

-COVID-19 Treatment - UHC is waiving member cost-sharing until 5/31/2020

Special Enrollment:

-Optional Special Enrollment Period: eligible employees and their dependents who previously declined coverage and how want to enroll, or currently enrolled employees who wish to add an eligible spouse or dependent to their existing coverage may do so from 3/23/2020 to 4/13/2020; effective date of coverage will be 4/1/2020

Relaxed Eligibility Requirements:

-Through 5/31/2020 employees who are actively working will be eligible to remain on coverage even if their hours are reduced, as long as the monthly premium is paid. This must be offered on a uniform, non-discriminatory basis.

-You can find UHC's Coronavirus Resource Center here.

-You can find UHC's answers to Coronavirus FAQs here and here.


Resources

Marty Thomas

Marty Thomas

Marty has spent most of the last 20 years developing software in the marketing space and creating pathways for software systems to talk to each other with high efficiency. He heads our digital marketing efforts as well as oversees any technology implementations for our clients. As a partner, Marty is also responsible for internal systems in which help our team communicates with each other and our clients.