Highmark and UPMC customers will not pay for in-network inpatient hospital care for COVID-19.
Highmark says that their members who receive in-network or inpatient hospital care will not have to pay any deductibles, co-insurance or co-pays.
“The decision applies to members with group employer coverage (self-funded groups may elect to opt into the program), as well as ACA and Medicare members,” Highmark said in a statement.
“Our number one priority — especially during this crisis — is to make sure that our members receive the care that they need,” said Deborah Rice-Johnson, president of Highmark Inc. “With this decision, we are removing potential barriers our members may face in receiving care for COVID-19. It is the right thing to do for our members and for our community.”
As of now, the waiver will run through May 31.
UPMC Health Plan told the Tribune Review on Thursday that COVID-19 patients will be covered for in-patient and in-network treatment through at least June 15.
UPMC also announced Thursday that they have a potential vaccine for the COVID-19 coronavirus and are awaiting approval to begin human trials.
The companies previously waived out-of-pocket costs for coronavirus testing and telehealth.
Highmark says they have also expanded patient access to telehealth services and have “waived out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, coinsurance and copayments on all covered telehealth services from contracted vendors and providers through June 13, 2020.”
“During this crisis, telehealth is an option for members to safely receive care without going to a doctor’s office or hospital and risking exposure,” said Rice-Johnson. “Using telemedicine also frees up medical facilities to treat those who are most in need of care, which is vitally important as the virus continues to spread.”
Highmark has also waived out-of-pocket costs for in-and-out-of-network teleaddiction services for those in addition treatment.
In addition, Highmark announced Thursday that they are making a $2 million contribution in grants to organizations helping those in need during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Our company’s history is based on helping communities in times of need. And there’s no greater time than now,” said David Holmberg, president and CEO of Highmark Health. “The coronavirus has presented our entire nation with issues never faced by any of us in our lifetimes. Our contributions are designed to tap into organizations that are making a difference and help to sustain their work during these unprecedented circumstances.”
Food banks in Pennsylvania and West Virginia will receive $575,000 in grants, $525,000 for human services, “$700,000 to strengthen safety net providers through Highmark Foundation support and $200,000 to Delaware COVID-19 relief efforts.”
Source: RADIO.COM