As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to spread, employers may get questions from employees about their health plan’s coverage for COVID-19 testing, including whether they will need to pay a deductible or copayment. This is a rapidly evolving issue, with many health insurance issuers announcing that they will voluntarily waive any cost sharing for COVID-19 testing.

A new federal law may be passed in the future requiring health plans and health insurance issuers to cover COVID-19 testing without cost sharing. (This requirement is included in the coronavirus relief bill that was passed by the House of Representatives on March 14, 2020.) In the meantime, employers should consult with their plan’s issuer or benefits administrator regarding their health plan’s coverage for COVID-19 testing.