AHIP says its members are committed to keeping out-of-pocket expenses low so that cost is not a barrier for people seeking treatment for COVID-19.
The nation's health insurance companies pledged this week to coordinate and intensify prevention, testing and treatment efforts to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, including waiving patient copays for physician-ordered tests and treatments.
"We are taking decisive action to help prevent the spread of this disease, to ensure that people have coverage for and access to needed testing, and to help patients who are infected receive the care and treatment they need," America's Health Insurance Plans announced on Thursday.
AHIP says its members are committed to keeping out-of-pocket expenses low so that cost is not a barrier for people seeking treatment for COVID-19. That will include payers covering the costs for physician-ordered testing, and reducing red tape around provider networks, referrals and prior authorization, and waiving patient cost-sharing.
The payers said they would share data with clinicians and coordinate care management to ensure providers have the tools to quickly diagnose and treat infections, and that patients have access to effective treatment. This includes encouraging the use of telehealth and other technology-enabled remote health options to expand access and avoid infection risks.
The payers also pledged to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other government agencies to coordinate efforts, share information, mitigate health risks, and keep the public informed. That includes identifying people who are most at-risk of acquiring the infection, such as seniors and people with chronic diseases.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma applauded the stepped-up response from payers, saying it meshes with the Trump administration's "whole-of-America approach, including working with our private partners, so that our entire healthcare system and our communities are activated and coordinated in our efforts to protect the American people."
Separately, Cigna announced that it would waive all copays and cost-shares for coronavirus testing and treatment prescribed by providers.
"During this time of heightened concern, Cigna's role is clear," CEO David M. Cordani said in a media release. "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."
“We are taking decisive action to help prevent the spread of this disease, to ensure that people have coverage for and access to needed testing, and to help patients who are infected receive the care and treatment they need.”
AHIP
John Commins is the news editor for HealthLeaders.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Payers pledged to reduce red tape around provider networks, referrals and prior authorization, and to waive patient cost-sharing.
The payers said they would share data with clinicians and coordinate care management to ensure providers have the tools to quickly diagnose and treat infections.
This includes encouraging the use of telehealth and other technology-enabled remote health options to expand access and avoid infection risks.
The payers also pledged to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other government agencies to coordinate efforts.