Three emergency orders issued by Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler related to insurance coverage for COVID-19 services are scheduled to expire on Oct. 31. The expiration of the emergency orders may affect insurer coverage of certain COVID-19 related services. These changes include:
- The order requiring health insurers to waive copays and deductibles and suspend prior authorization for any consumer requiring testing for COVID-19.
- The order protecting consumers from receiving surprise bills for lab fees related to medically necessary diagnostic testing.
- The order requiring insurers to cover COVID-19 vaccine counseling.
Hospitals and providers should consider these changes when scheduling services and contact insurers if there are questions regarding a patient’s coverage. (Andrew Busz, AndrewB@wsha.org)
