Insurance Commissioner extends order requiring coverage for telehealth, drive-up tests
Those worried about insurance continuing to cover remote health care such as telehealth and drive-up testing can rest easy for at least another 30 days.
“This continues to be a critical time for all Washingtonians and we need to provide safe and flexible access to care,” Kreidler said in a news release.
“During this unprecedented time, people should not have to worry about their insurance coverage.”
The emergency order was first announced on March 24 and has now been extended four times. Telehealth methods consist of appointments done via Facebook, Facetime and Skype.
Kreidler’s order also requires insurance to treat drive-up COVID-19 testing sites as provider visits with no copay, coinsurance or deductible.
As a way to help free up hospital beds, Kreidler’s order directs health insurers to waive or expedite authorization requirements for home health care and long-term care facilities.
This story was originally published August 14, 2020 at 2:42 PM.
