WAIVING TREATMENT COSTS

Health Insurance Underwriters Are Taking A Major Step As A Group – Waiving Deductibles For Patients Who Contract The Coronavirus. “’We are currently working with our employer customers in Connecticut to provide flexibility on payments for their premiums, given the unique and challenging circumstances presented by the COVID-19 pandemic,’ said Aetna spokesperson Ethan Slavin.  ‘We will comply with any mandates set forth by the (governor) and Connecticut Insurance Department moving forward.’  President Donald Trump singled out Cigna this week for its commitment to pick up costs of care for the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, that its members would incur under their regular plans.  The Bloomfield-based company is one of a half-dozen major health insurance carriers in Connecticut, with more than 340,000 members.

Anthem, Connecticut’s biggest health insurer with nearly 900,000 members, is likewise covering all out-of-pocket costs for coronavirus treatments, to include deductibles.  On Tuesday, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care became the latest to make a commitment to eliminating deductibles for coronavirus care, with the Massachusetts-based nonprofit the most recent carrier to make an entrance to the Connecticut market.” (Alexander Soule, “Possible Grace Period For Health Care Premiums Next For CT,” The Hour, 3/31/20)

Governor Lamont Working With Health Insurers To Assure Preparedness For Coronavirus Outbreak Including Coverage For Testing Costs. “Governor Ned Lamont today announced that in order to prepare for coronavirus disease (COVID-19), his administration is working with health insurance carriers in Connecticut to cover the costs for COVID-19 testing and to assure, in accordance with the provisions of Section 20-616a of the Connecticut General Statutes, access to maintenance prescription drug medications (excluding controlled substances).” (Governor Ned Lamont, “Governor Lamont Working With Health Insurers To Assure Preparedness For Coronavirus Outbreak Including Coverage For Testing Costs,” Press Release, 3/10/20)

Executives From The Nation’s Major Health Insurers Committed To Picking Up The Tab For Coronavirus Testing. “‘All the insurance companies here, either today, or before today, have agreed to waive all copays on coronavirus testing, and extend coverage for coronavirus treatment in all of their benefit plans,’ said Vice President Mike Pence … The vice president, who is in charge of coordinating the federal response to the COVID-19 crisis, was sitting next to President Donald Trump in the meeting with executives including those from UnitedHealth Group, Anthem, Cigna, Humana, AetnaCVS and the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Association.” (Ana Radelat, “Trump, “Lamont Win Commitments From Insurers On Coronavirus Benefits,” CT Mirror, 3/10/20)

Bloomfield-Based Cigna Was The First Insurer In The United States To Say It Would Cover Coronavirus Testing, At No Charge To Patients. “Now that private labs will begin testing patients for coronavirus, insurers are being pressured by lawmakers to pick up the tab amid concerns about who will bear the cost of care in an outbreak.  Bloomfield-based Cigna was the first insurer in the United States to say it would cover coronavirus testing, at no charge to patients.  ‘During this time of heightened concern, Cigna’s role is clear.  We will do everything we can to help contain this virus, remove barriers to testing and treatment, especially for seniors and people who are chronically ill, and give peace of mind to those we serve,’ said Cigna President David Cordani in a statement released late Thursday.” (Ana Radelat, “Cigna First Insurer To Say It Will Pick Up The Tab For Coronavirus Testing,” CT Mirror, 3/6/20)