Louisville-based Humana Inc. will expand telehealth benefits for its members in an effort to help keep vulnerable seniors safe as they seek medical care during the outbreak of the new coronavirus.
Announced late Monday, the company said the telehealth expansion — which is temporary — applies to its Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and commercial employer-sponsored plans, including self-insured plans.
Humana is temporarily waiving member cost sharing for all telehealth services delivered by in-network providers. This applies to Medicare Advantage members that get telehealth services through Miramar, Florida-based MDLive and to commercial members in Puerto Rico. Commercial members are to seek cost-share-waived telehealth services delivered through San Francisco-based Doctor on Demand.
Humana will temporarily reimburse in-network providers for telehealth visits with at the same rate as in-office visits. To qualify for reimbursement, telehealth visits must meet medical necessity criteria, as well as all applicable coverage guidelines, the release states.
Humana will temporarily accept audio-only telephone visits, which can be submitted and reimbursed as telehealth visits. In-network primary care and specialty providers can deliver care using telehealth service, including behavioral health providers.
Previously, the company has waived out-of-pocket cost for tests related to the new coronavirus; allowing early prescription refills to allow for extended medication supplies; and developing a member support hotline for coronavirus related questions.
“We hope these steps not only improve safety for patients and health care providers alike, but also simplify the health care experience for our members during these challenging times,” Dr. William Shrank, chief medical officer for Humana said in a news release.
Source: The Business Journals