UPDATE (3/18/2020): The American's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) press release provides up-to-date information on specific payer responses to COVID-19 and applicable policy changes. It highlights recent changes to telehealth policies, early prescription refill limits and patient co-pay responsibilities if applicable.

In addition to guidance recently announced by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding payment and coverage of telehealth services under new flexibility granted by the supplemental spending bill, private payers are already making changes that could be helpful.

Most insurers announced the removal of cost-sharing requirements for COVID-19 diagnostic testing. Additionally, some payers are encouraging patients to the use of telehealth services for COVID-19 and other medical interactions through existing third-party vendors and participating network clinicians to reduce the risk of contact and exposure.

While payers are expanding their telehealth coverage policies, the terms will vary by payer and benefit plan. Information from several payers is offered below. We encourage ACC members to consult the local health payer for specific provider resources.

• Aetna
• BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) of Illinois
• BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) of North Carolina
• Humana
• Independence Blue Cross (IBX)
• UnitedHealthcare

Clinical Topics: COVID-19 Hub

Keywords: ACC Advocacy, Coronavirus, Coronavirus Infections, COVID-19, Insurance Carriers, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S., Cost Sharing, Telemedicine

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