Your Health Insurance May Waive Co-Pay for Coronavirus Testing

Posted on March 10, 2020 by resourcefulman

Many of us are wondering what we can do to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Some of us also wonder if we can afford to get tested for COVID-19 if we develop symptoms and how much we will have to pay for treatment.

Fortunately, many health insurance companies have announced they will waive co-payments for people who request coronavirus testing. As CNBC explains:

Insurance Company Cigna will waive co-pay or a share of the cost of COVID-19 testing on many plans. Aetna, owned by CVS Health , also said it would waive co- payments for “all diagnostic tests related to COVID-19,” which are in line with CDC guidelines. UnitedHealthGroup said it will waive member cost-sharing , including co-payments, co- insurance, and deductibles for COVID-19 diagnostic testing performed at approved locations in accordance with CDC guidelines for all members with commercial, Medicaid, and Medicare coverage.

CNBC also notes that AHIP has an extensive list of health insurance providers who have agreed to waive co-payments, cost-sharing, co-insurance, and / or deductibles when testing for COVID-19, and I wouldn’t be surprised if additional insurers join that list. time.

Of course, if you don’t have insurance, testing for coronavirus can be a little more difficult. As the Texas Tribune reports:

Last week, when asked what steps uninsured people should take to fight the coronavirus, Texas State Department of Health Commissioner John Hellerstedt said they should avoid going to the emergency room for non-urgent care and urged them to call support to find free or free services nearby. inexpensive clinics.

You should also keep in mind that while testing may be free (for people covered by certain providers), treatment cannot. There will likely be cash costs associated with any medical care you end up receiving, whether you actually have coronavirus or have another type of cold, flu, or upper respiratory infection.

One final question: should you get tested for COVID-19? Here’s what the CDC recommends:

Call your healthcare provider if you feel sick from a fever, cough, or shortness of breath and have been in close contact with someone known to have COVID-19, or if you live or have recently traveled from an area where the spread continues COVID. -nineteen.