Texas Gov. Greg Abbott asks health insurance providers to waive coronavirus costs
Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Insurance requested Tuesday that health insurance providers and health management organizations operating in Texas waive costs associated with diagnosing and testing for coronavirus.
“We must ensure no Texan is denied access to testing resources relating to coronavirus,” Abbott said in a statement.
The Texas Department of Insurance asked insurers to waive co-payments and deductibles for testing, penalties and restrictions for necessary out-of-network services and referral requirements. In addition, the department asked insurers to cover costs for necessary medical equipment, allow extra time to file claims and authorize payment to pharmacies for up to a 90-day supply of any prescription medication for individuals, regardless of when the prescription was filled.
Families who receive benefits through Medicaid and CHIP will be able to access testing ordered by a physician at no cost, according to the news release.
Abbott also encouraged the use of telemedicine, and said it was “a good first medical encounter for anyone experiencing mild symptoms.”
“Consulting a physician from home is a practical way to avoid getting sick, prevent the spread of the virus, and help ensure that emergency rooms are available for those who truly need them,” Abbott said in a statement.
The following health insurers and organizations have begun to waive costs for medically necessary testing, with more on the way, according to the news release:
- Aetna (CVS)
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- Cigna Health of Texas, Inc.
- Community Health Choice, Inc.
- Golden Rule Insurance (UHC)
- Humana Health Plan of Texas, Inc.
- Molina Healthcare Insurance Company of Texas
- Oscar Insurance Company
- Scott & White Health Plan
- Superior Health Plan (Centene)
- United Healthcare Insurance Company
Six public health labs, including Tarrant County’s, are capable of testing for coronavirus locally, with four more on the way by the end of the month, Abbott said last week.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO TO PREVENT EXPOSURE?
Coronavirus symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath, and it’s believed to mainly spread between people in close contact with one another or when an infected person coughs or sneezes nearby, according to the CDC.
Health officials have stressed that they still have more to learn about the emerging disease, for which there is currently no vaccine. Here are steps the CDC recommends people take to prevent exposure and illness:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and stay home if you are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and clean and disinfect surfaces.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- If showing symptoms, wear a facemask to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. A mask is not recommended for people who are well.
This story was originally published March 10, 2020 at 12:22 PM.
