Insurance Commissioner extends order against COVID-19 surprise billing and lab fees
State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has extended an emergency order that prevents surprise billing and lab fees for COVID-19 testing.
“We know people are under tremendous stress as we fight this pandemic,” Kreidler said in a press release Wednesday. “We want to make sure they’re not worrying about receiving a surprise medical bill while trying to take care of their own or their loved one’s health.”
He extended the order to Aug. 27.
“Providing safe and flexible access to care is critical now, more than ever,” he said. “Anyone getting testing for coronavirus should not live in fear that they’ll be hit with a surprise medical bill.”
A coronavirus FAQ section of the Insurance Commissioner’s website says:
“You should not get a surprise bill for testing for coronavirus. All health plans are covering testing without coinsurance, copays or deductibles when you see an in-network primary care provider or are tested at an in-network facility. If you are treated at an emergency room, you also should not receive a surprise bill from an out-of-network provider. If you have questions about your coverage, contact your health plan. Contact us if you need additional help or if you believe you have received a surprise bill.”
A document from the state Department of Health about the cost of testing says: “If you are enrolled in a state-regulated health plan, the office visit and the test (including lab fees) for COVID-19 will be free.”
It goes on to clarify: “State-regulated health plans are overseen by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) and include individual health plans, small employer health plans, and some large employer plans. The OIC does not regulate self-funded employer plans, Medicaid, Medicare, or health plans for federal employees, members of the military, or veterans. Nevertheless, some of these plans have also chosen to waive copays and deductibles for COVID-19.”
