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State, Health Insurers Further Extend Agreements to Provide Coronavirus Testing and Treatment at No Cost to Patients
April 22, 2021
Media Contact: Laura Hall, 517-290-3779, halll17@michigan.gov
Consumer Hotline: 877-999-6442, Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 22, 2021
(LANSING, MICH) Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) have announced that the state has secured agreements from many of the state’s health insurers to further extend their commitments to waive all out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, and treatments. These agreements cover more than 90% of the commercial health insurance market in Michigan.
“We are using every tool at our disposal to fight this global pandemic, and one way we are doing that is by ensuring that Michiganders have the coverage they need for COVID-19-related health expenses,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “I'm grateful that so many of our Michigan health insurers have stepped up to make sure no Michigander has to worry about how they’ll pay for life-saving treatment, testing, or vaccinations as we fight this pandemic.”
“Michiganders need to be able to focus on protecting their health and seeking appropriate medical care if they need it, without having to worry about COVID-19 related medical bills, especially when so many families are feeling the economic impact of the pandemic,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “DIFS is here to help answer any health insurance questions or concerns as we continue to protect Michiganders’ health and financial wellness.”
At least through the deadlines listed below, consumers with individual and group health plans from the listed companies will not be charged cost-sharing, including copays, deductibles, and coinsurance, for medically appropriate COVID-19-related treatment, such as primary care visits, diagnostic testing, emergency room visits, ambulance services, and approved medications and vaccines.
The insurers who have agreed to waive cost-sharing are:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Care Network (testing and treatment waiver expires September 30, 2021)
- HAP, Alliance Health (testing and treatment waiver expires September 30, 2021)
- Humana (testing waiver expires at the end of the declared public health emergency, currently July 19, 2021, treatment waiver expired January 1, 2021)
- McLaren Health Plan (testing and treatment waiver expires September 30, 2021)
- Meridian Health Plan (testing and treatment waiver expires at the end of the declared public health emergency, currently July 19, 2021)
- Molina Healthcare Michigan (testing and treatment waiver expires September 30, 2021)
- Oscar (testing waiver expires at the end of the declared public health emergency, currently July 19, 2021, treatment waiver expires April 30, 2021)
- Physicians Health Plan (PHP) (testing and treatment waiver expires December 31, 2021)
- Priority Health, Priority Health Insurance Co. (testing and treatment waiver expires September 30, 2021)
- United (testing waiver expires at the end of the declared public health emergency, currently July 19, 2021, treatment waiver expired January 31, 2021)
Federal law requires health insurers to provide no-cost coverage for COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, though not necessarily for COVID-19 treatment, during the federal public health emergency, which is currently set to expire on July 19, 2021. Consumers with Medicaid or Medicare may also receive a no-cost COVID-19 test, vaccination, and related services provided by a health care provider.
Consumers with coverage from an insurer not named in the state agreement, such as Aetna or Paramount, should contact their insurance company to find out about their COVID-19 related-coverage.
DIFS can help consumers with health insurance questions and complaints and can provide information about the Health Insurance Marketplace Special Enrollment Period that is currently open through August 15. Contact DIFS Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 877-999-6442 or Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance.
The mission of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is to ensure access to safe and secure insurance and financial services fundamental for the opportunity, security, and success of Michigan residents, while fostering economic growth and sustainability in both industries. In addition, the Department provides consumer protection, outreach, and financial literacy and education services to Michigan residents. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/DIFS or follow the Department on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
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