Minnesota health plans agree to cover more COVID-19 costs

[dflprincess]

https://www.startribune.com/one-new-death-as-minnesota-s-covid-19-cases-rise-to-742/569319912/

MINNEAPOLIS — Many Minnesotans won't need to pay out of pocket if they need treatment for COVID-19, and the state will start releasing the names of most senior living and other long-term care centers hit by outbreaks of the disease, officials said Thursday.

Six major health plans have agreed to to waive copayments and coinsurance requirements for COVID-19 testing and in-network hospitalizations, and to grant expanded access to telemedicine services so people can receive care at home.

he health plans that have agreed to waive cost-sharing are Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, HealthPartners, Hennepin Health, Medica, PreferredOne and UCare. The agreement runs through at least May 31. The agreement does not cover people who are on self-insured plans through their employers because the state lacks the authority. And it doesn't cover victims who get sent to out-of-network hospitals, though the state is still trying for that.

"Our goal is that if you get sick with COVID-19, your focus should only be on getting better and recovering," Commerce Commissioner Steve Kelley said. "You shouldn't have to worry about getting a bill that could ruin you financially, especially during this difficult time."

It's not perfect, but it's a step in the right direction.