As of March 10, 2020, over 100,000 people have been infected with and over 4,000 people have died from coronavirus around the world. In response to the viral outbreak, governments are pursuing strategies to slow the spread of the virus. For example, Italy has implemented a country-wide quarantine for its 60 million citizens after 168 people died in the country from the coronavirus in 24 hours. The virus has reached the United States as at least 36 states plus the District of Columbia have confirmed cases of coronavirus. To slow the spread of the virus, some states have pursued quarantine measures and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has encouraged people exposed to the virus to self-quarantine to avoid spreading the virus.
Private health care stakeholders are also pursuing methods to slow the spread of coronavirus. On March 6, 2020, UnitedHealth Care announced that cost-sharing for commercial and publicly insured patients who need testing for the coronavirus will be waived. UnitedHealth Care will also support self-insured plans who want to implement a similar policy. The waived cost-sharing includes copays, coinsurance, and deductibles for COVID-19 diagnostic testing provided at approved locations in accordance with guidelines published by the CDC. UnitedHealth Care joins Aetna, Cigna, and other health insurers in waiving these out-of-pocket costs for patients. The Association of Community Affiliated Plans also announced on Friday that all 74 of its member plans will be offering coverage for coronavirus testing while waiving cost-sharing, though not all plans have agreed to waive copays for coronavirus tests. Aimed Alliance extends praise to these insurers for prioritizing public health by waiving cost-sharing for these tests.
In addition to private insurers, six states have issued a directive or emergency order requiring regulated plans to waive copays for coronavirus testing, including California, Maryland, Missouri, New York, Washington, and Wisconsin. These policies should have a noticeable impact on the spread of the virus, but it likely cannot be stopped from spreading completely. As more people become exposed to the virus, the strength and preparedness of the U.S. health care system will determine how many deaths are prevented.
Last Updated on May 18, 2020 by Aimed Alliance
