New Jersey's largest health insurance provider, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, will cover all COVID-19 tests, the company announced in a press release.

Another big insurer, AmeriHealth New Jersey, said it, too, would cover COVID-19 tests and waive co-pays when tests are performed at hospitals or laboratories in its network.

The decision should clear the way for many New Jerseyans with coronavirus symptoms to see a doctor without fearing the cost. The Trump administration previously said Medicare and Medicaid would consider the coronavirus test an "essential benefit," ensuring it would be covered.

Still at financial risk: The 8.7% of New Jersey residents under age 65 who are uninsured.

Horizon said there would be a number of other coverage changes for their over 3.2 million members in relation to COVID-19, also known as coronavirus or the novel coronavirus. They include:

Waiving prior authorizations for all doctor visits that arise from symptoms that may represent COVID-19.

Waiving prior authorizations for tests and covered services that are necessary and recommended by the CDC, in the case of a positive COVID-19 diagnosis.

Waiving prior authorization for lab studies or diagnostic testing done in emergency rooms or during in-patient treatment.

Waiving early medication refill limits on covered prescription patient medications

Encouraging members to use their mail-order services.

Ensuring formulary flexibility if there are shortages and not hold patients liable for additional charges stemming from obtaining a non-preferred medication.

24/7 access to free telehealth services staffed by nurses trained to help patients who believe they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Members can also use these services for other ailments in order to avoid trips to the doctors office or urgent care facilities.

AmeriHealth said it would waive cost-sharing for telemedicine visits for the next 90 days.

“The health and well-being of our members is our top priority. These steps will help them access the care they need with coverage that reflects the unique situation created by COVID-19,” said Kevin P. Conlin, Chairman, President and CEO of Horizon BCBSNJ in the release.

“We’re working closely with our customers, the state’s public health leadership and our provider partners across New Jersey to prepare and these first steps reflect our readiness to adapt to the situation as it evolves," Conlin continued. "In addition to the changes we are making for our insured members, Horizon will continue to work with our self-insured customers on their specific plan designs Our members and customers can rest assured that Horizon is responding to this emerging public health threat.”

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To prevent the spread of coronavirus, doctors have stressed the importance of washing one's hands and avoiding touching one's face, among other common precautions, such as wiping down commonly-used surfaces like doorknobs. U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams has implored people to not buy surgical masks as a preventative measure, as they are more beneficial for those with the coronavirus and are needed by those providing treatment. Additionally, those who are sick are encouraged to remain at home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have more information on its website.

There is currently neither a vaccine nor an approved treatment for the new, or novel coronavirus. While younger people may experience the illness as a bad cold with a fever, the concern is that older people and those who have additional medical conditions will develop a more severe form of COVID-19. As the disease spreads widely in the population, that could lead to a high number of patients requiring hospitalization for pneumonia or acute lung problems that require the use of a ventilator to breathe, as well as death. Data from China show that about 15 percent of people who contract the coronavirus infection develop more severe illness, requiring hospitalization.

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Jack McLoone is a digital producer, but also writes from time to time about anything and everything. He is a recent graduate of Fordham University. Contact him at jmcloone@gannett.com or @jfmclooney on Twitter.