Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama (BCBS) is waiving all deductibles, copays and coinsurance for patients needing treatment for COVID-19 that are admitted to an in-network hospital, according to a release from the company on Monday.
BCBS had previously announced that none of their customers would have to pay for a coronavirus test or “covered services that are medically necessary and consistent with CDC guidance for members diagnosed with COVID-19.”
“We want our members to be assured that we are here for them as we navigate through this unprecedented time,” stated Tim Vines, president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, in a release on Monday.
The release detailed that BCBS on March 1 “began waiving all member cost-sharing for COVID-19 diagnostic testing, treatments and the related in-person or telehealth office visit, urgent care visit, emergency room visit or behavioral health visit for our members with fully insured individual employer-based, Federal Employee Program, and Medicare Advantage Plans.”
BCBS’s customers that are self-funded employers may add the new COVID-19 related benefits if they wish.
In addition to waiving COVID-19 related cost-sharing, the company has also expanded access for their customers to use telehealth options in an effort to reduce the strain on medical facilities.
As of 5:15 on Monday, Alabama had 3,762 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, 457 of which have required hospitalization.
“For our members diagnosed with COVID-19, we want them to have peace of mind knowing they have access to the care they need,” added Vines.
Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: [email protected] or on Twitter @HenryThornton95
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