Washington orders no deductibles, co-pays for coronavirus visits and testing on some health plans
The order will apply to individual-market plans, as well as small-group and large-group employer plans, which cover about 1.2 million people, but not to self-funded employer plans, Medicaid and Medicare, which are regulated by the federal government, Insurance Commissioner
Many major employers have self-funded plans, including Microsoft, Amazon,
Additionally, Gov.
"I am announcing that we have the authority and intention to cover those costs by the state of
"If you think you're experiencing mild symptoms, a positive or negative test result does not change the advice we have for you," said Inslee. "Stay home, rest, take care of yourself, avoid contact with others and follow your physician's or medical provider's advice."
"This is a period of substantial anxiety in our state, it's real, it's significant, and we need to recognize it," he added.
Questions about coronavirus testing and treatment costs have stirred some concern about people without insurance, as well as insured people without extra money for surprise medical bills. People anxious about costs may delay care and thereby contribute to the spread of the virus, public health experts have said.
"Consumers are rightly concerned about prevention, testing and possible treatment," said Kreidler, the insurance commissioner. "My emergency order provides guidance to health insurers and should help reassure the public that we will take all necessary steps to protect them."
Kreidler's order, issued with authority from the state of emergency declared by Inslee on
"Carriers may take into consideration patient safety risks associated with early refills for certain drug classes, such as opioids, benzodiazepines and stimulants," the order says.
Thirdly, Kreidler's order directs insurance carriers to "suspend any prior authorization requirements that apply to covered diagnostic testing and treatment" of the novel coronavirus. That means patients shouldn't need insurers to sign off on testing and treatment beforehand.
Lastly, the order says a carrier with an insufficient number or type of in-network health care providers to provide coronavirus testing and treatment must ensure that an enrollee can obtain testing and treatment from an out-of-network provider "within a reasonable proximity ... at no greater cost than if the provider were in-network."
"The outbreak of the novel coronavirus in
People without insurance should consider seeking care at public-health centers and neighborhood clinics, public health officials have said. They also should check with the Washington Health Benefit Exchange to determine whether they may qualify for Medicaid or Medicare.
Inslee also said Thursday the state
"We should have their backs, it's the right thing to do," Inslee said.
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